Welcome OBXFS class of 2023!
Hi! My name is Ashlynn Basnight and I’m from Youngsville, NC. I’m double majoring in Public Policy and Environmental Studies on the Sustainability Track. When I’m not in school, you’ll find me pouring lattes, watching documentaries, and hanging out with my cat. I’m excited to learn more about the intersections of policy and coastal ecology in a context that is so close to home! (Also, my family has a lot of history in Eastern North Carolina so I’m pretty stoked to look more into that!)
Hello y’all! My name is Elise Benware, and I’m from Durham, NC. I am a double-major studying Political Science and Environmental Studies. I also have a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. I am interested in pursuing environmental policy in federal agencies or working with members of Congress to pass environmental legislation. I grew up going to my grandparents’ beach house inEmerald Isle, so I am excited to explore the OBX! In my free time I enjoy reading, listening to Fleetwood Mac, watching movies and trying new restaurants and coffee shops.
Hi! My name is Nicky Coursey and I am a rising Sophomore studying Environmental Studies on the Sustainability track and Public Policy. I am interested in renewable energy and climate change policy, in addition to looking at ways to promote knowledge exchange among government, industry, and academia. In my free time I love to workout, make Youtube, and go to the beach!
Hey! My name is Laura Flynn and I am from Charlotte, NC. I am a senior who is double majoring in Environmental Science and Political Science, with a minor in Marine Science. I am interested in pursuing either environmental policy or environmental law. Usually, I spend my days watching Survivor, lifting, or going on a long run. I have worked in the McKee Labs on campus working with stable isotopes in streams and lakes near Chapel Hill and am excited to expand to the Outer Banks. (Pictured is Alex)
Hello! My name is Ella Hennessey and I’m a sophomore from Pittsboro, NC, majoring in Biology. I plan to eventually perform research within the marine biology field. I love doing anything outdoors such as running, hiking, kayaking, and playing with my dogs. I’m super excited for the hands-on learning and off-campus experiences that this semester is providing!
Hey, my name is Drew Huffman, and I am from Maiden, NC. I am a senior majoring in biology and psychology, and I am interested in agricultural science, conservation, and renewable energy systems. In my free time I love to read the Bible, go to coffee shops, watch UNC football, and exercise. I am excited to be a part of a research team this semester that interested in making a positive impact on the environment from a biologically focused perspective.
Hello! My name is Abigail Montes de Oca and I am from Clemmons, NC. I am a sophomore majoring in Biology with a double minor in Chemistry and Health and Society. I love being outdoors, especially near the ocean, so I am excited to get hands on learning experience while being in such a beautiful place! In my free time, I enjoy running, baking, reading, and relaxing with my family/friends. I am looking forward to this semester at the Outer Banks and all the experiences I will have along the way!
Hello! My name is Chloe Williamson and I am a junior majoring in environmental studies with a minor in environmental justice. After college I hope to further my education in urban sustainability and am considering joining the Peace Corps before attending grad school. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, baking, running, reading, and doing arts and crafts!