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Avery Kinney is an emerging agricultural researcher focused on improving animal welfare and environmental sustainability through practical, science-based solutions. Her work centers on water quality in livestock systems, using goats as a model species to examine how common cleaning methods for water containers influence microbial growth and water chemistry. Through a controlled experimental design, she evaluated treatments such as bleach, vinegar, and dish soap by collecting and analyzing bacterial samples and pH levels, applying statistical methods to determine their effectiveness. Kinney’s research addresses a frequently overlooked issue in agriculture—water that appears clean but may harbor unseen risks—and translates scientific findings into accessible recommendations for local producers. By sharing her results through agriscience fairs, FFA events, and direct outreach, she has helped shift community perspectives on water management as a critical component of animal health. Her work highlights the broader implications of sustainable water practices across livestock systems while reinforcing her commitment to a future career in animal science and environmental research.

Matthew Bartel is an emerging environmental researcher focused on improving public health through practical, data-driven solutions in built environments. His work examines air quality in high-traffic public spaces, inspired by observations at Miami International Airport where dense vehicle idling and limited airflow in passenger pickup zones raised concerns about unseen health risks. Designing a field-based study, Bartel measured particulate matter levels using portable air quality monitors across varying traffic and environmental conditions, documenting sustained elevations in pollution during peak periods. His findings highlighted the real and repeated exposure risks faced by travelers, airport staff, and vulnerable populations. By presenting his research to local officials and airport operations staff, he contributed to tangible improvements in ventilation strategies, including enhanced airflow systems and filtration measures. Bartel’s work demonstrates how accessible research can influence infrastructure decisions and underscores his commitment to pursuing a career at the intersection of environmental engineering, public health, and policy to create healthier, more sustainable communities.

Ritvik Rajkumar is leading EcoVeridian.org, a student-founded nonprofit and browser extension that empowers consumers to make environmentally responsible decisions by providing real-time corporate sustainability scores. Recognizing that the climate crisis is already impacting communities while reliable information remains difficult to access, he developed EcoVeridian to translate complex environmental data into an accessible “GreenScore” based on energy efficiency, waste management, and carbon emissions. As Co-Founder and Lead Product Engineer, he built the platform’s frontend and backend infrastructure, integrated live news data, and designed an intuitive user interface that makes sustainability insights understandable to a broad audience. Through collaboration with environmental scientists and mentorship from academia, he ensured the scoring system is both scientifically grounded and practical. Rajkumar has shared EcoVeridian with educators and community leaders, helping position it as both a consumer tool and an educational resource, and he continues to expand its reach with the goal of driving more informed choices, increasing corporate accountability, and shaping a more sustainable future.

Zarah Khan is a youth environmental advocate who believes deeply in the power of young voices to create meaningful change. Inspired by the urgent realities of climate change she witnessed growing up—from wildfires in California to hurricanes in Florida and floods affecting her extended family abroad—she founded the Learn Environmental Advocacy Project (LEAP: leapyouth.org) to empower students to take action through legislation and civic engagement. LEAP equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to research environmental issues, draft policy proposals, and advocate directly to elected officials. Through structured programs that guide students from discovery to lobbying, Zarah has helped young leaders successfully develop and present environmental legislation, including bills addressing plastic waste and food waste reduction in Florida. Her work has gained recognition from local officials and even led to a state-sponsored bill currently under debate. Expanding her impact globally, Zarah launched LEAP at United World Colleges, where students from diverse countries collaborate to address environmental challenges in their own communities. As LEAP continues to grow across continents, Zarah remains committed to ensuring that young people are not only heard but empowered to shape a more sustainable future.

Aditi Muduganti is a youth climate leader dedicated to restoring biodiversity and promoting sustainable urban ecosystems through the expansion of Miyawaki forests in her community. With support from the La Crosse Youth Climate Action Fund and Bloomberg Philanthropies, she leads a project that transforms small, underutilized green spaces into dense, native forests that grow rapidly and become self-sustaining. Through research, community collaboration, and hands-on implementation, Aditi has guided the creation of a thriving forest that improves air quality, supports local wildlife, and serves as an outdoor classroom for students. By organizing planting events and engaging volunteers, she has fostered a strong sense of community ownership and environmental stewardship. Her work has raised awareness about the power of local climate solutions and demonstrated how small-scale actions can lead to meaningful environmental impact. As the forest continues to grow, Aditi envisions expanding similar projects to other communities, inspiring a network of urban forests that contribute to long-term sustainability and climate resilience.

Charlotte (Lottie) Arnold is a 16-year-old climate advocate from New York City dedicated to expanding access to climate education across her state. As a member of the National Wildlife Federation’s Climate Resilience and Education Task Force, she helped advocate for legislation to integrate climate education into New York public schools, an effort that, despite strong support, ultimately underscored for her the urgency of taking action beyond policy. In response, Arnold co-founded ACES, an after-school program that brings hands-on, peer-led climate education to elementary and middle school students, particularly in under-resourced communities. Through interactive workshops covering topics such as renewable energy, water pollution, agriculture, and sustainable fashion, ACES transforms complex environmental concepts into engaging, tangible learning experiences. By leveraging a peer-to-peer model, the program not only captures younger students’ attention but also develops leadership and communication skills among high school volunteers. Currently in its pilot phase, ACES has already reached students in Brooklyn and is expanding across New York City with the goal of building a sustainable, scalable curriculum that fosters climate literacy, empowers future leaders, and equips students with the knowledge to navigate and address the environmental challenges ahead.