Meet Our Sustainability Interns

Roger LeBlanc Jr

(joined in January 2013)

From Littleton, Massachusetts, Roger was drawn to Mason because of the many diverse opportunities for student involvement and the campus’ proximity to DC. His appreciation for the natural world was fostered by his time spent camping as a youth with boy scouting. Wanting to know more about what he could do to combat climate change and how to make a positive environmental impact, Roger entered Mason in the Fall of 2011 as an Environmental Sustainability Studies Major through New Century College. As a resident of the Sustainability Living Learning Community and an active member of Green Patriots, Roger has been struck by the power of community building to foster environmental solutions and encourage green behavior. Through his internship with the Office of Sustainability Roger is excited to aid in the planning of campus events and programs to engage and empower more students to take an active role in the movement towards a sustainable future.

Kathleen Pine

(joined in January 2013)

Kathleen has always had an interest in environmental science and sustainability even though it is not her primary field of study. Majoring in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education, Kathleen became familiar with the Office of Sustainability through her work within New Century College.

As an out-of-state student from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Kathleen has made a name for herself on Mason's campus. Not only does she maintain outstanding academics proven by her continued standing on the Dean’s List, but Kathleen is also active in several other organizations. She is on Alpha Xi Delta's Executive Council as their Recording Secretary and is a part of their intramural volleyball team. Kathleen is also the Vice President of Mason's Fashion Society and the Public Relations Coordinator for the Organic Gardening Association (GOGA). She is a member of many honors societies including Order of Omega, Alpha Lambda Delta, Lambda Sigma, and National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Following her undergraduate studies, Kathleen aspires to be admitted into Mason’s 5-year intensive Masters' program in Elementary Education. Likewise, she seeks to pursue Certification in Special Education. Kathleen brings a new networking outlook to the Office with her many connections throughout the Mason community, which is critical to changing Mason's culture to be more sustainable.

Giulia Manno

(joined in August 2012)

Spending her childhood exploring the creeks and forests in her hometown of Stafford, VA, Giulia has always been passionate about environmental protection.

Following her interests, she entered GMU as a bio major in 2009. As Giulia learned about the innovative programs Mason has to offer, she changed into NCC as an integrative studies major with a concentration in conservation and a minor in business in 2011. In the fall of 2011 Giulia was accepted into, and graduated from the Smithsonian-Mason semester program at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Here she received a hands-on educational experience in all aspects of conservation from environmental policy to sustainable agriculture and endangered species conservation

Upon returning to Mason, Giulia became involved with the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center’s School2Bay program as a field interpreter teaching middle school students about biodiversity and water quality challenges in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Giulia also joined the Green Patriots group in the spring of 2012. The Green Patriots work to communicate sustainability initiatives on campus to the greater Mason community through peer-to-peer education and community outreach projects. In the fall of 2012, she stepped into a leadership role as President of the Green Patriots.

Giulia is also involved in the Alternative Break program at Mason, and plays on the Women’s Club Soccer team.

After graduating in the spring of 2013, she plans to further pursue her interests in sustainable business, environmental education, and community building.

Julia Douglas

(joined in August 2012)

Julia Douglas grew up in Falls Church, Virginia. Her family spent a lot of time hiking, camping, and traveling to beautiful landscapes, which kindled her passion for nature at an early age. She gets outdoors whenever possible, and is committed to healthily living, sustainability, and protecting the environment. She has been involved with groups such as the GMU Environmental Action Group and the Virginia Alliance for a Cleaner Environment.

Right now, Julia is studying painting and creative writing at George Mason. She hopes to use her creative skills to change the way people think about and interact with the world.

Jennifer Souther

(joined in June 2012)

Jennifer Souther has been interested in animals and nature for as long as she can remember. Throughout her childhood, she often ignored her mother’s orders to stay out of the local creek, frequently wading through waist-deep water with her overdue library books in hand; trying to determine what species of fish she saw swimming around her feet.

Since coming to George Mason University, Jennifer’s curiosity about nature has evolved into a full-blown passion for conservation. Beginning with joining the Environmental Action Group, Jennifer moved on to become an active member in the student component of Mason Green Patriots. It was through these two organizations that Jennifer built a foundation for her studies in conservation.

The sustainability community at mason also inspired her to make several changes in her lifestyle to lessen her environmental impact. These include opting to ride her bicycle to campus, going vegetarian, and ultimately cutting out eggs and dairy to adopt a vegan diet.

In the summer of 2012, Jennifer studied Rainforest Conservation and Ecology in Belize with Dr. Sylvia Vitazkova. This week-long field study changed her life; Jennifer realized that she wanted to become a conservation biologist rather than an elementary school teacher as was originally planned.

She is now hoping to take every opportunity she can to expand her knowledge about conservation, ultimately at the doctoral level. Jennifer hopes to graduate with a BA in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education and a minor in Conservation Studies in December 2012, and plans to return to Mason for her Master’s Degree and PhD.

Anartia Gamboa, Sustainability Intern

(joined in May 2010)

Anartia was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. The child of a biologist and a park ranger, she was exposed to the natural beauty of Costa Rica from a very young age, which eventually led her to become passionate about a variety environmental issues. She has always enjoyed interacting with people, and in high school found a love for public speaking. In 2007 she addressed the Virginia Assembly and spoke in front of 200 people at Virginia Pro-Choice Lobby Day. She has facilitated and coordinated several workshops in topics ranging from contraceptive choices, to Ecofeminism.

Anartia is currently a senior majoring in Global Affairs with a concentration in International Development, and minors in Mandarin Chinese and Conservation Biology. She became a member of the Environmental Action Group (EAG) her freshman year, but didn't become active in its leadership until her junior year. She's now a Steering Committee member for the EAG, and hopes to get as many students involved in sustainable practices at Mason as possible. On campus, she is also involved in the Progressive Student Alliance, PRIDE Alliance, the Hispanic Student Association, and the Mason DREAMers.

In the future, Anartia would like to be involved in a career with a lot of traveling; until then she's hoping to volunteer in the Peace Corps after graduating.