Email: kambrose1@luc.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/katherine-ambrose

Katherine Ambrose is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy with a minor in Economics at Loyola University Chicago. Before investigating economic and stakeholder impacts of utility-scale solar in the Midwest, she worked with the Edgewater Environmental Coalition to develop local environmental stewardship initiatives, and on the Lakota People’s Law Project to anthologize cultural burdens of oil extractivism. Her research interests at Loyola have included solar energy programs, eco-gentrification and urban food insecurity, and the intersection of energy law and aviation. After graduation, Katherine plans to pursue a career in renewable energy policy advocacy, and is currently interning with the Illinois Power Agency Planning & Procurement Bureau to support clean energy research and development.

Email: cbonham@luc.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/claire-bonham

Claire Bonham is pursuing an MS in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a concentration in Sustainable Business at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Environmental Sustainability. She holds a BS in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida where she researched the genetic expression of the parasite Dero hylae and was the president of the on-campus sustainability organization. Before her time at Loyola, she interned at the International Crane Foundation where she assisted in raising chicks for release as well as monitored the Wisconsin population of whooping cranes. Her research and career interests include sustainable development and the biological and social implications of large-scale renewable energy installations and energy policy.

Email: tbrelage@luc.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/thomas-brelage

Thomas Brelage is pursuing an MS in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a concentration in renewable energy development at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Environmental Sustainability. He holds a BA in Chemistry and Kinesiology from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN where he researched chemistry education methods, carbon-sequestration using electrochemical processes, and team cohesion in Division III athletes. In addition to his research, Thomas was an Environmental Fellow and supported sustainability initiatives by working on the campus farm and managing the university’s bike loan program. Prior to his time at Loyola, Thomas interned in Central Indiana, where he inventoried water piping for lead contaminants in utility-scale water projects. Currently, Thomas serves as a Development Intern at Ranger Power in Chicago as part of their greenfield development team.

Email: ageorge16@luc.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/austin-george

Austin “Auzi” George is pursuing a BA in Environmental Policy with a minor in Urban Studies. Before coming to Loyola University Chicago, Auzi was invited to the Washington Youth Summit for the Environment. There, he developed an interest in the intersection between the environment, social justice, and law and policy. At Loyola, he has continued to pursue these interests, evidenced by his role as senator in the Sustainability and Governance Committees of the Student Government. Currently, he is conducting research through LUROP to investigate the possibility of a climate and energy systems lab within the SES. His career interests include law and policy, international relations, city planning, and sustainability management.

Email: dgiordano@luc.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/davis-giordano

Davis Giordano is an undergraduate student pursuing a BS in Environmental Science: Environmental Health at Loyola University Chicago. In addition to conducting research for renewable energy projects in the Midwest and their economic impacts, his research interests include innovative systems for sustainable agriculture, the mitigation of water and air pollution in underrepresented communities, renewable energy policy implementation, and the broader intersections of sustainability and public health.

Email: apellico@luc.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/drew-pellico

Drew Pellico holds a BS in Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is now in his first year at Loyola University Chicago, pursuing an MS in Environmental Science and Sustainability. In addition to conducting research on utility-scale solar projects, he has worked in the due diligence sector of the environmental consulting industry for about two years. His research interests include the implementation of large-scale renewable energy projects along with a particular focus on analyzing the economic and policy side effects of these facilities.

Email: spetrosino@luc.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/sophia-petrosino

Sophia Petrosino is an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy on the pre-law track at Loyola University Chicago. Before conducting research on the implications of renewable and advanced energy deployment she studied Biology and Environmental Science. She also worked as an assistant veterinarian technician to develop her understanding of the correlation between animals and climate change. Her research and career interests include environmental law and policy, animal law and ethics, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development.

Email: msmith36@luc.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/marilla-smith

Marilla Smith has a BS in Environmental Science and is pursuing an MS in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a concentration in environmental law and policy. In addition to conducting research at Loyola University Chicago on utility-scale solar, she is a research fellow with the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) and is currently working on a project investigating the barriers to agrivoltaic deployment, especially in rural communities. Marilla has also interned with Clean Wisconsin, Loyola Urban Agriculture, and the Rock County (WI) Public Health Department. Her research interests include the social dimensions of large-scale renewable energy development and the intersection of renewable energy and agriculture, with a particular focus on the Midwest.

Email: kterpening@luc.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/kylie-terpening

Kylie Terpening is an undergraduate student pursuing a BA in Environmental Studies with a minor in Sociology at Loyola University Chicago. In addition to conducting research on renewable energy, Kylie has worked with LUROP to research green infrastructure systems and stormwater management across Chicago Public Schools and surrounding communities. Her research and career interests include environmental policy, environmental education, and their impacts on sustainable development.