Our Vision

The EIL envisions a world in which citizens care for one another and our common home. To achieve this, we strive to generate interest in environmental problem-solving, while prioritizing inclusivity, diversity and integration of perspectives and approaches to addressing climate change and our most urgent social and ecological challenges. We acknowledge the impact of human behavior in disrupting the delicate balance of ecological systems as well as the obligation of human beings to restore this balance and act as stewards of the natural world. We also recognize the intersections between poverty, racism, colonization, sexism, heterosexism and ecological destruction and believe that balance with the natural world cannot be resolved without also addressing social oppression in all of its forms.

The Team

Nichole Wissman-Weber

Co-Chair

Management

nwissmanweber@sandiego.edu

Nichole Wissman-Weber is an Assistant Professor of Management at the USD. She studies climate adaptation processes and teaches strategic management

Julia Cantzler

Co-Chair

Sociology

jcantzler@sandiego.edu

Julia Miller Cantzler is an Associate Professor of Sociology at USD. She is also an attorney with expertise in the fields of Federal Indian Law and Environmental Law.

Estela Monserrath Osorio

Student Fellow 2024

eosorioosorio@sandiego.edu

A senior double major In sociology with a concentration In Law, Crime, Justice & Political Science. Interested In advocacy for climate justice and event coordination.

Theresa Nguyen

Student Fellow 2024

theresanguyen@sandiego.edu

A Junior majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Interested in composting advocacy.

Michael Arellano

Student Fellow 2024

michaelarellano@sandiego.edu

First Year Fellow Majoring in Biophysics. Interest in research integration and sustainability.

Miranda Holmes

Graduate Fellow 2024

mirandaholmes@sandiego.edu

Master of Business Administration (MBA) candidate with Business Analytics concentration
Passionate about ESG and people-first leadership.

Marius van Dongen

Student Fellow

mvandongen@sandiego.edu

Junior, Ocean and Environmental Sciences with Environmental Studies concentration. College Corps member. Interest in technological integration and sustainability.

Ramona Tellez

Student Fellow

rtellez@sandiego.edu

Senior, Environmental and Ocean Sciences major with Marine Ecology concentration, Biology and Ethnic Studies minor. Pi Epsilon member and Torero Tour Guide.