2025 Sustainable CT Fellows
Through the Sustainable CT Fellowship Program, students from Connecticut universities and colleges will receive training, supervision, and a stipend to help our communities implement Sustainable CT actions and obtain points towards certification. Learn more about the fellowship program.
Maya Avilés
Maya is a rising Senior at Columbia University studying Sustainable Development. She is the 2025-2026 Columbia Chapter Director of Sprout Up, an Environmental Volunteers organization providing environmental education to public school children. In her free time, Maya enjoys advocating for reproductive justice, playing video games, and curating music playlists for every mood. This summer, Maya will be working with the Western Connecticut Council of Governments in Sandy Hook.
John-Henry Burke
John-Henry recently graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in sustainable systems and minors in political science and environmental economics and policy. He is excited to be back at Sustainable CT and to keep working in the Northwest Hills Regional Council of Governments in Litchfield. This fall, John-Henry will attend the Pace University Elizabeth Haub School of Law in White Plains, NY!
Thomas Busemeyer
Thomas is a 2025 graduate from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Environmental Studies. Thomas also attended Northwestern Connecticut Community College, where he became involved with on-campus sustainability initiatives. This summer, Thomas is excited to be working with the Capitol Region Council of Governments in Hartford. In his free time, Thomas plays guitar in his band, Ruby Leftstep, and reads as much as possible.
Anna Hilary
Anna is a rising sophomore at the University of Connecticut. She is majoring in Environmental Sciences and minoring in Urban and Community Studies. She will be working at the Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments in Dayville. In her free time, Anna likes pole vaulting, hiking, and getting ice cream with friends!
Nathaniel Hill
Nathaniel is a 2025 graduate of the University of Vermont with a major in Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy, a concentration in Environmental Planning, Policy, and Law, and a minor in Community and International Development. He will be working with the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments in Essex. In his free time, he enjoys boating and traveling. This fall, he will attend the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.
Avery Holzworth
Avery is an undergraduate Political Science and Spanish double major at Stonehill College with minors in Economics and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She worked on several campus-wide sustainability initiatives through her role in student government and worked as a legislative intern at the Massachusetts State House for the state representative of two environmental justice communities. Avery will be working with the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments in Norwich. She will be attending the University of Connecticut to begin her master's in public policy this fall. In her free time, Avery loves to travel, bake, and spend time outdoors!
Amelia Kearney
Amelia is a rising junior studying Biology with a focus on Environmental Science and Women’s Health and plans to have a career in research. She recently graduated with her associate’s degree from CT State Tunxis Community College and will be transferring to complete her bachelor’s degree this fall. This summer, she will be working with the Capitol Region Council of Governments in Hartford. Amelia is a passionate climate and environmental advocate and previously worked with Sunrise CT and was a founder of the Tunxis Sustainability Club. She also enjoys spending time outside hiking and camping, traveling, and reading novels.
Sreya Mothukuri
Sreya is a rising sophomore at the University of Connecticut. She is on the pre-medical track, majoring in Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Health, with minors in Molecular and Cell Biology and Chemistry. This summer, Sreya will be working with the Western Connecticut Council of Governments in Sandy Hook. Sreya is also an intern for Sustainable Fairfield, where she helps with sustainable initiatives in Fairfield. She also enjoys playing viola, spending time outside, and baking.
Aishlinn Parrinello
Aishlinn is a rising Junior at Wesleyan University. She is majoring in Environmental Studies and Psychology and hoping to pursue a career in environmental law. Aishlinn will be working with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments in Waterbury. In her free time, Aishlinn enjoys listening to music and going for long walks.
Ayushi Singh
Ayushi is a rising junior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is majoring in Economics with minors in Environmental Science and Business. She will be working with the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments in Bridgeport this summer. In her free time, Ayushi enjoys thrifting and exploring new places!
Thalia Witkovsky
Thalia is a rising junior at Wesleyan University. She is majoring in Environmental Studies and Government. Thalia will be working with the South Central Regional Council of Governments in North Haven. Some of her environmental passions include decarbonization, clean energy, zero waste, rewilding, and urban planning. In her free time, Thalia loves to play soccer, cook for friends, and listen to David Robert's podcast "Volts."