MEET THE PARTICIPANTS!
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Ms. Esra CALISKAN (Esra)
Management and Industrial Engineering, Istanbul Technical University
Ms. Esra Caliskan is pursuing a double major in Management and Industrial Engineering at Istanbul Technical University. Ms. Caliskan is focused on how to address various global environmental issues, as well as bringing together, and providing higher education to women entrepreneurs. As a leader, she hopes to inspire women to become more active in solving their community issues in Turkey. In the future she hopes to gain experience in and bridge between private companies, NGOs and the government sectors, while sharing the knowledge she has gained to address environmental issues.
Management and Industrial Engineering, Istanbul Technical University
Ms. Esra Caliskan is pursuing a double major in Management and Industrial Engineering at Istanbul Technical University. Ms. Caliskan is focused on how to address various global environmental issues, as well as bringing together, and providing higher education to women entrepreneurs. As a leader, she hopes to inspire women to become more active in solving their community issues in Turkey. In the future she hopes to gain experience in and bridge between private companies, NGOs and the government sectors, while sharing the knowledge she has gained to address environmental issues.
Mr. Killian Luiz Edouard CINTRA GRIPPON (Killian)
International Relations, University of Brasilia, Brazil
Mr. Killian Luiz Édouard Cintra Grippon is currently a student at the University of Brasília studying International Relations. Mr. Grippon has obtained knowledge and skills from experiences such as being chosen to participate in the Domani International Consultancy – Junior Enterprise of International Relations, and coordinating a pilot project focusing on helping an Amazonian indigenous community export its products. Most recently he was the Public Relations Director for a project with the UN Simulation for Secondary School (SiNUS), and is currently interning at Brazil’s Ministry of Social Development and Fight Against Hunger.
International Relations, University of Brasilia, Brazil
Mr. Killian Luiz Édouard Cintra Grippon is currently a student at the University of Brasília studying International Relations. Mr. Grippon has obtained knowledge and skills from experiences such as being chosen to participate in the Domani International Consultancy – Junior Enterprise of International Relations, and coordinating a pilot project focusing on helping an Amazonian indigenous community export its products. Most recently he was the Public Relations Director for a project with the UN Simulation for Secondary School (SiNUS), and is currently interning at Brazil’s Ministry of Social Development and Fight Against Hunger.
Ms.
Jesica ELIZA FERREIRA (Jesi)
Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences for the Supreme, Brazil
Ms. Jesica Eliza Ferreira is a student at Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences for the Supreme studying Medicine. Her passion to make a difference in her community shows through actions, such as volunteering to give free health care services, conducting research, giving lectures and helping disseminate information to the public. Ms. Ferreira has gained valuable experiences working as a trainee at a public intensive care unit, working at the Neurology Station under her mentors, and actively participating in her school’s Embryology, Neurology, and Cardiology Leagues. Through her involvement in the community, she reinforces her belief that people need to be educated on health care to increase their well-being.
Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences for the Supreme, Brazil
Ms. Jesica Eliza Ferreira is a student at Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences for the Supreme studying Medicine. Her passion to make a difference in her community shows through actions, such as volunteering to give free health care services, conducting research, giving lectures and helping disseminate information to the public. Ms. Ferreira has gained valuable experiences working as a trainee at a public intensive care unit, working at the Neurology Station under her mentors, and actively participating in her school’s Embryology, Neurology, and Cardiology Leagues. Through her involvement in the community, she reinforces her belief that people need to be educated on health care to increase their well-being.
Mr.
Mehmet ERINMEZ (Mehmet)
Medicine, Gaziantep University, Turkey
Mr. Mehmet Erinmez is currently a student at Gaziantep University studying medicine. Mr. Erinmez is striving to become a plastic surgeon, and hopes to establish a charity that will provide free medical services to those who cannot afford it themselves. His interest in medicine also correlates to his interest in environmental issues, as it relates to public health. He is active in school and community activities such as volunteering for the Red Crescent blood donation programs, at the local animal shelter, and reading to children in the hospital.
Medicine, Gaziantep University, Turkey
Mr. Mehmet Erinmez is currently a student at Gaziantep University studying medicine. Mr. Erinmez is striving to become a plastic surgeon, and hopes to establish a charity that will provide free medical services to those who cannot afford it themselves. His interest in medicine also correlates to his interest in environmental issues, as it relates to public health. He is active in school and community activities such as volunteering for the Red Crescent blood donation programs, at the local animal shelter, and reading to children in the hospital.
Ms.
Marina Beatriz FREITAG (Mari)
Film and Audovisual, Fluminense Federal University, Brazil
Ms. Marina Beatriz Freitag is a Film and Audovisual student at Fluminense Federal University in Brazil. Ms. Freitag decided to study cinema and focus on using cultural aspects to educate and relay information to the public through films. She is currently working on two projects, one on her campus that consists of a week of various lectures on arts and cultural production by students, faculty and those in the community, and the second is her own documentary events in the favela of Mare in order to inform Brazilians about the political and social aspects of this community with little to no media coverage.
Film and Audovisual, Fluminense Federal University, Brazil
Ms. Marina Beatriz Freitag is a Film and Audovisual student at Fluminense Federal University in Brazil. Ms. Freitag decided to study cinema and focus on using cultural aspects to educate and relay information to the public through films. She is currently working on two projects, one on her campus that consists of a week of various lectures on arts and cultural production by students, faculty and those in the community, and the second is her own documentary events in the favela of Mare in order to inform Brazilians about the political and social aspects of this community with little to no media coverage.
Ms.
Elena GURCHENKO (Elena)
Biotechnology, Timiryazev Moscow Agricultural Academy, Russia
Ms. Elena Gurchenko has just completed her first year at the Timiryazev Moscow Agricultural Academy studying Biotechnology. Ms. Gurchenko participated in her first ecology project in 2006 at the age of 11 with the ecological foundation “Hope” in Nakhodka, which was aimed to resolve flood control and was well-recognized in the community. She also participated in a project that taught younger children to control water usage, and a project called “Studying solid waste coastal pollution of the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea” whose results were presented to the Northeast Asia Youth Environmental Preservation in Toyama, Japan. Along with exploring environmental issues and developing her leadership skills, she hopes to exchange ideas with her SUSI peers to apply back home in Russia.
Biotechnology, Timiryazev Moscow Agricultural Academy, Russia
Ms. Elena Gurchenko has just completed her first year at the Timiryazev Moscow Agricultural Academy studying Biotechnology. Ms. Gurchenko participated in her first ecology project in 2006 at the age of 11 with the ecological foundation “Hope” in Nakhodka, which was aimed to resolve flood control and was well-recognized in the community. She also participated in a project that taught younger children to control water usage, and a project called “Studying solid waste coastal pollution of the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea” whose results were presented to the Northeast Asia Youth Environmental Preservation in Toyama, Japan. Along with exploring environmental issues and developing her leadership skills, she hopes to exchange ideas with her SUSI peers to apply back home in Russia.
Mr.
Mehmet Ali HAKAN (Mehmet Ali)
Civil Engineering, Bogazici University, Turkey
Mr. Mehmet Ali Hakan completed his second year at Bogazici University in Civil Engineering. Mr. Hakan is heavily involved in various clubs that focus on solar power and bio-mass energy producing systems. As an active member and director in these organizations, he continues to bring awareness to the public, as well as continues to educate himself on topics such as resource management, greenhouse gasses, and renewable energy. He sees Turkey’s potential to enter the green energy sector and hopes to increase the demand for these renewable energy resources. He hopes to utilize his new knowledge to increase his country’s economic growth by increasing its sustainability.
Civil Engineering, Bogazici University, Turkey
Mr. Mehmet Ali Hakan completed his second year at Bogazici University in Civil Engineering. Mr. Hakan is heavily involved in various clubs that focus on solar power and bio-mass energy producing systems. As an active member and director in these organizations, he continues to bring awareness to the public, as well as continues to educate himself on topics such as resource management, greenhouse gasses, and renewable energy. He sees Turkey’s potential to enter the green energy sector and hopes to increase the demand for these renewable energy resources. He hopes to utilize his new knowledge to increase his country’s economic growth by increasing its sustainability.
Mr.
Junya ISHIDA (Jun)
International Development Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
Mr. Junya Ishida has completed his third year at the Tokyo Institute of Technology in the field of International Developmental Engineering. With his curiosity in learning about different cultures, he is very interested in learning how to integrate these socio-economic ideas with his field of study. His current research involves environmental policy and renewable energy technology, and he is interested in learning how to bring environmental awareness to the public. Mr. Ishida hopes to gain and exchange valuable information with his SUSI peers, as well as utilize this knowledge in other projects at home that he is involved with such as TedX.
International Development Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
Mr. Junya Ishida has completed his third year at the Tokyo Institute of Technology in the field of International Developmental Engineering. With his curiosity in learning about different cultures, he is very interested in learning how to integrate these socio-economic ideas with his field of study. His current research involves environmental policy and renewable energy technology, and he is interested in learning how to bring environmental awareness to the public. Mr. Ishida hopes to gain and exchange valuable information with his SUSI peers, as well as utilize this knowledge in other projects at home that he is involved with such as TedX.
Mr.
Dogan Can KARABUDAK (Can)
Computer Engineering, Toros University, Turkey
Mr. Dogan Can Karabudak is a student studying Computer Engineering at the new and science oriented Toros University in Mersin, Turkey. Mr. Karabudak hopes to become a college professor in computer science, but is also interested in raising awareness about environmental issues. He has been involved with many school and community organizations, as well as attended various conferences such as the National Green Young Entrepreneurs Summit and Action 2023 Conference. His interests are in water management issues, food security, climate change, and energy.
Computer Engineering, Toros University, Turkey
Mr. Dogan Can Karabudak is a student studying Computer Engineering at the new and science oriented Toros University in Mersin, Turkey. Mr. Karabudak hopes to become a college professor in computer science, but is also interested in raising awareness about environmental issues. He has been involved with many school and community organizations, as well as attended various conferences such as the National Green Young Entrepreneurs Summit and Action 2023 Conference. His interests are in water management issues, food security, climate change, and energy.
Ms.
Aigul KAVIEVA (Aigul)
Teaching English and German, Kazan Federal University, Russia
Ms. Aigul Kavieva is a student at Kazan Federal University pursuing her teaching degree in the English and German languages. Ms. Kavieva demonstrates a variety of interests, but is dedicated to educating the younger generations on environmental issues. She has a great amount of work and volunteer experience in creative writing, interpreting, and working with children. Her dream is to help change the future of the world by educating children at a young age, allowing them to appreciate the environment around them.
Teaching English and German, Kazan Federal University, Russia
Ms. Aigul Kavieva is a student at Kazan Federal University pursuing her teaching degree in the English and German languages. Ms. Kavieva demonstrates a variety of interests, but is dedicated to educating the younger generations on environmental issues. She has a great amount of work and volunteer experience in creative writing, interpreting, and working with children. Her dream is to help change the future of the world by educating children at a young age, allowing them to appreciate the environment around them.
Mr.
Victor LACERDA BOTELHO (Victor)
Law, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
Mr. Victor Lacerda Botelho just completed his third year studying Law at the Federal University of Pernambuco. As an inspiring diplomat, he hopes to address various issues in his country and the rest of the globe. Mr. Botelho comes from an area that recently became one of the powerhouses of Brazil as it struggles between industrial development and environmental preservation. His experience includes an internship at the local Court of Justice in the Brazilian judiciary system, and he is currently conducting research in the Philosophy of Law and Argumentation Theory. He hopes to gain knowledge about the U.S. and other countries to apply back at home.
Law, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
Mr. Victor Lacerda Botelho just completed his third year studying Law at the Federal University of Pernambuco. As an inspiring diplomat, he hopes to address various issues in his country and the rest of the globe. Mr. Botelho comes from an area that recently became one of the powerhouses of Brazil as it struggles between industrial development and environmental preservation. His experience includes an internship at the local Court of Justice in the Brazilian judiciary system, and he is currently conducting research in the Philosophy of Law and Argumentation Theory. He hopes to gain knowledge about the U.S. and other countries to apply back at home.
Ms.
Mingshi LIAO (Sally)
Environmental Science, China University of Geosciences, China
Ms. Ming Shi Liao has just completed her first year at the China University of Geosciences studying Environmental Science. Her dedication as a young environmental activist shows through her actions and voice in the environmental community. In high school, she volunteered in the school’s yearly World Environment Day and Biodiversity Day campaigns. Carrying on into her college career, she joined the Green Earth Association, became a member of the National 1000 Environmental-Friendly Youth Ambassadors, co-ran an environmental protection journal, as well as led a garbage classification project for primary students. She hopes to develop her leadership skills and understand various cultural aspects to better learn how they affect policy decisions.
Environmental Science, China University of Geosciences, China
Ms. Ming Shi Liao has just completed her first year at the China University of Geosciences studying Environmental Science. Her dedication as a young environmental activist shows through her actions and voice in the environmental community. In high school, she volunteered in the school’s yearly World Environment Day and Biodiversity Day campaigns. Carrying on into her college career, she joined the Green Earth Association, became a member of the National 1000 Environmental-Friendly Youth Ambassadors, co-ran an environmental protection journal, as well as led a garbage classification project for primary students. She hopes to develop her leadership skills and understand various cultural aspects to better learn how they affect policy decisions.
Ms.
Daria MUKHORTOVA (Dasha)
International Relations, St. Petersburg State University, Russia
Ms. Daria Mukhortova is a student at St. Petersburg State University studying International Relations. Ms. Mukhortova has a great interest in alternative energy policies in the U.S., which she has learned from her university, and while as an exchange student at Sciences Po Paris in France. Her experiences include conducting research on U.S. energy policy and alternative sources of energy, as well as being very active in her community and university organizations. She is a devoted environmentalist and hopes to network and learn extensively from different techniques to implement back home.
International Relations, St. Petersburg State University, Russia
Ms. Daria Mukhortova is a student at St. Petersburg State University studying International Relations. Ms. Mukhortova has a great interest in alternative energy policies in the U.S., which she has learned from her university, and while as an exchange student at Sciences Po Paris in France. Her experiences include conducting research on U.S. energy policy and alternative sources of energy, as well as being very active in her community and university organizations. She is a devoted environmentalist and hopes to network and learn extensively from different techniques to implement back home.
Ms.
Chica OGI (Chica)
Policy Management (Water Management), Keio University, Japan
Ms. Chica Ogi has just completed her third year studies as a Policy Management major at Keio University. Ms. Ogi has an interest in water management, and has independently contacted and worked with Israeli and Palestinian universities to bring students together to discuss water issues. She also has great volunteer experience including working with refugees and children in countries overseas. In the future, she hopes to research and learn more about water management and purification, and more specifically joint water management between Israel and Palestine.
Policy Management (Water Management), Keio University, Japan
Ms. Chica Ogi has just completed her third year studies as a Policy Management major at Keio University. Ms. Ogi has an interest in water management, and has independently contacted and worked with Israeli and Palestinian universities to bring students together to discuss water issues. She also has great volunteer experience including working with refugees and children in countries overseas. In the future, she hopes to research and learn more about water management and purification, and more specifically joint water management between Israel and Palestine.
Ms.
Sachiho OKA (Sachi)
International Development, University of Tsukuba, Japan
Ms. Sachiho Oka is an International Development major at the University of Tsukuba. Ms. Oka is interested in the economic development and environmental issues in developing countries in order to improve their sustainability. She hopes to further study environmental policies in developed countries to apply their insights to developing counties’ sustainability plans. With her extensive involvement with the community and working with others, she would like to work with others internationally in assisting with developing infrastructure in developing countries.
International Development, University of Tsukuba, Japan
Ms. Sachiho Oka is an International Development major at the University of Tsukuba. Ms. Oka is interested in the economic development and environmental issues in developing countries in order to improve their sustainability. She hopes to further study environmental policies in developed countries to apply their insights to developing counties’ sustainability plans. With her extensive involvement with the community and working with others, she would like to work with others internationally in assisting with developing infrastructure in developing countries.
Mr.
Kai TADA (Kai)
International Cultural Studies, Meio University, Japan
Mr. Kai Tada is studying International Cultural Studies at Meio University, and has already demonstrated a strong commitment to global issues with an impressive volunteer track record. Just recently completing his first year, Mr. Tad has been elected as the incoming president of his university’s International English Global Communication Circle. He also possesses experience with Okinawa’s delicate ecosystem, with knowledge on balancing tourism and economic interests. Working as an English tutor, he enjoys communicating with other international students and is looking forward to discussing environmental issues and sharing current issues affecting Japan and Okinawa.
International Cultural Studies, Meio University, Japan
Mr. Kai Tada is studying International Cultural Studies at Meio University, and has already demonstrated a strong commitment to global issues with an impressive volunteer track record. Just recently completing his first year, Mr. Tad has been elected as the incoming president of his university’s International English Global Communication Circle. He also possesses experience with Okinawa’s delicate ecosystem, with knowledge on balancing tourism and economic interests. Working as an English tutor, he enjoys communicating with other international students and is looking forward to discussing environmental issues and sharing current issues affecting Japan and Okinawa.
Mr.
Yiming XU (Yiming)
Urban Planning, Northeast Normal University, China
Mr. Yiming Xu is currently a student at Northeast Normal University studying Urban Planning. As a student government member, he has developed several programs to raise awareness about smog-related pollution problems and green transportation, showing his commitment to environmental efforts. Mr. Xu also hopes to use his education in urban planning to improve China’s environment, and wishes to pursue graduate studies in urban planning in the U.S. to further his knowledge. From the program he would like to exchange ideas as well as learn more about U.S. environmental protection policies and techniques to bring back to China.
Urban Planning, Northeast Normal University, China
Mr. Yiming Xu is currently a student at Northeast Normal University studying Urban Planning. As a student government member, he has developed several programs to raise awareness about smog-related pollution problems and green transportation, showing his commitment to environmental efforts. Mr. Xu also hopes to use his education in urban planning to improve China’s environment, and wishes to pursue graduate studies in urban planning in the U.S. to further his knowledge. From the program he would like to exchange ideas as well as learn more about U.S. environmental protection policies and techniques to bring back to China.
Ms.
Kristina ZAPOROZHSKAIA (Kristina)
Conflict Studies, Far Eastern Federal University, Russia
Ms. Kristina Zaporozhskaia has just completed her second year in Conflict Studies at Far Eastern Federal University. Ms. Zaporozhskaia shows a strong dedication to solve environmental issues which include volunteering for Greenpeace and working to help protect endangered species in her native Amur region, particularly leopards and tigers. She is also interested in other global issues, having started an online petition to try and stop oil and gas drilling in Alaska. Her future goals include using her education to help resolve disputes between activists and companies, as well as organizing events to protect the environment such as with her university to clean Amur Bay or organize conferences on pressing environmental issues.
Conflict Studies, Far Eastern Federal University, Russia
Ms. Kristina Zaporozhskaia has just completed her second year in Conflict Studies at Far Eastern Federal University. Ms. Zaporozhskaia shows a strong dedication to solve environmental issues which include volunteering for Greenpeace and working to help protect endangered species in her native Amur region, particularly leopards and tigers. She is also interested in other global issues, having started an online petition to try and stop oil and gas drilling in Alaska. Her future goals include using her education to help resolve disputes between activists and companies, as well as organizing events to protect the environment such as with her university to clean Amur Bay or organize conferences on pressing environmental issues.
Mr.
Yibing ZHAO (Brian)
Environmental Engineering, Tsinghua University, China
Mr. Yi Bing Zhao is studying Environmental Engineering at Tsinghua University, where he was the recipient of the 2012-2013 Tsinghua-Hengda Scholarship in the School of Environment. Mr. Zhao is involved with school organizations such as the Student Green Association and Student Vegetarian Association, as well as being involved with the “Environmental impact of urban traffic reserve policy” research project in Tsinghua. In the future he hopes to work at China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and help tackle China’s pollution problems using new knowledge and experiences gained during SUSI in international environmental issues.
Environmental Engineering, Tsinghua University, China
Mr. Yi Bing Zhao is studying Environmental Engineering at Tsinghua University, where he was the recipient of the 2012-2013 Tsinghua-Hengda Scholarship in the School of Environment. Mr. Zhao is involved with school organizations such as the Student Green Association and Student Vegetarian Association, as well as being involved with the “Environmental impact of urban traffic reserve policy” research project in Tsinghua. In the future he hopes to work at China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and help tackle China’s pollution problems using new knowledge and experiences gained during SUSI in international environmental issues.
Ms. Zhiqing ZHU (Julia)
Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hainan University, China
Ms. Zhi Qing Zhu is a student at Hainan University studying Pharmaceutical Engineering and has a passion for marine protection. Joining the Blue Ribbon Ocean Conservation Society, and well-known NGO in Hainan, in her freshman year, she has actively participated and has held leadership positions. After the Son-Tinh typhoon in October 2012, Ms. Zhu led hundreds of Blue Ribbon volunteers in efforts to clean up trash on the beaches. With her love for the ocean and educational studies in medicine, she hopes to learn how to develop new techniques and attain resources from the ocean, while still preserving its natural state.
Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hainan University, China
Ms. Zhi Qing Zhu is a student at Hainan University studying Pharmaceutical Engineering and has a passion for marine protection. Joining the Blue Ribbon Ocean Conservation Society, and well-known NGO in Hainan, in her freshman year, she has actively participated and has held leadership positions. After the Son-Tinh typhoon in October 2012, Ms. Zhu led hundreds of Blue Ribbon volunteers in efforts to clean up trash on the beaches. With her love for the ocean and educational studies in medicine, she hopes to learn how to develop new techniques and attain resources from the ocean, while still preserving its natural state.