Meet the Summer 2024 Team!
Annika Harding
President
My name is Annika Harding and I am a third-year environmental studies student at UCSB. I am from Seattle, Washington, and in my free time, I like to spend time outside with friends and my family. This is my first year interning with YCT and I am excited to learn from my peers and educate the community about the environment we live in.
Leila Dagan
Education Coordinator
Hi! My name is Leila and I am a second year Environmental Studies B.S. student. I am new to YCT, and I am so excited to be a part of a community dedicated to giving back to the trees. I grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains surrounded by the glorious redwoods. Staring up at these towering trees all my life has brought me so much peace, and has ultimately inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to protecting the environment. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a member of YCT this quarter.
Jessie Rumkin
Growing Grounds Coordinator
Hello! My name is Jessi Rumkin (she/her). I'm a junior transfer at UCSB pursuing an environmental studies (B.S.) degree. After I graduate, I hope to be doing fieldwork for environmental conservation and restoration, focusing on locally native ecosystems and local knowledge. I believe that education and outreach are the foundation for making the changes we want to see, which is why I am excited to be supporting YCT! In my spare time I enjoy relaxed hiking, reading, and snowboarding when I can.
Kellen Pierce
Intern
Hi! I'm a 3rd year environmental studies major and YCT has been the perfect opportunity to benefit our community and work outside in nature! My favorite tree is Platanus racemosa, the Western Sycamore!
Mikey He
Intern
I am Mikey, a junior student at UCSB, majoring in Environmental Studies with a strong interest in sustainability. Currently an intern at UCSB's Sustainability Department, I am passionate about promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. I actively participate in hands-on projects, including workshops on terrariums, hydroponics, mushroom growing, and garden techniques. YCT provides me with a great platform to contact with tree knowledge and hands-on habitat restoration experience.
Sophia Lebensohn
Intern
Hi! I am a third-year Environmental Studies (B.S) major here at UCSB and started working at YCT at the beginning of the summer. I joined YCT because I care deeply about positively impacting our surrounding environment and contributing to our community. The trees we plant will be around a lot longer than us, and that is an amazing thought. I love working with kids and spreading my love for the environment to them. In my free time, I go to the beach and hike with my friends!
Mia Ryang
Vice 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.
Henderson Vo
Treasurer
Hello! My name is Henderson Vo and I am a second-year Environmental Studies student at UCSB. I joined YCT firstly because I love to be around trees, but also because I feel passionate about environmental restoration, especially within the context of our built environment. Sustainable urban design is something that I am particularly interested in, so I'm very excited to be exploring that through the work being done here at YCT!
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!
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.
Joliese Alvarado
Intern
I’m a fourth year environmental studies major. I’ve interned at YCT for two quarters and have enjoyed all of the experiences it's given me. Some things about me are that I like to run, journal and read. I’m currently reading the second book in the Poppy Wars series. My hometown is Sacrmaneto, California and I always look forward to going home.
Olivia Bryant
Intern
I'm a third-year Environmental Studies major and Art minor at UCSB, originally from the Bay Area. I love spending time outdoors, whether I'm surfing, playing volleyball, or making art. My favorite color is green, and I have a special fondness for Callery pear trees. I also have a dog who loves exploring with me. I'm passionate about the environment and excited to plant trees.
Kylie Malone
Intern
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, and 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!