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, of Midlothian, Va., is one of just 50 students nationwide to be awarded a Udall Scholarship in 2015.

The Udall Scholarship is awarded to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to the environment or to American Indian nations. The scholarship honors the legacies of Morris Udall and Stewart Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on American Indian self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.

Sara Reese ’16

“Sara’s commitment to the environment, as she demonstrates both in and beyond her studies, makes her stand out as a future leader in this area,” said Kim Germain, assistant dean for advising, whose office coordinates the Udall and other national fellowships.  “We will all benefit from Sara’s future work in fisheries science and management.”

An major, Reese has conducted research in Norway, Massachusetts, and Idaho. This summer, she will be researching marine ecosystems at Oregon State University.

“I hope being recognized as a Udall Scholar brings increased awareness to ������’s Environmental Studies Program and the internship program,” said Reese. “With ������’s climate neutrality date quickly approaching, it is imperative that ������ students continue to be educated on the global implications of our actions here on campus.”

Outside the classroom, Reese is the president of Students for Environmental Action, an intern at the Office of Sustainability, a student representative on the Sustainability Council, and the sustainability coordinator for the Student Government Association.

“Sara embraces her responsibility to be a good steward of our natural resources and advocate for sustainability,” said , ������’s director of sustainability. “Informed by science coupled with sound reasoning, Sara is able to articulate a compelling argument that often challenges the status quo. Packaged together, Sara embodies ������’s liberal arts mission. She is a great student and a great person.”

Reese plans to pursue a career in freshwater fisheries science and management.