Meet the Summer 2024-2025 Team!
Ken Knight
Technical Advisor
As Technical Advisor, I founded YCT at UCSB in 2014 to provide practical, tree-related science experiences to academic students at UCSB and local schools. YCT at UCSB is an opportunity for students to get their hands dirty, learn about how to work effectively with others, and hopefully pass along their knowledge to others. When I’m not volunteering as President of the nonprofit side of Your Children’s Trees (www.yourchildrenstrees.org), I work as a Registered Consulting Arborist (www.goletaarborists.com) providing expert advice on trees. In my 40 years living in Goleta, I’ve planted and cared for 5000+ public trees for future generations.
Amber Miranda
Harder Growing Grounds
Hi! I'm Amber, and I'm a first-year Environmental Studies major at UCSB. I like to crochet, bake, and paint when I'm free. I love nature and enjoy the opportunity to not only be surrounded by trees but also to give back and plant trees for future generations through YCT. I love that I get to work hands-on with the environment and talk to passionate people every week.
Alisann Tolosa
Elings Growing Grounds Coordinator
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Mia Ryang
President
Hello! My name is Mia and I'm a third year at UCSB. I am currently pursuing an Environmental Studies B.A. with a minor in Anthropology. I love to create art, listen to music, and be outdoors...or do all three at the same time! I am passionate about the future of our Earth and all the efforts being made to enact change. I think that one of the most important things to do is to bridge the disconnect between us and nature, especially within the youth.
Kylie Malone
Tree Walk Coordinator
Hi! My name is Kylie and I am a fourth-year Ecology and Evolution student. I'm interested in ecosystem restoration, endangered species conservation, and working with plants and animals. YCT allows me to explore my interests while making a visible impact on my community. I also enjoy looking for new music, playing games like Stardew Valley, making crafts/decorations, and learning how to cook/bake!
Emily Lombardi
Social Media Coordinator
Hi! I’m Emily Lombardi and I’m a third year in Environmental Studies! While pursuing a B.S. means I get to take a lot of biology, physics and chem courses, this made me step back and realize that I felt fairly disconnected from the environmental studies community at UCSB. I wanted to join YCT as a way to become more active in the Environmental Studies community through meeting like-minded individuals and as an outlet from the STEM-heavy classes I’m taking!
Sam Woods
Tree Care Coordinator
Hi! My name is Sam Woods (she/her) and I am currently a 2nd year Environmental Studies B.S. student! The environment has played a big role in my life, as my parents have always cared deeply for nature and creatures of all kinds. I joined YTC to become more involved in my community and to uphold the environmental consciousness that my family has instilled in me.