Next Gen 2022-2023 Cohorts
Cohort A
Louie Apostol
City College of New York Spitzer School of Architecture
I am a third-year architecture student at CCNY Spitzer School of Architecture. I’m interested in environmentally sustainable design buildings and hope to get involved in achieving climate goals. I’m very passionate about energy-efficient buildings and making an impact on the environment and increasing our energy independence. In my spare time, I like to travel and do outdoor activities. Gardening and photography are also hobbies I enjoy.
Christopher Barran
City College of New York
I am an Architecture student at the City College of New York. I grew up in South America, Guyana, where my interest in building and architecture began. My goal is to become a licensed architect and a real estate investor. I love learning new things about science, history, and technology because, with a strong foundation rooted in knowledge, the possibilities are endless.
Seleste Barrera Ramirez
University of Oregon
I am a fourth-year architecture student at the University of Oregon. I am very passionate about sustainable design and carbon reduction. I became interested in energy efficiency during the process of obtaining CPHC certification. Overall, I aspire to help make sustainable, healthy built environments accessible. Outside of school, I enjoy reading books, biking, and visiting museums.
Pearl Brosterman
University of Rochester
I am a junior at the University of Rochester pursuing double majors in Sustainable Development and Creative Writing, a cluster in Economic History, a cluster in Design with Materials, and a certificate of Community Engaged Learning. After undergrad I plan to complete an m.Arch degree and move to Singapore to work on sustainable low-income housing for underdeveloped and underserved neighborhoods. I am passionate about reducing the high emissions rate of the construction industry, social justice and community-engaged development, and painting.
Martha Christino
Penn State
Martha is a fourth-year student at Penn State with concurrent majors in civil engineering and meteorology. Her research project focuses on hurricane intensification. She has also worked on projects related to the water quality impacts of hurricanes, the construction of disaster-resilient infrastructure in Florida, and sea surface temperature anomalies due to global warming. She is most interested in the intersection of sustainable and disaster-resilient infrastructure design. Outside of academics, Martha is an avid runner; she enjoys hiking, climbing, Penn State football, and any excuse to be outside.
Hanna Claffey
University of Maryland
Hanna is a senior civil and environmental engineering major at the University of Maryland. She is excited about a career in sustainability and renewable energy where she hopes to leave an impact! When not in class, Hanna enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and art.
Natalie Fylak
Michigan State University
Natalie is a current senior at Michigan State University pursuing a degree in civil engineering. Originating from the Metro Detroit area, she grew up with an appreciation of the urban environment but was often concerned about the negative impacts of construction and development. Her interest in sustainable infrastructure ultimately peaked while participating in undergraduate research related to residential building efficiency and sustainable technologies.
Cameron Grant
Columbia University
I'm an undergrad at Columbia University studying Earth Science and Mathematics. I'm interested in geothermal energy, both grid-scale and for individual buildings. At school, I am involved with researching continental rifting / tectonics in the East African Rift System. In the future, I want to use my research and geoscience skills to improve building construction and electrification.
Abby Hans
University of Cincinnati
I am a fourth year at the University of Cincinnati studying Architectural Engineering. I plan to graduate in 2024 and work at a company that does energy efficiency and sustainability design. Around campus, I run the University's ASHRAE branch and work as a College of Engineering and Applied Science Ambassador. Outside of school and work, I enjoy reading, going to various sporting events, and traveling.
Dominique Houslin
University of Rochester
I am a senior, at the University of Rochester, majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Environmental Geology. I was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and I am passionate about sustainable development. I applied to the Next Gen Program because I want to apply the knowledge from my coursework and the program to better develop infrastructure, especially in developing countries. I am excited to connect with diverse professionals and students who are also enthusiastic about sustainability.
Kate Korey
Fordham University
I am a sophomore majoring in Engineering Physics and minoring in Anthropology and Visual Arts with a concentration in Architecture at Fordham University. My goal is to lead sustainability projects in civil engineering. Specifically, to make environmentally friendly and affordable housing in urban areas around the world. Outside of school I enjoy traveling, reading, and trying new foods!
Kaitlin LaRosa
Syracuse University
Kaitlin LaRosa is a junior at Syracuse University studying Policy Studies and Environment, Sustainability, and Policy. She is from Poughkeepsie, New York. At school, she is a member of the Renee Crown Honors College and is a Maxwell Leadership Scholar. Outside of academics, Kaitlin is the Managing Editor of Perception Magazine, the literary arts magazine on campus, where she gets to express her creativity and love for poetry. Professionally, Kaitlin is interested in a career in environmental consulting, specifically within corporate decarbonization, and will be interning with EY in NYC this summer doing just that.
Jenna Li
University of Michigan
I am a sophomore studying urban technology at the University of Michigan. I aspire to be an urbanist who advocates for environmental justice in marginalized communities through sustainable design and technology. Through the Next Gen program, I hope to learn more about sustainable practices from various communities and how to reduce carbon emissions while empowering the local community to become more engaged in taking a role in creating a sustainable and green environment.
Julianna Longo
University of Michigan
I am currently a freshman studying Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan. Through my degree, I hope to work with the smart grid infrastructure and create energy-efficient technology to lower our carbon footprint. Outside of classes, I work as a Project Team Lead to develop Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence applications and enjoy exploring the outdoors.
Aparna Ramanathan
City College of New York
Aparna is a fifth year architecture student at CCNY, whose passion for sustainability, resiliency and energy efficiency motivated her to study the built environment. Through the Next-Gen program, she hopes to gain a network of fellow sustainability enthusiasts in the building industry and mentors to support her journey of discovering interests/goals in this varied and diverse space. In her free time she is a burgeoning plant mom and a book-tok enthusiast, and welcomes gardening tips and book recommendations from everyone!
Luis Rauda
Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture
My name is Luis F. Rauda Garcia, I am an undergraduate student at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture in New York City. I was born in Sonaguera Colon, Honduras, and came to America for a better future. My goal is to positively influence and motivate future generations of immigrants that have the same goals and ambitions. I read philosophy, American classics, I am a soccer and football fanatic, I love the outdoors and most importantly learning.
Fatima Shahzad
Farmingdale State College
I am currently pursuing an Architectural Engineering degree at Farmingdale State College and I hope to pursue a Masters in Architecture Design afterwards. I wish to provide a better world for green architecture in city and urban spaces to prevent the use of energy heavy construction. I’m excited for this journey with the GTZ program and I hope being a part of it will expand my knowledge and broaden my horizons of the world of architecture. Outside of school, I like to read, write poetry, and go on road-trips!
Nabia Syeda
CUNY City College of New York
I am a second year architecture student at CUNY City College Of New York. I aspire to be a licensed architect and help contribute to a future where we can design in a more sustainable way. Outside of school, I enjoy reading and painting. Through this program, I hope I can understand the complex systems that are behind designing efficiently and hopefully apply them in the future.
Ponce de Leon Tidwell III
Columbia University
Ponce de Leon Tidwell, III is an undergraduate junior at Columbia University pursuing bachelor’s degrees in cultural anthropology and sustainable development. With experience working at the Smithsonian Institution and Columbia Climate School, he hopes to center historically marginalized voices in the conversations concerning climate change, social justice, and shifting cultural paradigms. Accordingly, he aspires to use his future broadcasting career to achieve this goal.
Cohort B
Rosalinda Adams
City College of New York
I am an Afro-Latina born and raised in The Bronx, NY. Currently, I am a second-year student in the Bachelors of Architecture program at the City College of New York. Shortly after graduating, I plan to pursue licensure in New Jersey and/or New York. At the moment I am considering residential architecture and historical preservation, with a focus on sustainability. In my free time I like to bake, sew, read, and spend time with my dog.
Vikram Barretto
University of Oregon
I am currently 3rd Architecture student at the University of Oregon. I'm from Chennai, India. I have a passion for environmental sustainability and am extremely interested in how we as architects and engineers can help effect that through Building Energy efficiency and environmental control systems. Outside of college, I am a big sports fan and love playing soccer. I also enjoy listening to music and playing the drums as well as doing a little sketching here and there.
Jennifer Duong
City College of New York
Jennifer is a senior majoring in environmental engineering and minoring in economics at the City College of New York. She has interests in data analytics, remote sensing, and public policy, and hopes to be able to use her technical skills to contribute to the development of more sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities. Jennifer was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and enjoys spending her free time exploring the city with friends and family. She loves trying new foods, biking, and painting.
My Grumbling
Russell Sage College
My name is My Grumbling. I am a junior majoring in Interior and Spatial Design at Russell Sage College located in Albany, New York. I was born and raised in Vietnam. My background is what shapes my interests toward sustainable design. I am thrilled to explore this profession, and I believe that happiness should not be expensive. My dream is to design sustainable and affordable housing to help people in need find a cozy place they can call home.
Joanne Johnson
Farmingdale State College
I am a junior majoring in Architectural Engineering Technology at Farmingdale State College. I am very active in the Student Government Association within Suny Farmingdale. I am also the Treasurer for the Architectural Construction Technology (ACT) Club which provides me the opportunity to give back to the community by participating in events like Habitat for Humanity. Upon my graduation, I plan to be part of a team that has the vision to build the best infrastructure in society with a major focus on safety, aesthetics, and service.
Paul Malefyt
Fordham University
I'm a Sophomore at the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business and I'm studying Business Administration with a concentration in Social Innovation. I plan on getting involved with renewable energy infrastructure in the business world as well as pursuing a Master's degree in Sustainability Management. I've previously worked with nonprofits such as the Better Business Bureau and Ruffalo Noel Levits on issues spanning from business and consumer trust to climate change. Outside of school I enjoy baking babka, volunteering, and hiking.
Aiman Najah
Columbia University
Aiman Najah is a senior in Mechanical Engineering at the Columbia University Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. In the past three years, Aiman has developed a keen interest in the cross-point of sustainable energy and technology. With technical experience in energy and safety analysis as a Nuclear Engineering Intern with Dominion Energy to project management and innovation as the Cooling Systems Lead at Knickerbocker Motorsports, Aiman is a driven and determined senior with powerful problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.
Crystal Ng
City College of New York
I am currently a fifth-year architecture student studying at the City College of New York. I am very interested in sustainable design, and I hope the Next Gen program can help give me a better understanding of the current technologies/methods available and the career paths present for bridging sustainability and design. I hope to apply this knowledge of sustainable solutions to my designs in the future and I hope to be an architect who responds not only to the greater environment but to the local communities as well.
Tim Phelps
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
I am a current first-year student at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY majoring in Construction Management, originally from Clifton Park, NY. With this degree, I hope to be able to aid in implementing sustainable practices in the construction industry and in realizing sustainable architecture and engineering. Odds are when I'm not studying or working, I'm spending time outside hiking, kayaking, or trying just about anything else outdoors.
Anna-Carole Samson
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
I am a third-year senior at SUNY ESF studying renewable energy. I am passionate about sustainability in the energy and building sector. I hope to use the skills I have learned at ESF, and in this program, to change the world for the better. My goal is to help plan and implement solar energy at the residential and municipal level. When I’m not doing schoolwork, I enjoy hiking, reading, and hanging out with my friends.
Winny Sanchez
City College of New York
I am originally from Lima, Peru. I am entering my fifth year of study, pursuing an Architecture Bachelor degree at The City College of New York. Outside of college, I enjoy visiting museums and making desserts. The Next Gen program will help me strengthen my knowledge and passion in sustainable energy and building design.
Angel Ugalino
University of Oregon
I was born and raised in Wahiawa, Hawai'i, currently pursuing my Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Oregon. I am passionate about sustainable design and improving the environment. I strive to learn different methods within design that I can implement to address environmental problems. I aspire to become a licensed architect and use energy efficient building practices throughout my career. In my free time I enjoy listening to music and hanging out with my friends and family.
Ivy VenRoy
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Ivy is currently studying Environmental Studies with a concentration in Natural Systems Applications at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York. After graduation, she hopes to use both research and communication skills from her program to bridge the gap between community members and local environmental issues and solutions, particularly those related to renewable energy. Besides her involvement in the Next Gen Program, she also enjoys photography, reading, and gardening.
Micaela Venyo
Virginia Tech
I am a first year engineering student at Virginia Tech. I aspire to become a mechanical engineer that specializes in robotics and autonomy. I am passionate about sustainability and have past experience working with the Exelon STEM academy. Outside of school, I enjoy painting, reading, and listening to music!
Grace White
University of Cincinnati
I am a 5th year Architectural Engineering major at the University of Cincinnati. I have done internships in construction management, mechanical and electrical engineering, and energy modeling and analysis. I am currently the President of ASHRAE at my university and am using my platform to get students involved in this industry. Outside of school I am interested in real estate investment and urban planning. I hope to use my skills and education to help brighten our future in any way I can!
Yeidi Yuja Vaquiz
University of Rochester
I am an international student majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Medical Optics. I am very passionate about sustainability and hope to create more sustainable systems within the medical field and beyond. Having an interest in our relationship with food and self-sufficiency, I try to implement elements of permaculture into my lifestyle. In my free time, I volunteer at a community garden in my neighborhood and hope to start my own garden soon!
Yulia Zdryueva
City College of New York
I’m a fourth year student at City College of New York majoring in architecture. After graduation I’m looking into post-graduation sustainable environmental design programs. At next gen fellowship I hope to be introduced to work with policymakers towards mitigation of human carbon footprint and achieving environmental justice in general. I’m excited to meet more people with the same aspirations. My not related to the school hobby is cakes baking.