2025 Environmental Leadership Awards
We are excited to present the nominees for the 2025 Environmental Leadership Awards. This event honors those whose dedication, passion, and hard work continue to make a lasting impact on sustainability both on campus and in the surrounding community. We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who was nominated and those who submitted nominations. Your efforts in creating a more sustainable world do not go unnoticed.
Please join us as we recognize the individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to environmental leadership. Below is the event schedule and the nominees for each award category:
Schedule:
5:30 – 6:00 – Arrival
6:00 – Start
6:00 – 6:30 – Dinner
6:30 – 7:15 – Presentations/Awards
- Student Environmental Leadership Award- Engagement
- Student Organization Environmental Leadership Award
- Student Environmental Leadership Award – Academic
- Faculty Environmental Leadership Award
- Staff Environmental Leadership Award
- Community Member Environmental Leadership Award
- John Nolt Lifetime Achievement in Environmental Leadership Award
7:15 – 7:30 – Closing
2025 ELA Nominees
Student Environmental Leadership Award- Engagement Nominees
Amelia Hollingsworth
As President of the Society for Ecological Restoration, Amelia Hollingsworth has played a key role in advancing ecological restoration efforts at UT. She has organized several workdays at the Nature Center and led a group of club members to a national meeting in Vancouver. Amelia was instrumental in creating the club, which has since grown into one of the most active and impactful environmental organizations on campus. As this is her final semester at UT, she is highly deserving of this recognition.
Chloe Martin
For two years, Chloe Martin has elevated the Office of Sustainability’s social media presence through her creativity and dedication. She has gone above and beyond her role, even producing videos during the summer outside of her required work hours to promote sustainable practices. During a period of major staff transition, she independently managed the social media accounts, showcasing her leadership and commitment. Chloe also serves as a Sustainability Intern, overseeing digital outreach, newsletters, and website maintenance, all while actively supporting sustainability initiatives across campus. Her passion and dedication make her an outstanding candidate for this award.
Edy Borden
Edy Borden has been instrumental in maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of UT’s campus. She has taken a proactive role in ensuring that the university remains a welcoming and environmentally responsible space for all students and visitors.
Katy Daniels
Katy Daniels is a trailblazer in environmental education and sustainability, seamlessly integrating STEM, agricultural innovation, and outreach into her work. Through her UTK organization, ROPES (Rural Outreach for Prospective Engineering Students), she visits schools across East Tennessee to share hands-on lesson plans that teach students about sustainable agriculture, circular farming systems, and the role of robotics in environmental conservation. By bridging the gap between engineering and sustainability, she empowers the next generation of problem-solvers. Additionally, she is an advocate for sustainable practices on campus, actively contributing to the “Make Orange Green” initiative. Her commitment to education and environmental stewardship makes her a deserving nominee.
Laura Gilliard
As the UTK SGA Senate Environmental and Sustainability Committee Chair for the past two years, Laura Gilliard has led efforts to research and pass legislation for campus sustainability. She co-authored the UT Game Day Cup Bill, which aims to replace non-recyclable plastic cups with recyclable aluminum alternatives—a bill that passed unanimously. Laura is also active in the Campus Environmental Coalition and has interned at Zoo Knoxville, where she led conservation education initiatives. Her leadership and advocacy have significantly contributed to sustainability at UT.
Liam Whitaker
Graduate student and resident assistant Liam Whitaker has made sustainability an integral part of campus life in Laurel Hall. Through the Power Challenge, he encouraged residents to adopt sustainable habits such as recycling, conserving energy, and using alternative transportation. His enthusiasm inspired fellow RAs to implement similar initiatives, expanding the challenge’s reach. Liam also leads by example—opting for biking and running instead of driving and actively participating in environmental stewardship. His leadership and dedication make him an excellent candidate for this award.
Luke Cornelius
Luke Cornelius has spearheaded multiple sustainability initiatives, including the implementation of LED lighting in the Senter Hall Greenhouse. Through his leadership in the Sustainable Business Organization, he has facilitated collaborations across environmental groups, leading to the merger of the Sustainable Business Organization and Plastic Free UT. His ability to unite organizations and drive impactful projects highlights his commitment to sustainability on campus.
Shepard Underwood
As President of Smokey’s Cleanup Crew, Shepard Underwood has been a driving force behind campus waste reduction efforts. Under his leadership, the organization has hosted numerous cleanups, removing several tons of waste from campus and engaging hundreds of students in environmental service. His dedication to keeping UT clean and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility is commendable.
Tyler Johnson
Tyler Johnson has been a transformative leader as President of the Sustainable Business Organization. He has spearheaded collaborations with companies like Tersano, advocated for EV charging stations, and led the effort to install LED lighting in campus greenhouses. His work extends beyond campus—he has built connections with sustainability leaders in Knoxville and beyond. Despite his demanding double major and LSAT preparation, he remains the driving force behind SBO, creating a strong, motivated community of sustainability-focused students. His leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to a greener campus make him a standout nominee for this award.
Student Organization Environmental Leadership Award Nominees
UT College of Law’s Environmental Law Organization – Jenna Santero and Jared Shelton
Jenna Santero and Jared Shelton are the leading officers of the UT College of Law’s Environmental Law Organization. They played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Appalachian Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (APIEL), doubling attendance and expanding the number of quality sessions. Their leadership and expertise in environmental law also earned them a place in the Environmental Law Teaching Initiative, where they co-teach an undergraduate course on environmental law. Additionally, they advocate for sustainability within the law school by promoting eco-friendly practices and vendors.
ROPES (Rural Outreach for Prospective Engineering Students)
ROPES engages rural students with hands-on STEM and sustainability lessons, introducing them to real-world environmental challenges. Their workshops on circular agriculture, resource management, and agricultural robotics inspire students to explore careers in sustainable engineering. By making sustainability education accessible and interactive, ROPES empowers the next generation of environmental leaders.
Sustainable Business Organization (SBO)
The Sustainable Business Organization (SBO) is dedicated toward improving all things sustainability on UT campus. Whether that is public outreach, setting up case studies with third party companies, or simply working within UT’s system to improve already existing technology, SBO works hard to ensure that we all get to attend a school that cares about the environment, both locally and globally.
Society for Ecological Restoration at UT
The Society for Ecological Restoration at UTK fosters conservation and ecological restoration efforts on campus and in the local community. The organization regularly hosts invasive species removal events, maintains a restoration site along Second Creek, and partners with local groups like Ijams Nature Center and Beardsley Farms. Under the leadership of Amelia Hollingsworth, Michael Kyriakoudes, Treyton Davis, and Nicholas Valdez, the group also participates in Arbor Day events and native plantings to promote biodiversity.
Student Environmental Leadership Award – Academic Nominees
Ashlynn McManus
A Junior majoring in Plant Sciences with a concentration in Sustainable Landscape Design, Ashlynn McManus has demonstrated exceptional leadership in ecological restoration and sustainable design. As a Student Design Intern with UT Facilities Services, she has applied her academic expertise to develop innovative landscape projects that are now being implemented on campus. Her passion for regenerative landscape design, native plantings, and biodiversity restoration is evident in her work, where she integrates sustainability principles into practical, impactful solutions. Ashlynn’s dedication to using rendering techniques and ecological planning to create thriving, biodiverse spaces reflects her commitment to reconnecting people with nature. Her ambition to pursue a Master of Landscape Architecture further highlights her vision for sustainability-driven design. Through her contributions, she has significantly influenced UT’s campus landscape, making her a deserving recipient of this award.
Farima Rahimian Shalbaf
Farima Rahimian Shalbaf is passionate about sustainable design in architecture, integrating environmental principles into her academic and professional pursuits. Her commitment to creating sustainable built environments demonstrates her vision for a more eco-conscious future in architectural design.
Hannah Schmidt
Hannah Schmidt has spent two years conducting research on the potential of compost leachate as an alternative to liquid fertilizers. Her study involves sampling compost windrows from the UT Compost Facility to analyze chemical composition changes over time. Despite facing multiple challenges—redesigning her experiment, securing new faculty support, and obtaining $8,000 in Green Fee funding—Hannah persevered and successfully launched the next phase of her research. Although she will graduate this spring before seeing the full results, she has ensured the project’s continuity by mentoring another student to carry it forward. In addition to her research, Hannah has been a dedicated student worker at the UT Compost Facility for the past 10 months, further demonstrating her commitment to sustainability.
Jacob Gossett
As a Sustainability Intern with the Office of Sustainability, Jacob Gossett has leveraged his Computer Science expertise to advance sustainability initiatives through data and technology. He has dedicated extensive time to developing a database that will enhance operational efficiency and support data-driven decision-making. His proficiency in Python, SQL, and R has enabled him to design innovative solutions to sustainability challenges, translating complex datasets into actionable insights. His commitment to problem-solving and continuous learning makes him a standout candidate for this award.
Siena Jobkar
Siena Jobkar has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to their work in plant sciences, exceeding expectations in their academic and research pursuits. They have competed in multiple research competitions, showcasing their expertise and commitment to advancing knowledge in their field. Their passion for sustainability and plant sciences makes them a strong nominee for this award.
Faculty Environmental Leadership Award Nominees
Dr. Alex Rodrigues
Dr. Alexandre Rodrigues is an educator and researcher in supply chain management at the Haslam College of Business, integrating sustainability into his teaching. He incorporates discussions on the environmental impact of global supply chains, circular economy principles, and pollution reduction into his courses, sparking critical thinking among students. His use of real-world case studies and documentaries helps future business leaders understand sustainability in supply chain management.
Dr. Jie (Joe) Zhuang
Dr. Joe Zhuang is dedicated to sustainability through his teaching, research, and mentorship. His work emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic sustainability, guiding students in areas like regenerative agriculture, circular agriculture, and sustainable engineering. Beyond the classroom, he actively engages in campus initiatives and provides students with hands-on opportunities to tackle real-world environmental challenges.
Dr. Jay Chen
Dr. Jay Chen is passionate about environmental education and student engagement. He fosters a deeper understanding of sustainability by providing personalized feedback and research resources to students. His commitment to accessible and impactful teaching helps students connect coursework to real-world environmental issues.
Dr. Jennifer Richards
Dr. Jennifer Richards is an Associate Professor and Extension Teaching and Learning Specialist in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. She incorporates sustainability into curriculum development and leads the Children Learning through Outdoor Experiences (ChLOE) initiative, which provides immersive, hands-on environmental education for K-12 students. Her work empowers educators and students alike through professional development programs and strategic partnerships promoting sustainability in education.
Staff Environmental Leadership Award Nominees
Carol Bell
Carol Bell has championed sustainability in her department by implementing recycling and composting programs and ensuring that office materials are reused whenever possible. She has played a key role in securing compostable products for office use and encourages donations to the UT Free Store. Through her leadership, she has fostered a culture of sustainability and inspired others to adopt greener habits.
Holly Jones
Holly Jones demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability in horticulture by staying informed on best practices and leading her team in innovative sustainability initiatives. Her leadership ensures that landscaping efforts align with environmentally responsible approaches, contributing to a healthier campus ecosystem.
Jaq Payne
As Director of the National Champion Tree Program, Jaq Payne leads efforts to document and protect the largest trees across the United States and its territories. He actively promotes tree conservation, engages students nationwide in hands-on learning, and integrates art, science, and community into environmental education. His leadership strengthens the cultural value of trees and fosters a deeper connection between people and nature.
Karen Caspary
Karen Caspary plays a vital role in maintaining the UT Gardens and coordinating student and volunteer engagement in horticultural projects. She fosters an inclusive environment where students from various disciplines collaborate on sustainability initiatives. Her dedication to environmental stewardship ensures that the gardens remain an educational and inspiring space for the campus community.
Sam Adams
As the leader of UT’s Arboriculture program, Sam Adams promotes biodiversity by planting native tree species suited to urban environments and maintaining a live tree inventory accessible to the public. He actively combats invasive species, supports student-led environmental initiatives, and organizes Arbor Day events to engage the campus community in tree conservation efforts.
Samantha Daulton
As the coordinator of UT’s Grow Lab, Samantha Daulton has been instrumental in educating students and the community about sustainability. She leads initiatives in recycling, composting, and urban gardening, helping to donate excess produce to those in need. Her enthusiasm for environmental education and hands-on mentorship inspires students to take action and develop their own sustainable practices.
Community Member Environmental Leadership Award Nominees
Erin Rose
As Vice President for Social Equity at the nonprofit Three3, Erin Rose has led community-driven research initiatives in Knoxville, focusing on health equity, food systems, housing justice, and climate resilience. She has played key roles in Mayor Indya Kincannon’s Climate Council and the City of Knoxville’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. Erin co-led projects like the Elders Alert System for Imminent Environmental Risks, the Knoxville Food Insecurity Assessment, and the Home Resilience to Climate Change initiative. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from UT Knoxville.
Jason Scott
For nearly a decade, Jason Scott has expanded environmental service opportunities in East Tennessee as the leader of the CAC AmeriCorps Environmental Corps, growing the program by 20%. Dedicated to fostering national and community service, he amplifies the contributions of AmeriCorps members and strengthens partnerships to make environmental service more accessible. His leadership and passion have shaped the environmental service landscape in Knox and surrounding counties.
Jayda Brunkan
A two-time CAC AmeriCorps member and Program Coordinator at Keep Knoxville Beautiful, Jayda Brunkan leads litter cleanup efforts across Knoxville and Knox County. Through her coordination, over 130,000 lbs of litter have been removed, engaging thousands of UTK students and staff in volunteer efforts. She scouts cleanup sites, manages logistics, and actively participates in making Knoxville cleaner and greener.
Lauren Bird
Lauren Bird, Assistant Director of CAC AmeriCorps, has dedicated her career to environmental service and education. After serving with Ijams Nature Center, she became an Education Coordinator and later joined CAC AmeriCorps as staff. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped adapt service initiatives to continue outdoor engagement. Her leadership supports AmeriCorps members in creating a lasting impact on East Tennessee’s environment.
Melissa Hinten
As the first Executive Director of Trees Knoxville, Melissa Hinten has strengthened urban forestry initiatives in Knoxville. With a background in geography, sustainability, and land-use change, she has expanded Knoxville’s urban tree canopy and promoted environmental education. A former UT faculty member and Sustainability Program Director, she continues to drive community engagement in conservation efforts.
Mitchell Connell
Founder and CEO of Two Bikes, Mitchell Connell has revolutionized cycling accessibility in Knoxville by ensuring that for every bike sold, another is donated to the community. His nonprofit promotes biking as an affordable and sustainable mode of transportation while fostering economic mobility and environmental sustainability. His leadership has significantly advanced transportation equity in Knoxville.
Sadie Counts
Sadie Counts led the revitalization of Indigenous representation at the McClung Museum through the Homelands Exhibition. By collaborating with Native Nations and artists, she reoriented and modernized the museum’s mission, creating a meaningful space for Indigenous history and culture at the University of Tennessee.
Stan Johnson
As Executive Director and Co-Founder of SEEED, Stan Johnson has spent over 13 years addressing sustainability, equity, and economic empowerment in Knoxville’s underserved communities. His work includes job training programs, sustainable housing initiatives like the Mustard SEEED House, and an edible forest project to improve food security. His leadership continues to drive community-driven solutions for environmental justice.
John Nolt Lifetime Achievement in Environmental Leadership Award Nominees
Brad Collett
Brad Collett is a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainable development through his role as the Executive Director of the Tennessee RiverLine and as a faculty member at the University of Tennessee. His work integrates landscape architecture, water resource management, and community development to foster environmental resilience along the Tennessee River. Under his leadership, the Tennessee RiverLine has become a model for sustainable river stewardship, enhancing quality of life and environmental sustainability across the region.
Jonathan Overly
Jonathan Overly is the director of the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition and has been a driving force in promoting sustainable transportation. He has dedicated years to advancing electric vehicles and alternative fuels, using his expertise and advocacy to shape a cleaner, more sustainable future. His leadership has made a lasting impact on sustainable transportation efforts in the region.
Sam Adams
Sam Adams, UT’s Campus Arborist, has spent the past decade enhancing and preserving the university’s urban forest. With a career spanning back to 1995, he has been a dedicated advocate for sustainability, supporting campus initiatives and fostering community engagement. His expertise in tree care and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship have left a lasting impact on UT’s landscape and the people he works with.
UT Gardens, Knoxville Staff – James Newburn, Director
For over 40 years, UT Gardens, Knoxville has served as a living laboratory for environmental education and sustainability. The gardens showcase sustainable landscaping techniques, water conservation strategies, habitat restoration, and the use of clean energy for maintenance operations. Through educational programs, workshops, and hands-on experiences for students and the community, UT Gardens continues to inspire environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.