SENR Peer Leaders facilitate academic success and community building among students within the School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) at The Ohio State University. This role includes providing guidance during lectures and recitations, personal outreach, and support for student assignments and wellness. SENR Peer Leaders help to integrate new students into the SENR community and smooth the transition to being an Ohio State student. Peer Leaders assist with ENR 1100, SENR's new student Survey course, and lead a variety of experiences to provide resources for their peers. Meet our Peer Leaders for 2025:
Isabella Byrd
Major: Natural Resource Management (NRM)
Specialization: Natural Resource Administration and Management
Minor or other major: Studio Art
Hometown: Canal Winchester, OH
Future Career Interests: I currently work in a USDA Agricultural Research Service lab as a Soil Drainage Student Research Assistant. In the summer I'll be working for the Ohio EPA as a Water Quality Intern. In the future, I'd like to pursue positions similar to these in which I am able to take part in work both in and out of the field as a public employee. I am specifically interested in ones that have some level of research or monitoring element centered around conservation and human interactions/impacts.
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: Being surrounded by passionate students, staff, faculty, and other people who are working toward a variety of things! It's so neat to hear the reasons why people are motivated to do what they do. I continually learn more from these people and gain motivation to continue fulfilling my degree.
Other Campus Involvements: Society for Ecological Restoration, Alpha Zeta Partners, Dr. Marijke Hecht's lab
Advice for a new SENR student: Besides only focusing on getting your responsibilities done, I'd encourage trying to make time for or even just thinking about doing things regularly that fit into these three categories. I found that doing so made tackling having a time in college that is balanced and fulfilling a bit easier to mentally understand and achieve!
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Mind - things that will excite you to pursue your degree and learn more (ex: EPN events, professional student orgs, reading articles, etc)
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Body - things that get you moving and physical healthy (ex: RPAC classes, walking to class, hikes, etc)
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Soul - things that make you happy and mental healthy (ex: special interest student orgs, hanging with friends, journaling, etc)
Sydney Coulter
Major: Environmental Sciences
Specialization: Water Science
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Future Career Interests: In the future I hope to work in water conservation and sustainability! I have completed an internship with Ohio's Department of Natural Resources and I am currently interning for Franklin County Soil and Water, both of which I'd be happy to continue in the future.
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: My favorite aspect of SENR at OSU is the friendly atmosphere. There is a strong sense of community within SENR that makes it easy to connect with others and feel genuinely supported. I always love seeing familiar faces from SENR around campus and Columbus!
Other Campus Involvements: I work as a Member Services Supervisor and Operations Manager at OSU's RPAC and am a member of the Breathe Hope club.
Advice for a new SENR student: One piece of advice I have for new students is to prioritize self care. Balancing academic responsibilities with personal well-being can be challenging, so it's important set aside time for activities you enjoy and never hesitate to seek support from campus resources!
Madi Crissinger
Major: Natural Resource Management
Specialization: Parks and Recreation; Wildlife
Hometown: Canal Winchester, OH
Future Career Interests: My future career plans and goals combine my love for educating others about the world around us, as well as wildlife research with a focus on birds. I have worked at the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks in their camp setting by being in charge of one of the 4 day camps they offer to residents!
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: My favorite aspect of SENR is by far the commitment that the professors have when it comes to inspiring you. The professors are so passionate and care about you succeeding which allows you to want to grow and learn as much as possible.
Other Campus Involvements: Environment and Natural Resources Scholars, Ornithology Club, Fish and Wildlife Society
Advice for a new SENR student: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! College is the time to make mistakes and learn from them. Don’t be afraid to reach out to faculty! They love when students reach out and want to learn more about class material, career aspects, or to hear more about what they do.
Will Davis
Major: Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability
Specialization: Community and International Development
Hometown: Columbus
Future Career Interests: I will double this summer as a camp counselor and environmental intern. After that, I plan on applying for internships with ODNR, EPA, Nature Conservancy, and similar organizations.
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: My favorite aspect about SENR is the sense of community that exists between students, faculty, and staff. I enjoy being able to share my love for nature and being outside with those around me.
Other Campus Involvements: Secretary for Student Sierra Coalition, Student Communications Assistant for SENR
Advice for a new SENR student: Prioritize your mental health.
Macayla Ellis
Major: Forest, Fisheries, and Wildlife
Specialization: Wildlife Science
Hometown: Cambridge, Ohio
Future Career Interests: I want to eventually be a wildlife biologist who specializes in canines, like wolves. I would love to work internationally for an organization like the International Wolf Center.
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: SENR provides a close-knit community at such a large university.
Other Campus Involvements: I am treasurer of the Fish and Wildlife Society. I work for Campus Grinds (coffee shops on campus). I was in the SUSTAINS LLC for my first two years.
Advice for a new SENR student: Trial and error is okay; find what makes you happiest!
Ethan Falkinburg
Major: Natural Resource Management (NRM)
Specialization: Administration and Management
Hometown: Avon, Ohio
Future Career Interests: My future goals are to make a positive impact on our environment in order to give a brighter future for the environment, enjoyed by generations to come. Because I am very interested in all types of living organisms, I would like to work in an ecological restoration field.
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: My favorite aspect of SENR at Ohio State is the people! During my time in Columbus, I've met so many people that share common interests as me (wildlife, fishing, art, etc.), which connects me with new people, making classmates into friends. If I have a question or need help, I can always find an answer or be directed to an answer by SENR faculty's assistance. I also see a bunch of friendly faces around Kottman Hall because our school is the best!
Other Campus Involvements: Society for Ecological Restoration, Ornithology Club, Fish and Wildlife Society
Advice for a new SENR student: Be curious and try new things! Step out of your comfort zone and explore what interests you!
Nina Gordon
Major: Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability
Specialization: Community and International Development
Minor: Studio Art
Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio
Future Career Interests: In the future, I hope to work with disadvantaged and underrepresented communities to implement sustainable infrastructure and policy. My goal is to reframe traditional ideas of health- not just as physical fitness or nutrition, but as something that encompasses our mental, environmental, and social well-being as well. I'm especially interested in how we can create stronger, more resilient communities and build a healthier relationship between people and the planet.
Ultimately, I'm drawn to a career that aims to balance our consumer lifestyles with environmental sustainability, creating harmony between social, economic, and ecological health.
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: Because SENR is a small school within a large university, you get the best of both worlds. I love the support that you get from the small, close-knit community, along with the endless resources and career opportunities available through Ohio State and the greater Columbus area.
Other Campus Involvements: Environment and Natural Resources Scholars Program
Advice for a new SENR student: If you aren't sure about your major, don't be afraid to explore electives both within or outside of your current curriculum. Diversifying your schedule during your first few semesters is a great way to discover your true passions and interests!
Luke Hawes
Major: Environmental Policy and Decision-Making
Specialization: Policy and Governance
Hometown: Milford, Ohio
Future Career Interests: My future plans include working in either waste management to promote municipal and community composting or in transportation to promote sustainable and active transportation by increasing public transportation, biking, and walking infrastructure.
Currently, I'm applying for a transportation policy research internship position with the Brookings Institution. Once I graduate, I hope to seek full-time assistant type roles in either waste management or transportation at the local level before going back to either graduate or law school.
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: My favorite aspect of the School of Environment and Natural Resources is that it isn't stressful. It can be stressful living in an urban environment and constantly having your senses stimulated by various noises, sights, and events constantly happening. While there is plenty to do at SENR, there is a calmer feeling to West Campus and an understanding that people are there to study and learn.
Other Campus Involvements: Student Sustainability Lead for the Green Buckeyes Program in Student Life
Advice for a new SENR student: Don't be afraid to pursue a SENR major, minor, or certificate if you are more interested in social science! There is an interdisciplinary nature to SENR, so it's not all hard sciences!
Maya Hill
Major: Environmental Science 
Specialization: Environmental Molecular Science
Minor: Earth Sciences
Hometown: Kirtland, Ohio
Future Career Interests: While I don't have concrete plans for my future, I can see myself pursuing a career research, specifically surrounding water in polar systems. My current role as a research assistant has given me valuable lab and field experience, and I’m exploring opportunities that will let me dive deeper into studying hydrological systems.
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: I love that SENR offers a diverse community and broad academic opportunities while still maintaining a tight-knit, personal environment.
Other Campus Involvements: I am a research assistant within the Polar Environment and Geochemistry lab in the School of Earth Sciences as well as a member of the Sierra Club, SENR Ambassadors, OSU Mountaineers and the University Honors Program.
Advice for a new SENR student: Take your time! Opportunities will always arise for those who are looking for them, so there is no need to cause yourself unnecessary stress.
Lydia Schiopota
Major: Environmental Science
Specialization: Water Science
Hometown: Aurora, OH
Future Career Interests: I am working towards attending graduate school to complete research and eventually earn a PhD! I hope to continue working and learning about aquatic ecosystem research, specifically in biogeochemistry and nutrient cycling. My long-term goals are to become a professor and explore the world and different perspectives of environmental science throughout my career.
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: My favorite part of SENR is the tight-knit community and abundance of resources it offers, while still providing all the benefits of a the larger OSU experience. People in SENR are always there to help you navigate the myriad of opportunities and support you into your future career.
Other Campus Involvements: I am the Treasurer of TerrAqua Club, an SENR Student Ambassador, a volunteer for EPN, and am pursuing an Undergraduate Research Distinction.
Advice for a new SENR student: Look at the study abroad opportunities! There are a plethora of approaches to traveling during college, both in the US and outside this country. I encourage everyone to investigate their options or meet with an advisor to learn about the many opportunities across the university. Some of my closest friendships are from Buck-I-SERV trips, time at Stone Lab, and studying abroad. Those experiences were truly unforgettable, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything!
Gracie Sutton
Major: Environmental Policy and Decision-Making
Specialization: Policy and Governance
Minors: English and Public Policy
Hometown: Wilmington, Ohio
Future Career Interests: I am planning to go to law school to pursue environmental law!
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: My favorite aspect of SENR is how it makes OSU feel a lot less overwhelming and intimidating. SENR feels like a small, supportive community and all of the professors and staff are extremely supportive as well!
Other Campus Involvements: I am a Buck-I-SERV board member and volunteer. I was also a member of the Kellogg-Moser Food Security and Sustainability Living Learning community my first two years at OSU!
Advice for a new SENR student: One piece of advice for new students would be to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities that SENR and OSU have to offer! There is always so much going on around campus, and trying new things is a great way to meet new people and make connections!
Haylie Villao
Major: Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife
Specialization: Wildlife Sciences
Minor: Mycology
Hometown: North Royalton
Future Career Interests: I hope to become a Wildlife Biologist in the future! I currently have an internship with the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, as well as a seasonal Naturalist job with the Cleveland Metroparks. Next summer I hope to continue within the Cleveland Metroparks or find a job within ODNR to continue towards my career goal!
Favorite Part of SENR/OSU: SENR’s small community! It really helps to have such a close community within a big school, especially with networking and one-on-one help in classes!
Other Campus Involvements: Ornithology club, Herpetology club, HAPA, ENR Scholars
Advice for a new SENR student: Make sure to make friends within your SENR classes! You’ll find a lot of the same people within your GenEd or prerequisite classes, so you can help each other out.