Meet the Sustainable CORE Fellows - Office of Sustainability

Erica Holmes (she/her) is is a junior from Vermont majoring in Climate Science, Environmental Studies, and French. She is passionate about coastal and marine science, environmental justice, and sustainability. She has experience working in climate research and is excited to have been named a 2026 NOAA Hollings Scholar. In her free time she enjoys singing with various groups on campus, swimming, and cuddling her cats!

Jayden Luu (he/him) is a sophomore in the A&S Undergraduate Program pursuing a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Sociology on the Pre-Law Track. He is passionate about the intersections of climate justice, human rights, and media advocacy. In his hometown of Fort Smith, AR, Jayden grew a passion for the outdoors and an eagerness for exploration. In his free time, you can find him studying at cafés while trying new coffees, going on daily strolls, or catch him on side quests out-and-about in Boston!

Aneeqa Bashir (she/her) is a second-year student in the A&S Undergraduate Program at Tufts, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive & Brain Science with an interest in International Relations. Her commitment to environmental stewardship took root in her native Pakistan, where she worked on national sustainability initiatives integrating ecological preservation, cultural heritage, and community engagement. She has since founded an award-winning youth climate initiative recognized by the United Nations Development Programme, spearheaded urban forestry and heritage conservation efforts, and contributed to public discourse on climate and equity through published op-eds and editorial work. In her free time, she enjoys exploring green spaces with a book in hand, experimenting with inventive recipes, and shaping narratives as a copy executive for The Tufts Daily.

Arianna Hellman (she/her) is a sophomore double-majoring in international relations and environmental studies. Her passions include sustainable development, gender issues, water rights, and environmental value systems. Arianna's experience working with environmental nonprofits in the U.S. and internationally has led her to be particularly interested in how policy, advocacy, and community engagement can work together to advance progress on these issues. In her free time, she loves baking, taking photos, and riding her bike.

Diana Gaffner (she/they) is a sophomore studying environmental science and international relations. She is passionate about plant conservation, environmental policy, and outdoor recreation. Diana loves hiking, skiing, listening to and playing music, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

Tianya Liu (she/her) is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering and Science, Technology, and Society (STS). She is passionate about women's health and currently working in reproductive engineering research. In her free time she likes to stay in Granoff drum rooms.

Rylea Holbert (she/they) is a junior undergraduate student in the Tufts school of Arts and Sciences. She is majoring in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, which she loves to talk about whenever she gets the chance! She is passionate about sustainable energy, interconnected food systems, and large-scale climate action (especially environmental policy). In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing with her dog Frankie, and doing anything crafty.

Cameron Piedmont (he/him) is a sophomore from Bloomington, IN studying environmental studies and computer science in the School of Arts and Sciences. He is passionate about environmental justice and sustainability. In his free time, he likes wandering through Boston, reading long novels, and baking vegan treats.

Tulika Dafria (she/her) is a sophomore planning on majoring in Philosophy and Economics. She is interested in environmental and social sustainability, both independently and collectively. In her free time she loves exploring Boston and trying new vegan food spots, reading, thrifting, going on hikes, and travelling the world! She's excited to become a part of the CORE Fellow community!

Avani Kulkarni (she/her) is a second year undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. She is passionate about creating sustainable technologies that are accessible, implementable, and designed to drive environmental justice and progress. In her free time, you can find her building with the Tufts Solar Vehicle Project and painting local landscapes.

Elie Goldman (he/him) is a junior pursuing a major in Environmental Studies. He is passionate about environmental education, urban planning, and environmental justice. He is from White Plains, NY. In his free time, Elie enjoys biking, cooking, and playing guitar.

Maya Cohen (she/her) is a sophomore pursuing a degree in environmental studies and biology at Tufts University. Maya's interest in the environment began growing up in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She then turned that interest into action by working as a diver to remove invasive aquatic plants and lead environmental workshops the past few summers in Maine. In her free time, Maya enjoys hiking, swimming, and painting.

Siddhant Rathi (he/him) is a sophomore at Tufts University pursuing a double major in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. He is passionate about leveraging biotechnology to advance environmental sustainability, agriculture, and resource-efficient manufacturing—turning waste into energy and creating lasting, equitable solutions. As a member of Tufts Engineers Without Borders, he works to design and implement community-driven projects that address critical needs in low-resource settings. Back home in India, Siddhant founded Aerohouse India, building a greenhouse cultivating native medicinal plants and deepening his connection to his Indian heritage through Ayurveda, the traditional herbal medicine system that emphasises harmony between people and the natural world. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess, reading, and exploring nature.

Alice Wall (she/her) is a senior majoring in Applied Environmental Studies on the Environmental Science track. She is passionate about sustainability, with a particular interest in aquatic ecosystems. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, paddle boarding, biking, and hanging out with her dogs.

Emma Roca (she/her) is a French-American who grew up in London. At Tufts, she is a junior studying Environmental Studies and International Relations Tufts. With a background shaped by multicultural experiences, she spent the summer volunteering as an advisor at a refugee center. She is also passionate about using creative communication to advance social and environmental change. Outside of her work, Emma loves mountain hiking, travelling, and a good cup of coffee.

Maya Lerner (she/her) is a senior studying Applied Environmental Studies, as well as Asian American Studies and Cultural Anthropology. She is particularly interested in environmental justice work, and is involved in research around water insecurity and climate adaptation strategies in Pakistan. In her free time, Maya can be found reading in the park, thrifting, or grabbing coffee with friends.

Madeline Nock (she/her) is a senior from Cleveland, Ohio studying International Relations, Economics, and Environmental Studies. She is interested in economic and environmental policy issues in Latin America, especially surrounding trade policy and migration. In her free time, Madeline can be found playing tennis, knitting, listening to music, or talking about how much she loves Cleveland!

Zayyan Abbas (he/him) is a senior in the Arts & Sciences program, pursuing a degree in Applied Environmental Studies. His experiences growing up in Bangladesh have made him passionate about food sovereignty, and environmental justice in the Global South. In his free-time he enjoys knitting, bird-watching, and hiking

Lili Biglari (she/her) is a rising fourth year from San Antonio, TX studying Applied Environmental Studies (Sustainability, Policy, Equity) and minoring in Urban Studies. She is passionate about climate resilience in communities, environmental policy, and housing access. Aside from CORE Fellows, she is a part of Tufts University Prison Initiative, Urban Attitudes Lab at UEP, and Youth Affordable Housing Coalition (under Abundant Housing, MA). In her free time, she loves being apart of Harvard Ballet Company, dancing at concerts, and trying every coffee shop in the area.

Gabby Romm (she/her) is a sophomore undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies. She is passionate about environmental policy and advocating for intersectional perspectives, including the intersection of gender inequality and environmentalism. In her free time she enjoys reading, thrifting, and spending time with her friends.