51����

Meet Avani, CES Feature of the Week

Expected Graduation and Degree: May 2026, BA in Conservation and Environmental Science (CES), Minors in Biology, Geoscience, and GIS. 

Exposure to stewardship and active involvement at an early age can shape the roles and responsibilities one will carry throughout one’s life. Avani was exposed to nature and became actively involved in environmental activities at an early age. In middle school, she participated in a gardening club, planting milkweed and helping maintain garden beds. Avani attended a Waukesha STEM elementary school, which emphasizes science and environmental education. Avani’s school took part in various activities, including Earth Day cleanup events, which resulted in her being interviewed and a local news feature about the importance of keeping the Earth clean. All these experiences during Avani’s youth ignited her dedication to stewardship and enthusiasm for nature conservation.

Journeys often reveal new directions for personal growth. Initially, Avani planned to work with sharks, a passion inspired by the widespread appeal of Shark Week on National Geographic, which guided her to pursue an education in marine biology. After receiving her associates degree from 51����-Waukesha, she transferred to the Milwaukee campus, where she enrolled in the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior program. However, Avani was drawn more to the importance and understanding of conservation matters–not just in biological aspects–but the anthropological aspects as well. She eventually transitioned into the Conservation of Environmental Science (CES) program. The interdisciplinary sciences of the CES department allows Avani to explore how the different environmental disciplines interconnect. For example, she recognizes that it is essential to understand the ecological roles of species for conservational aspects, but learning about the interconnected roles such as geology, climate change, and human activity are also critical factors. In fact, Avani is pursuing three minors alongside her CES Bachelor of Art degree, including biology, geoscience, and Geographic Information Systems. She is even considering pursuing a double major in CES and Geosciences!

A significant moment in Avani’s studies was her CES capstone project, mentored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) professionals, in which her group focused on creating a plan of action for restoration and community education for Dumke’s Lake. The capstone project is a culminating academic experience that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem or project. It typically involves research, collaboration, and practical application of what students have learned throughout their studies in the CES program. Working with a small group of colleagues, each student in Avani’s collaboration brought unique expertise to the project, guided by WDNR a wildlife biologist, a wildlife educator, and other professionals.  Avani’s concentration was prairie restoration techniques, creating a plan of action for restoration and management. The project aimed to develop a comprehensive restoration plan to address invasive species and make the land accessible for recreational use.  “Having the knowledge of many different sciences, you have an advantage of perception, perceiving how it all relates to one another and how you and your team can collaborate effectively and efficiently,” Avani explains, discussing the interdisciplinary involvement of a real-life environmental issue.

Connection is a reoccurring theme in self-development. Avani encourages new or prospective students to network actively. Avani actively participates in networking events and mentorship programs, which have enriched her academic journey. She engages in various volunteer activities, including land stewardship at the Eagle Nature Trail, prairie restoration with the WDNR, and community outreach at the Urban Ecology Center. She takes advantage of 51���� programs such as LET’S GEO Mentorship Program, allowing her to build relationships with professionals, professors, and teaching assistants, which she says, “can open doors to fieldwork opportunities and enhance (my) overall college experience.” Avani even takes the time to visit her old school to mentor students about college in the Advanced Via Individual Determination program, where she discusses the networking side of college that is not talked about and often overlooked.

“Act locally, think globally” (conservationist Patrick Geddes) is one of Avani’s principles. Avani’s perspectives have developed through her educational experiences, as she is exposed to discussions that tackle often “avoided” topics, such as the disconnect in underrepresented communities regarding environmental issues. She started realizing that many people recognize the need to care for the environment but often lack a deeper understanding of its impact on their daily lives and future generations.  Avani believes that “addressing environmental issues by addressing the lack of education can lead to broader global impacts.”   Avani envisions using her education in CES to make a difference in the world after graduation. She would like to focus on educational initiatives that address the lack of environmental knowledge in underrepresented communities locally, believing that education is key to fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and a way to make a global impact.

In an amazing coincidence, Avani’s name, meaning “Earth” in Sanskrit. This name mirrors her journey of self-discovery and passion for conservation, embodying the very essence of this planet, Earth, that she cherishes. Avani will, no doubt, continue to live by her name.

Intrigued? For more information or contact information, check out 51����’s CES Program: uwm.edu/ces 

Written by Zelenda Koch