MEET YOUR PROFESSOR!
Hello! My name is Cinzia Fissore and I am an Associate Professor in Biology and Environmental Science at Whittier College, where I teach courses on Environmental Science, Soil Science, Climate Change, and Sustainability. This is my fifth course abroad and my first one in Italy, which is my country of origin.
Hello. My name is Manny Herrera. I am a rising junior here at Whittier College. I am a currently studying Biology and Environmental Science and I am an avid advocate for sustainability. I am the current VP for the sustainability club and am looking forward to seeing new “green” initiatives here on campus.
Hi All, my name is Eryn Wells, I’m a rising Senior and will be graduating in the Spring of 2019. I am double majoring in Political Science and Global & Cultural Study Issues and minoring in English. I am passionate about many facets of Social Justice and recently became interested in Environmental Justice and legislation. I am super excited to embark on this journey and make memories with all of you, while learning about how people are living sustainably outside of the USA!
Hello! My name is Lillian Ashby and I’m a rising Junior. I am currently studying Sociology and hope to tie in environmental studies as well. I have a deep love of travel and hope this trip provides me with the opportunity to delve into a new culture and make new memories. This is my second course abroad, and I’m excited to experience what awaits!
Hi, my name is Dashiel, or Dash for short. I am an Economics major with a minor in Sociology. I am currently a sophomore, soon to be a junior. I love nature and travel, but I haven’t been able to study abroad yet so I am very excited for this course!
Hi there! My name is Emilio Maldonado and I’m a sophomore now, Junior in the Fall. I am majoring in Sustainable Urban Development through the W.S.P program, so it is safe to say I’m really looking forward to what the trip has to offer.
Hey Guys! My name is Cooper Champagne and I’m currently a sophomore majoring in Child Development and Education. I’m really excited to get out of the country and educate myself about the environmental practices of someplace new! Outdoors and travel are a big part of my life and I’m really looking forward to experiencing a new part of the world with a cool group of people. I’m excited to get to know all of you on our journey!
Hello everyone, my name is Noelle Tamas. I am currently a sophomore, and I am a double major in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies. I play lacrosse at Whittier, and I enjoy exploring new places. Although I have been to Italy before, I have yet to be able to visit Northern Italy. Therefore I am very excited to go and enjoy this trip with everyone.
Hi! I’m Amy Smelko. Some quick facts about me: I am a KNS with an emphasis in PT major and a Psych minor, and I will be a rising sophomore. I went to Costa Rica for a school trip two summers ago, but I have always wanted to go to Europe and am excited about this opportunity. I look forward to getting to know everyone as we explore northern Italy together!
Hi everyone my name is Meghan Pistolesi and I am currently just finishing up my junior year at Whittier College! I will be graduating in the Spring of 2019 as a double major in Business and Environmental Science with an Organizational Leadership Minor! Although my last name sounds very Italian, my dad was actually adopted so everyone calls us the fake Italians! I am so excited for this trip and cannot wait to see everyone in Italy! Safe travels!
Hi everyone! My name is Hannah Joyce and I will be a Senior this Fall. I play volleyball for Whittier College and I am majoring in Environmental Journalism through the Whittier Scholars Program. I will be completing my undergrad at Whittier after Jan term of 2019. I cannot wait to embark on this adventure. I hope everyone has safe travels.
Hey everyone, my name is Chris Burley and I’m a junior economics major and business administration minor from San Diego, CA. I enjoy being active in my everyday life, so I like doing pretty much anything outdoors. Mexican food is my favorite, and if you know of a good California Burrito anywhere let me know. I’ve never been to out of the country before so I’m really loking forward to this class and getting to know you all in a few weeks!
Hi! My name is Neylon O’Grady but I go by Neely. I’m a rising junior Sociology major, with a minor in Environmental Science. My dad is in the military so I’ve gotten the privilege to travel all around Europe including many places in Southern Italy but never Northern Italy so I’m excited to be able to experience something so new and exciting. I can’t wait to go on this adventure with you all and get to know you better…see you in Italy!
Hi Everyone! My name is Jordan, and I am a member of the women’s lacrosse team at Whittier. I am an environmental science major with a minors in child development and environmental studies. I have never been out of the country, so the next few weeks will be full of new experiences, and I can’t wait to see what the trip has in store!
Hello, my name is Valerie van der Linden and I am entering into my junior year here at Whittier College. I play volleyball on the team on campus and I am a business major with an environmental science minor. I’m excited to explore sustainability in Northern Italy as well as experience their bright culture.
Hi! My name is Justine Bennett, I’m a psychology major from Anaheim Hills, CA, and I am about to enter my junior year at Whittier. I have never been out of the country before; so needless to say, I am very excited about this upcoming trip to Italy! I have always been interested in sustainable energy and cannot wait to learn and explore with all of you!
Hi everyone, my name is Amelia and I am currently a sophomore. My major is sociology, with a minor in social work. This summer I had the amazing opportunity to work on a small farm in my hometown, Fallbrook CA. Working with the animals and plants definitely sparked my interest in environmental studies, so I am so excited for this trip and I look forward to learning more about sustainability
