Giselle Lugo Combines Her Interests to Explore Environment at Arizona

What is your major/year?

I’m a senior, dual degree student majoring in Law and Animal Sciences, with a thematic minor in Environmental Development and Communication. I’m also pursuing the Tribal Courts and Justice Administration undergraduate certificate.

What are you involved in on campus or in Tucson?

I’m very involved on campus! I’m a part of CALS ASEMS, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Students for Sustainability, Mortar Board Senior Honorary, PhilanthroCats, UA PIRG, and a few other clubs and organizations! The one I’m most excited for this upcoming year, however, is being one of the three At Large Senators for this year with ASUA (the Associated Students of the University of Arizona).

What sustainability issues are you most passionate about?

The sustainability issues I’m most passionate about are the issues of deforestation, climate change, and not moving quickly enough towards renewable energy.

What is the most interesting intersection between environment and law that you have learned about?

The most interesting intersection between environment and law that I’ve learned about is how important law and policy is in regard to moving along sustainable initiatives. I’ve also come to find that I’m really interested in working with Native American communities to help represent them and protect their environmental rights. *fingers crossed I can do so after graduation*

What is a change you'd like to see on our campus related to sustainability?

A change I’d like to see on our campus related to sustainability is moving away from single use plastics, foam products, and other single use items that can be replaced with renewable/recyclable material. I’m actually a part of UA PIRG, a student-run organization on campus, as their Vice President, and one of the campaigns we’re working on is striving towards this movement on campus. Another change I’d like to see is just continuous improvement towards a more sustainable campus in general.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to an incoming student hoping to get involved with environmental issues?

The best piece of advice I would give to an incoming student hoping to get involved with environmental issues is to not be afraid to voice your opinion and ideas. It may be scary to do so, but I promise it’s much better to help move sustainable initiatives along when we know there’s a lot of us who want to see them implemented. You’re not alone in wanting to change these environmental issues, so be sure to use your voice and get involved on campus and within your communities!