MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
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Mr. Tarcisio BARBOSA PINHATE (Tarcisio)
International Relations, University of Brasilia, Brazil
Mr. Barbosa Pinhate majored in International Relations and completed his 3rd year at the University of Brasilia. He was a participant in his university’s Model United Nations. He has written two academic pieces based on environmental topics, one of which has been published in a book. He perceives the GEI program as an opportunity for him to learn not only theoretical lessons about the global environmental issues, but also the practical teachings of these issues.
International Relations, University of Brasilia, Brazil
Mr. Barbosa Pinhate majored in International Relations and completed his 3rd year at the University of Brasilia. He was a participant in his university’s Model United Nations. He has written two academic pieces based on environmental topics, one of which has been published in a book. He perceives the GEI program as an opportunity for him to learn not only theoretical lessons about the global environmental issues, but also the practical teachings of these issues.
Ms. Amanda CAMELO GONCALVES (Amanda)
International Relations, University of Amazon (Unama), Brazil
Ms. Camelo Goncalves is studying International Relations and completed her 1st year at the University of Amazon (Unama). She comes from the Amazon region. A highlight involved her representation of her State, Para, to the World Youth Congress. During her time with World Youth Congress, she volunteered at two slums in Rio de Janerio focusing on sustainability efforts through the aid of lectures, workshops, and activities for young children and teenagers. She finds interest in being part of a rich, dynamic, and learning group, which the GEI program embodies.
International Relations, University of Amazon (Unama), Brazil
Ms. Camelo Goncalves is studying International Relations and completed her 1st year at the University of Amazon (Unama). She comes from the Amazon region. A highlight involved her representation of her State, Para, to the World Youth Congress. During her time with World Youth Congress, she volunteered at two slums in Rio de Janerio focusing on sustainability efforts through the aid of lectures, workshops, and activities for young children and teenagers. She finds interest in being part of a rich, dynamic, and learning group, which the GEI program embodies.
Ms. Ekinsu CAMUR (Ekin)
Law, Bilkent University, Turkey
Ms. Camur completed her 1st year at the Bilkent University with a major in Law. She was an Assistant Director for Public Relations at Yeditepe University (previous university). She volunteers with the AFS Intercultural Programs doing activities such as reading to blind children. In high school, she served as an Editor for the school’s newspaper, and helped start the school’s paper recycling program. As a concerned environmentalist, Ms. Camur aims to find a recycling method that can be adopted effectively and efficiently in her community.
Law, Bilkent University, Turkey
Ms. Camur completed her 1st year at the Bilkent University with a major in Law. She was an Assistant Director for Public Relations at Yeditepe University (previous university). She volunteers with the AFS Intercultural Programs doing activities such as reading to blind children. In high school, she served as an Editor for the school’s newspaper, and helped start the school’s paper recycling program. As a concerned environmentalist, Ms. Camur aims to find a recycling method that can be adopted effectively and efficiently in her community.
Ms. Aline FERRETTI PEREIRA BRUNO MEIRA (Aline)
Law, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
Ms. Ferretti Pereira Bruno Meira completed her 1st year at the Federal University of Minas Gerais with a major in Law. On February 2013, she joined as a volunteer for the “Conflict Resolution and Access to Justice” program at her University, in which she educated young children about violence and justice at schools in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte. What resonates with her is leadership. She has been a member of the Interact Club for 5 years, a club affiliated with Rotary International. As part of the GEI program, she hopes to further develop her leadership skills throughout the 5-week program.
Law, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
Ms. Ferretti Pereira Bruno Meira completed her 1st year at the Federal University of Minas Gerais with a major in Law. On February 2013, she joined as a volunteer for the “Conflict Resolution and Access to Justice” program at her University, in which she educated young children about violence and justice at schools in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte. What resonates with her is leadership. She has been a member of the Interact Club for 5 years, a club affiliated with Rotary International. As part of the GEI program, she hopes to further develop her leadership skills throughout the 5-week program.
Mr. Emir Sinan GURLEK (Emir)
Interior Architecture/Environmental Design, Kadir Has University, Turkey
Mr. Gurlek completed his 1st year at the Kadir Has University studying Interior Architecture and Environmental Design. He is a member of three organizations: The Zeithgeist Movement, Greenpeace, and the Erasmus group. On top of this, he is an entrepreneur, establishing two small on-line businesses. Now, he will be an addition to the GEI program. For Mr. Gurlek, he views the GEI program as an international learning platform. He anticipates listening, engaging, and learning from his peers’ perspectives, solutions, and ideas to global environmental issues.
Interior Architecture/Environmental Design, Kadir Has University, Turkey
Mr. Gurlek completed his 1st year at the Kadir Has University studying Interior Architecture and Environmental Design. He is a member of three organizations: The Zeithgeist Movement, Greenpeace, and the Erasmus group. On top of this, he is an entrepreneur, establishing two small on-line businesses. Now, he will be an addition to the GEI program. For Mr. Gurlek, he views the GEI program as an international learning platform. He anticipates listening, engaging, and learning from his peers’ perspectives, solutions, and ideas to global environmental issues.
Mr. Viacheslav IAKUNIN (Slava)
Public Administration, Moscow State University, Russia
Mr. Iakunin completed his 1st year at the Moscow State University with a major in Public Administration. He is a member of Roseco, an ecological organization, and has performed volunteer services for various ecological activities. Between 2009-2011, he served in his school’s Student Government. He also was a member of the Green Movement Environmental Group. He helped launched several petitions against the construction of environmentally harmful industrial enterprises in his local area. As an upcoming GEI participant, Mr. Iakunin will take advantage of the opportunity to build new relationships, learn, and cultivate ideas with the group.
Public Administration, Moscow State University, Russia
Mr. Iakunin completed his 1st year at the Moscow State University with a major in Public Administration. He is a member of Roseco, an ecological organization, and has performed volunteer services for various ecological activities. Between 2009-2011, he served in his school’s Student Government. He also was a member of the Green Movement Environmental Group. He helped launched several petitions against the construction of environmentally harmful industrial enterprises in his local area. As an upcoming GEI participant, Mr. Iakunin will take advantage of the opportunity to build new relationships, learn, and cultivate ideas with the group.
Mr. Mitsuru IRIE (Eppy)
Bioscience (Bioinformatics), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
Mr. Irie completed his 3rd year at the Tokyo Institute of Technology with a major in Bioscience (Bioinformatics). He was awarded the Student Leadership Award by the President of his University. He is a member of BioCreativeStaff, a University program that encourages university science students to conduct science learning events and contests for children. Another organization he is associated with is called the Seminarium Club, a student organization in which members have discussions in English on books that have had a big impact on our world today. Mr. Irie is keen to learn about environmental issues in the U.S. and apply in cross-cultural settings in the future.
Bioscience (Bioinformatics), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
Mr. Irie completed his 3rd year at the Tokyo Institute of Technology with a major in Bioscience (Bioinformatics). He was awarded the Student Leadership Award by the President of his University. He is a member of BioCreativeStaff, a University program that encourages university science students to conduct science learning events and contests for children. Another organization he is associated with is called the Seminarium Club, a student organization in which members have discussions in English on books that have had a big impact on our world today. Mr. Irie is keen to learn about environmental issues in the U.S. and apply in cross-cultural settings in the future.
Mr. Nikolai IVANOV (Nick)
Landscape Architecture, Tyumen State University, Russia
Mr. Ivanov studies Landscape Architecture, and completed his 3rd year at the Tyumen State University. He is the creator of both a student newspaper and an online portal at his institution. He is also a volunteer and coordinator for the DABRO group in which he helps orphans and special needs children get involved with environmentally sound activities. In addition, he has launched several eco-projects. Currently, he is a participant of the German-Russian research project on the sustainable land-use and adaptation strategies to climate change for the corn-belt of Western Siberia (SASCHA project). Mr. Ivanov hopes to share his experience with the GEI team and create innovative ideas to tackle global environmental issues.
Landscape Architecture, Tyumen State University, Russia
Mr. Ivanov studies Landscape Architecture, and completed his 3rd year at the Tyumen State University. He is the creator of both a student newspaper and an online portal at his institution. He is also a volunteer and coordinator for the DABRO group in which he helps orphans and special needs children get involved with environmentally sound activities. In addition, he has launched several eco-projects. Currently, he is a participant of the German-Russian research project on the sustainable land-use and adaptation strategies to climate change for the corn-belt of Western Siberia (SASCHA project). Mr. Ivanov hopes to share his experience with the GEI team and create innovative ideas to tackle global environmental issues.
Ms. Mai KOTAKE (Mai)
Environmental Policy, Keio University, Japan
Ms. Kotake completed her 2nd year at the Keio University with a major in Environmental Policy. She was selected to partake in a recent Embassy-led dialogue about environmental issues with the U.S. Secretary of State, John F. Kerry. Aside from academics, she led a non-profit organization called Climate Challenge Japan, an organization that originated in the U.S. She was also associated with Climate Youth Japan serving as a staff member and an accountant. Upon completion of the GEI program, Ms. Kotake aims to build a relationship between the Climate Challenge Japan and the GEI program.
Environmental Policy, Keio University, Japan
Ms. Kotake completed her 2nd year at the Keio University with a major in Environmental Policy. She was selected to partake in a recent Embassy-led dialogue about environmental issues with the U.S. Secretary of State, John F. Kerry. Aside from academics, she led a non-profit organization called Climate Challenge Japan, an organization that originated in the U.S. She was also associated with Climate Youth Japan serving as a staff member and an accountant. Upon completion of the GEI program, Ms. Kotake aims to build a relationship between the Climate Challenge Japan and the GEI program.
Ms. Natalia LAKTINA (Natalia)
Foreign Languages (English/French), Saratov State University, Russia
Ms. Laktina majored in Foreign Languages (English and French), and completed her 3rd year at the Saratov State University. She is an active member of the Student Council, and is an amateur journalist for the University Fraternal Magazine. She also spends her time volunteering at the Ecological Center for Children in Uruypinsk. Ms. Laktina expects to be an active participant of the GEI program sharing her interest in learning about ongoing environmental issues. What is being taught to her from the institute will be shared with her community in Russia.
Foreign Languages (English/French), Saratov State University, Russia
Ms. Laktina majored in Foreign Languages (English and French), and completed her 3rd year at the Saratov State University. She is an active member of the Student Council, and is an amateur journalist for the University Fraternal Magazine. She also spends her time volunteering at the Ecological Center for Children in Uruypinsk. Ms. Laktina expects to be an active participant of the GEI program sharing her interest in learning about ongoing environmental issues. What is being taught to her from the institute will be shared with her community in Russia.
Ms. Huirong LI (Liana)
High Polymer Material Science & Technology, South China University of Technology, China
Ms. Li is pursuing a degree in High Polymer Material Science and Technology at the South China University of Technology. She is the Chair of South China’s most active student environmental network, the Fresh College. Previously, she was the Chief of the 10th Guangzhou College Green Camp, an influential student outreach program directed by a local environment NGO called “Green Point.” During this period, she led a study to monitor the water quality of the Dongjiang River, a project sponsored by Greenpeace HK. Ms. Li intends to seek personal growth and a direction in her future environmental career, with the GEI program as her guide.
High Polymer Material Science & Technology, South China University of Technology, China
Ms. Li is pursuing a degree in High Polymer Material Science and Technology at the South China University of Technology. She is the Chair of South China’s most active student environmental network, the Fresh College. Previously, she was the Chief of the 10th Guangzhou College Green Camp, an influential student outreach program directed by a local environment NGO called “Green Point.” During this period, she led a study to monitor the water quality of the Dongjiang River, a project sponsored by Greenpeace HK. Ms. Li intends to seek personal growth and a direction in her future environmental career, with the GEI program as her guide.
Ms. Di LOU (Jady)
Tourism/English, Hainan Qiongzhou University, China
Ms. Lou completed her 3rd year at the Qiongzhou University studying tourism and English. She continues to be a volunteer and an honorable “Ocean Watcher” for a prominent environmental NGO, the Blue Ribbon Ocean Conservation Society. She is praised for her excellent organization, management, and leadership capabilities for spearheading projects which include: an investigation of water pollution sources, a coral reef protection publicity program, and a mangrove protection program in the coastal city of Sanya. Ms. Lou values the GEI program because she wants to develop her vision, skills, and knowledge of marine life.
Tourism/English, Hainan Qiongzhou University, China
Ms. Lou completed her 3rd year at the Qiongzhou University studying tourism and English. She continues to be a volunteer and an honorable “Ocean Watcher” for a prominent environmental NGO, the Blue Ribbon Ocean Conservation Society. She is praised for her excellent organization, management, and leadership capabilities for spearheading projects which include: an investigation of water pollution sources, a coral reef protection publicity program, and a mangrove protection program in the coastal city of Sanya. Ms. Lou values the GEI program because she wants to develop her vision, skills, and knowledge of marine life.
Mr. Jumpei MATSUI (Jumpei)
Law, Aoyama Gakuin University, Japan
Mr. Matsui is studying Law, and completed his 2nd year at the Aoyama Gakuin University. He is the President of a student organization called the Japan America Zadankai (JAZ), which is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. He also attended the Embassy-organized discussion focused on environmental issues with U.S. Secretary of State, John F. Kerry. In addition to his credentials, Mr. Matsui was recognized for his help in organizing activities for Earth Day in April of this year. As a participant of the GEI program, he aims to be well educated about the U.S. role in environmental issues, and further enhance his leadership skills.
Law, Aoyama Gakuin University, Japan
Mr. Matsui is studying Law, and completed his 2nd year at the Aoyama Gakuin University. He is the President of a student organization called the Japan America Zadankai (JAZ), which is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. He also attended the Embassy-organized discussion focused on environmental issues with U.S. Secretary of State, John F. Kerry. In addition to his credentials, Mr. Matsui was recognized for his help in organizing activities for Earth Day in April of this year. As a participant of the GEI program, he aims to be well educated about the U.S. role in environmental issues, and further enhance his leadership skills.
Ms. Daria MINIAEVA (Dasha)
American Studies, St. Petersburg State University, Russia
Ms. Miniaeva is majoring in American Studies, and completed her 3rd year at the St. Petersburg State University. She is an active member of the Student Council. She leads discussions on student issues, and volunteers at seminars on issues concerning Russian-American relations. She also finds studying the increasing environmental problems important. As a result, she has spent 2 years conducting research on the relationship between ecology and economy. She has written on perspectives of alternative energy sources in the U.S. She is fascinated by the U.S. government and eager to be in the U.S. to learn about American environmental policies and practices.
American Studies, St. Petersburg State University, Russia
Ms. Miniaeva is majoring in American Studies, and completed her 3rd year at the St. Petersburg State University. She is an active member of the Student Council. She leads discussions on student issues, and volunteers at seminars on issues concerning Russian-American relations. She also finds studying the increasing environmental problems important. As a result, she has spent 2 years conducting research on the relationship between ecology and economy. She has written on perspectives of alternative energy sources in the U.S. She is fascinated by the U.S. government and eager to be in the U.S. to learn about American environmental policies and practices.
Ms. Monika NAGASHIMA (Monica)
Biosciences, Keio University, Japan
Ms. Nagashima completed her 1st year at the Keio University with a major in Biosciences. She is a member of the Speaker team for TEDx Keio University and helped organize the first TEDx event held at her University, which brought over 500 participants. If she is not working out in the community, she is helping out in the research laboratory. Ms. Nagashima is part of a collaborative new project with the Faculty of Medicine known as the Tsuruoka Metabolomics Cohort Study, which aims to analyze metabolic profiles of 10,000 citizens in Tsuruoka town. Being able to study in the U.S., she is eager to learn about food policies being implemented in the country.
Biosciences, Keio University, Japan
Ms. Nagashima completed her 1st year at the Keio University with a major in Biosciences. She is a member of the Speaker team for TEDx Keio University and helped organize the first TEDx event held at her University, which brought over 500 participants. If she is not working out in the community, she is helping out in the research laboratory. Ms. Nagashima is part of a collaborative new project with the Faculty of Medicine known as the Tsuruoka Metabolomics Cohort Study, which aims to analyze metabolic profiles of 10,000 citizens in Tsuruoka town. Being able to study in the U.S., she is eager to learn about food policies being implemented in the country.
Mr. Yangzhi RAO (Rao)
Biological Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, China
Mr. Rao completed his 1st year at the Sun Yat-Sen University with a major in Biological Science. From 2012 to 2013, his roles at his University were: the Minister of the External Communication Department of the Environmental Protection Association, a student volunteer for the Civil Society, and a volunteer for the Friends of Nature organization. Furthermore, he was involved in a local water quality observatory. Looking forward to the GEI program, he is eager to share his knowledge on the current environmental issues of China, and do collaborative work with the GEI team.
Biological Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, China
Mr. Rao completed his 1st year at the Sun Yat-Sen University with a major in Biological Science. From 2012 to 2013, his roles at his University were: the Minister of the External Communication Department of the Environmental Protection Association, a student volunteer for the Civil Society, and a volunteer for the Friends of Nature organization. Furthermore, he was involved in a local water quality observatory. Looking forward to the GEI program, he is eager to share his knowledge on the current environmental issues of China, and do collaborative work with the GEI team.
Mr. Bruno SIQUEIRA SUZART SANTOS (Bruno)
International Relations, University of Brasilia, Brazil
Mr. Siqueira Suzart Santos is studying International Relations at the University of Brasilia. He was awarded the Junior Leader National Prize at the Junior Enterprise World Conference in Brazil. In addition to achieving an acclaimed award, he received a scholarship to Germany to help improve the nation’s leadership status. He views the GEI program as the next stepping stone in his life to helping communities respond to global environmental problems.
International Relations, University of Brasilia, Brazil
Mr. Siqueira Suzart Santos is studying International Relations at the University of Brasilia. He was awarded the Junior Leader National Prize at the Junior Enterprise World Conference in Brazil. In addition to achieving an acclaimed award, he received a scholarship to Germany to help improve the nation’s leadership status. He views the GEI program as the next stepping stone in his life to helping communities respond to global environmental problems.
Mr. Berkin USTUNYILDIZ (Berkin)
Environmental Engineering, Cukurova University, Turkey
Mr. Ustunyildiz completed his 2nd year at the Cukurova University with a major in Environmental Engineering. He is an active member of three organizations at his university: the Photography Club, the Synergy Club, and the Nature and Environment Club. As a GEI participant, he wants to be educated on the types of U.S. alternative programs geared to different environmental issues. Being able to study in the U.S., this experience will prepare him in the future when he becomes part of a team responsible for revising Turkey’s environmental policies.
Environmental Engineering, Cukurova University, Turkey
Mr. Ustunyildiz completed his 2nd year at the Cukurova University with a major in Environmental Engineering. He is an active member of three organizations at his university: the Photography Club, the Synergy Club, and the Nature and Environment Club. As a GEI participant, he wants to be educated on the types of U.S. alternative programs geared to different environmental issues. Being able to study in the U.S., this experience will prepare him in the future when he becomes part of a team responsible for revising Turkey’s environmental policies.
Mr. Erol Nadi VARLI (Erol)
Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey
Mr. Varli majors in Medicine, and completed his 2nd year at the Ankara University. He is a board member of the Medical School’s Scientific Research Club. He is also the member of the Ankara Volunteer Team. Through his studies, he has seen a strong correlation between health and global environmental issues. As a scholar, he aims to provide innovative, practical solutions to reduce or reverse the negative health impacts of changing ecosystems. Looking forward to being part of the GEI program, he is eager to learn how the U.S. deals with the environmental challenges the world faces.
Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey
Mr. Varli majors in Medicine, and completed his 2nd year at the Ankara University. He is a board member of the Medical School’s Scientific Research Club. He is also the member of the Ankara Volunteer Team. Through his studies, he has seen a strong correlation between health and global environmental issues. As a scholar, he aims to provide innovative, practical solutions to reduce or reverse the negative health impacts of changing ecosystems. Looking forward to being part of the GEI program, he is eager to learn how the U.S. deals with the environmental challenges the world faces.
