Congratulations to the 2021-2022 CSUS student award recipients!

We are excited to announce the winners of 2021-22 scholarships, fellowships, and awards in the Department of Community Sustainability.

2021 - 2022 CSUS Student Awards graphic

This year, we are recognizing students in the Department of Community Sustainability who have received awards in the 2021-2022 academic year.

Congratulations to all of the CSUS scholarship, fellowship and award winners! Read below to learn about them.


Diaz-Ferguson_photoFrances Kaneene Study Abroad Scholarship - Devon Diaz-Ferguson

Devon Diaz-Ferguson is the recipient of the inaugural Frances Kaneene Study Abroad Scholarship. Devon is majoring in environmental studies and sustainability at MSU.

“In receiving this award, I was able to have the chance to expand my development as an individual and student in ways that otherwise would have remained dreams. I had the life changing opportunity to go to Belize, which enriched my learning in multiple cultures’ practices in sustainability, agriculture, tourism and more,” they say. “Being able to represent MSU while abroad was an honor, something I am beyond thankful for.”

Gordon and Norma Guyer Public Policy Internship Award - Madison Campau

Madison Campau is the recipient of the Guyer Public Policy Internship Award. Madison is an undergraduate in the environmental studies and sustainability major.

Brunacini_photoFrank Fear Fellowship for Excellence in Community Engagement - Jessica Brunacini

Jessica Brunacini is a doctoral student in the community sustainability program.

She says, “Receiving the inaugural Frank Fear Fellowship for Excellence in Community Engagement is so meaningful because it recognizes the value of being a community engaged scholar-practitioner who prioritizes doing research in collaboration with communities to address real-world problems.”

“During my time in CSUS and at MSU, I have had many opportunities to immerse myself in learning about and practicing community engaged scholarship, which has helped me grow both personally and professionally.”

Garcia_photoGeorge and Nancy Axinn International Scholarship - Maria Alejandra Garcia-Otero

Malcolm & Ann Kerr Award for Excellence in Scholarship - Maria Alejandra Garcia-Otero

“I want to contribute to gender-equitable communities in rural and agricultural settings in Latin America by teaching next generations and developing research at international sites on sustainability and international development,” says community sustainability doctoral student Maria Alejandra Garcia-Otero.

"The Malcolm & Ann Kerr Award for Excellence in Scholarship will strengthen my skills and help me gain experience in teaching,” she says. "The George and Nancy Axinn International Scholarship will support my dissertation on women's empowerment in Colombia, honoring the commitment to international development.”

Iretskaia_photo 1Harriette B. Sherman Scholarship in Recreation and Tourism Systems - Tanya Iretskaia

Tanya Iretskaia is a Ph.D. student in sustainable tourism & protected area management. “I happen to be a triple recipient of the Harriette B. Sherman Scholarship in Recreation and Tourism Systems (2020, 2021, 2022), and of course it’s a huge honor,” Tanya says.

“First, I am grateful to be following the footsteps of Ms. Sherman at least in spirit, and it is a big privilege and pleasure to see my efforts and past experiences consistently recognized. Second, winning it definitely gives one the ‘wings’ to keep exploring this field further (in my first years) and focusing on a topic that is dear to my heart now.”

Tanya says, “Stay tuned for more updates from me regarding responsible and equitable marine-based tourism!"

Schiappa_photoJon F. Bartholic Ensuring the Future of Michigan’s Natural Resources Award - Ellie Schiappa

A master’s student in community sustainability, Ellie Schiappa received the 2022 Jon F. Bartholic Award.

“I am honored to receive the 2021 Jon F. Bartholic Ensuring the Future of Michigan’s Natural Resources Award,” she says. “This award serves as a reminder of the past, present, and future conservationists, as well as the department that I am representing, as I pursue my research planning for the future of Michigan Parks in the face of climate change.”

Sharma_photo2Milton H. Steinmueller Fellowship in Natural Resources and Environmental Policy - Shubhechchha Sharma

Shubhechchha Sharma is a doctoral student in the community sustainability program and the winner of the 2022 Milton H. Steinmueller Fellowship.

“The award will enable me to contribute to the academic sector in the field of natural resources management and social-ecological systems and beyond,” she says.

“With the funding received through the Milton H. Steinmueller Fellowship in Natural Resources and Environmental Policy, I look forward to publishing my research to relay evidence-based information to global audience and policy makers,” Shubhechchha says. “Publishing evidence is key to increasing awareness of lesser known and covert facts for informed decision and policy making in social-ecological systems.”


Learn more about CSUS graduate scholarships and fellowships.

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