MESM 2022
Bio
Laurel Wee graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies combined with Biology. Laurel became interested in the environment at the age of ten when hiking with family at Glacier National Park and since has had the goal to help people help the environment. Laurel found the importance of learning outdoors and stewardship during a quarter long course, Natural History Field Quarter while at UC Santa Cruz. Through her undergraduate career, Laurel expanded her knowledge of plant ecology, environmental education and environmental justice. Laurel’s interests came together in her senior project Branching out in Santa Cruz, a mobile tour of the urban trees in Downtown Santa Cruz. This project focused on engaging people with green spaces and increasing plant knowledge. Before coming to Bren, Laurel worked as an instructor and program director at a residential science school, Web of Life Field School. During this time shehelped students explore and learn about the natural world. She also worked to improve diversity literacy among staff and encouraged more training on social justice. At the Bren school, Laurel hopes to continue learning land management practices and advocating for environmental justice by specializing in Conservation Planning with a focus on Strategic Environmental Communication and Media.