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May 24, 2010  Jason Koski/University Photography Senior profile: Whitney Larsen
Major: Entomology and biological sciences (ecology and evolutionary biology) Why did you choose Cornell?
In addition to the size and diversity, I was attracted to the open green space and opportunities for hiking and kayaking. Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?
The Sustainability Hub, an environmental student group focused on projects for a more sustainable campus, that I've been involved with during my four years here. Over the past year, for example, I've been working with other Hub members to install new trash and recycling cans in Collegetown to reduce litter and waste going to landfill. We are hosting an art contest to vibrantly decorate the cans this spring. I've also been working in the Cornell Sustainable Investment Coalition, which advocates for more sustainable practices for Cornell's endowment, such as increasing endowment transparency and actively investing environmentally responsible funds. This spring, we will send our final recommendations to the president. While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?
Organizing a delegation of more than 90 Cornellians to PowerShift09, a youth conference on climate change in Washington, D.C., in spring 2009. The conference was attended by more than 12,000 students from across the country eager to learn, network, be inspired and make their voices heard in our nation's capital. Coordinating funding, transportation, housing and communication for that many people was incredibly difficult, but extremely rewarding. Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?
During my sophomore year I took a fabulous class called Chemical Ecology that launched me into the bizarre world of chemical signaling between plants and insects. I thought insects were so cool that I decided to pursue a second major in entomology, much to the disgust of my mother! After my junior year I got a Research Experience for Undergraduates internship at a biological station in Virginia, studying the nocturnal behavior of the forked fungus beetle. Of course that meant going out into the woods every 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. with headlamps to watch beetle mating rituals. Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?
I have realized that environmentalism is not restricted to tree-huggers and hippies - it's about organizing individual voices into a force that can reckon with powerful established interests. Organizing requires building membership of a group, inspiring people to stay involved, fundraising, delegating tasks and communicating with diverse stakeholders. What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?
Definitely playing on the Cornell Wild Roses - the women's Ultimate Frisbee team. I was lucky to play with a group of highly skilled, competitive girls who also knew how to have a lot of fun. I also had a great time climbing, caving and paddling with the Cornell Outing Club during the summers I spent here. What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I will start a fellowship at Environment America in August, where I will be working as an organizer and political advocate for clean air, clean water and open space. After that I hope to go back to school for a degree in public policy or environmental law. |
