2026 Wyss Scholars Selected
The Wyss Foundation is proud to announce our 2026 Wyss Scholars. The Wyss Scholars Program supports the graduate-level education of a new generation of leaders in U.S. land conservation. Wyss Scholars learn the latest in conservation policy and law and apply that knowledge in future careers at land management agencies and nonprofit conservation groups.
Wyss scholarships are awarded to students currently enrolled at one of the six host schools: Lewis & Clark College (Law), Northern Arizona University (Environmental Science and Policy), University of Colorado (Law), University of Michigan (School for the Environment and Sustainability, and Law), University of Montana (Environmental Studies Program, College of Forestry and Conservation, and Law), Yale University (School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and Law).
Lewis & Clark College selected two Wyss Scholars from its law school. Brooke Helstrom worked with Earthjustice and the Gallatin Watershed Council on restoration projects. She is co-director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter, a board member of the Northwest Environmental Defense Center, and an extern with Advocates for the West. She previously worked with Crag Law Center and will return to Earthjustice this summer. Henry Sollitt studied Environmental Studies at the University of Vermont and worked with the Trust for Public Land before serving as a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service. At Lewis & Clark, he is a board member of the Northwest Environmental Defense Center and incoming Form & Style Editor for Environmental Law. He has worked with the Earthrise Law Center and will join Crag Law Center this summer.
Two Wyss Scholars were selected at Northern Arizona University. Taylor Hartness studied ecology and environmental science at Winona State University and worked as a forestry technician with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She is researching aquatic ecosystems in northern Arizona. Tia Hatton studied environmental science at the University of Oregon and has worked in land conservation, climate advocacy, and municipal sustainability. She is pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Science and Policy with a focus on equitable conservation solutions.
The University of Colorado selected two Wyss Scholars from its law school. Alexis Padilla studied political science with a focus on environmental ethics and has worked in environmental education, climate policy, and regulatory compliance. At Colorado Law, she is involved with the Environmental Law Journal, the Natural Resources Clinic, and the Getches-Wilkinson Center, and has interned with Earthjustice and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. Piper Lacy studied sustainable agriculture at Mount Holyoke College and worked as a soil ecology researcher in Montana and Massachusetts. At Colorado Law, she serves on the Colorado Environmental Law Society board and as Lead Notes Editor for the Colorado Environmental Law Journal. She has externed with Earthjustice and will clerk with the Boulder County Attorney’s Office this summer.
Five Wyss Scholars were selected at the University of Michigan. Annalisa Shehab studied environmental science at the University of Oregon and worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and as an Assistant Natural Areas Steward. She is pursuing a Master’s in Ecosystem Science and Management. Josh Messe is a law student at the University of Michigan and serves as Managing Notes Editor for the Michigan Journal of Environmental and Administrative Law and Communications Chair for the Environmental Law Society. He is currently externing with the Sierra Club. Nikki Chopra studied environmental policy at Michigan State University and worked with the Michigan Community Service Commission and Wayne County Sustainability & Innovation. She is pursuing a Master’s in ecosystem science and communication. Franny Atmore studied biology and anthropology at Grinnell College and is pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Policy and Planning, building on experience as an outdoor educator in the Upper Midwest. Annie Sinor studied interdisciplinary environmental studies at the University of North Florida and served as an AmeriCorps VISTA before working as a Florida State Park Ranger. She is pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Studies.
The University of Montana selected five Wyss Scholars from its graduate and law programs. Caitlin Cogdill is pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Studies focused on food systems and Indigenous land-care practices, building on nonprofit leadership experience. Elizabeth Tobey studied environmental science at Willamette University and resource conservation at the University of Montana. She is a law student, co-chair of the Environmental Law Group, and incoming editor-in-chief of the Public Land and Resources Law Review. Ande Peersen studied anthropology and international studies at Centre College and has worked in wilderness conservation, land management, and public health. She is focused on community and landscape resilience. Gabriela Eseverri is an environmental writer who previously worked with the National Park Service on Glacier National Park’s Headwaters podcast. Tara Santi studied environmental studies and sociology at Middlebury College and is pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Studies focused on agriculture and conflict resolution in Montana.
Four Wyss Scholars were selected at Yale University. Caitlyn Castleberry is a Master of Forestry candidate focused on forest management and public lands policy, with prior experience in Washington, D.C. Jackson Newman is a Master of Environmental Management student who has worked in ecological restoration and community organizing in Montana on energy and agricultural policy. Claire Potter is a law student at Yale Law School, co-president of the Yale Environmental Law Association, and a former climate reporter covering public lands, agriculture, and water issues. Paige Wagar is a joint Master of Forestry and J.D. student who has worked with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and multiple conservation organizations on public lands.
For more information about the program, visit our Wyss Scholars page.
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About the Wyss Foundation – The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land.