DURHAM, N.C. -- The Duke University Climate Scholars Program has selected seven undergraduate students for its new cohort. Established in 2023, the cross-disciplinary program enables students to conduct faculty-mentored research on topics related to the climate crisis, in accordance with the Duke Climate Commitment. The new scholars join the inaugural cohort of eight scholars.

“This year, we have a remarkable group of students interested in everything from nuclear power to the impacts of European Union regulations on the steel trade, from coastal ghost forests in North Carolina to the role of the insurance industry in helping people who can’t afford their products,” said Climate Scholars Program Director Brian McAdoo, who is also director of undergraduate studies for the Earth and Climate Sciences Division at Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment.

Climate Scholars represent an array of majors, but all scholars take introductory and higher-level climate science courses. Through these classes, students build foundational knowledge important to understanding how climate disturbances can affect natural systems, human health, and global economies and politics.

Scholars also participate in their faculty mentor’s lab group, attend seminars and social events, and engage with the broader Duke or Durham community to address aspects of the climate crisis.

“All disasters are local, including those related to global climate change,” McAdoo said. “We’re exploring ideas for how we can either help those who are impacted by these changes, or how we might help our community contribute to mitigating these changes.”

For example, scholars might help with free food distribution to those in need or clean a section of a local waterway to reduce the potential for debris buildup and subsequent flooding, he explained.

Scholars will also have an opportunity to mentor other students interested in getting involved in climate science-related activities, whether through coursework, student organizations or on-campus jobs.

“This student mentorship component is the brainchild of environmental sciences senior Kendra Rentz, one of our inaugural Climate Scholars,” McAdoo noted. “She really worked hard to bring this idea to fruition.”

Scholars receive up to $2,500 in research funding, up to $1,500 to attend a professional scientific conference, and up to $1,500 to participate in a Duke travel course or professional development.

During their senior fall semester, scholars write an honors thesis on their research for Graduation with Distinction. Some students also may submit their work for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

The new scholars are:

  • Shehr Naz Ashraf - junior environmental sciences & policy, computation & design double major (advised by Marc Jeuland, Sanford School of Public Policy)
  • Josh Goozman - junior earth & climate sciences, environmental sciences double major (advised by Emily Bernhardt, Nicholas School of the Environment) 
  • Fisher Mallon - sophomore, undeclared major (advised by Tim Profeta, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability)
  • Allen Ryu - first-year undeclared major (advised by Dalia Patino-Echeverri, Nicholas School of the Environment) 
  • Alexandra Schaffer - sophomore earth & climate sciences major (advised by Michael Kipp, Nicholas School of the Environment)
  • Pia Visaria - first year undeclared major (advised by Brian McAdoo, Nicholas School of the Environment)
  • Lawrence Wu - sophomore undeclared major (advised by Timothy Meyer, School of Law)