In the bustling world of academia, where every student strives to make a mark, there are those who go beyond the ordinary, driven by an unyielding passion for environmental sustainability. Meet Cailey Pietrzyk, a diligent student pursuing a dual master’s degree in public affairs and environmental science at O’Neill. Hailing from Tinley Park, Illinois, Pietrzyk’s… Read more »
Charting the green path: Kiryssa Kasprzyk’s journey from O’Neill to global leadership in climate policy and conservation
In a Zoom call, I had the pleasure of interviewing O’Neill alum Kiryssa Kasprzyk amidst a backdrop of lush tropical plants. I immediately resonated with her dedication to preserving tropical forests, seamlessly integrated into her urban life in D.C. On that brisk winter afternoon, the panoramic view of greenery, extending from floor to ceiling inside… Read more »
Aligning Passion with Education: Brandon Hough’s Inspiring Success Story
In the realm of conservation and environmental leadership, Brandon Hough, MPA’23, stands as a passionate advocate for biodiversity, driven by a commitment to leave the world in a better state for future generations. As the executive director of Homegrown National Park, Hough’s journey from a military background to his current role is an inspiring testament… Read more »
Experiencing the World as Your Classroom: Julie Frieder, MPA-MSES’93, on the benefits of a Wonder Year
Julie Frieder is an innovator, problem solver, and sustainability professional with a double master’s degree in public affairs and environmental science from the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She stepped away from a career in sustainable and responsible investing to travel with her family for 13 months in a 24-foot RV… Read more »
The impact of the Indiana University Prison Arts Initiative: Empowering incarcerated individuals through education
In the Fall of 2022, the Indiana University Prison Arts Initiative (IUPAI) was launched with a primary objective: to provide incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to receive college-level education. This innovative program aims to bridge the gap between correctional facilities and higher education, offering IU instructors and grad students the chance to teach courses within… Read more »