The Millersville University Watershed Education Training Institute recently awarded senior Rose LoDolce with its annual Environmental Justice Fellowship. The year-long fellowship aims to expand student involvement in watershed education and applied aspects of environmental management to preserve waterways. The fellowship is typically awarded to an underrepresented student studying biology or chemistry with a focus on secondary education.
“Receiving the fellowship shows me that there is a potential future for me in environmental education, and others are just as passionate too. It also reminded me that if you look for your crowd, no matter where you are, you can find like-minded and genuine people anywhere, says LoDolce.
The WETi fellow’s current focus has been on innovating Millersville’s outdoor spaces to include more conservation and preservation structures. More specifically, there have been plans to install several rain barrels, rain gardens and storm drain labeling around campus with stormwater educational signage. The thought is to increase Millersville’s green practices towards stormwater management along with environmental literacy and stewardship from students, faculty and campus visitors alike. WETi has other ongoing projects as well, such as community outreach, getting environmental education into local schools and furthering Millersville’s eco-practices.
“It feels validating and uplifting every time I complete work for WETi. I am honored to be a part of this niche yet meaningful group on my college campus,” says LoDolce.
To be considered for a WETi fellowship, the student must be a science major with a minor in secondary education, part of an underrepresented community, a rising sophomore, junior, or senior, have a GPA of 2.5 or more and have a passion for science and the environment. Applications are now open for the ’23-’24 fellowship.
For more information on the Millersville University Watershed Training Institute, check out MU WETi.