Zoe McComas 2025 Sustainability Research Fellow

Senior, Environmental and Sustainability Studies major with Certificate in Urban and Community Forestry

Research Mentor: Caleb Wilson - Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Entomology

Supported by UK Student Sustainability Council

Project Title: "Emerald Ash Borer Prevalence and Damage in Reforested Sites"

How will this summer research fellowship support your research efforts?

“This summer research fellowship will help fund my research efforts and supplies to collect data from Reforest the Bluegrass sites. Additionally, this fellowship will help support my research efforts in analyzing the data collected from my research project, and will help me gain more experience with presenting my research.”

Why is sustainability research important?

“Sustainability research is important because it can help design sustainable solutions to problems in our community and help us understand the issues our community faces. Research in sustainability can also help us better understand global issues and provide a better understanding of how we can tackle these issues."

What advice would you give to other UK students thinking about doing research?

“Research opportunities are highly diverse and can allow you to explore interests within and outside of your field. Most importantly, it never hurts to apply or reach out to professors conducting research you're interested in as no matter the answer, it is a learning opportunity!”