Sept 16, 2024

Meet our 2024-25 cohort of Students Taking on Oil & Petrochemicals (STOP) Fellows! STOP is a fellowship supporting students in the Ohio River Valley, a region threatened by petrochemical buildout, as they create campaigns & education in their campus communities. Students connect over shared experiences, receive 1on1 guidance from mentors in their area, and train up on facilitation and leadership skills.

Our Fellows this year include students from Ohio University, Virginia Tech, Centre College, Berea College, University of Louisville, Morehead State University,Bethany College, West Virginia State University, and Virginia State University. They are passionate community organizers, policy advocates, educators, researchers, club leaders, and more!

Catherine Shewchuk:

Attending Virginia Tech as a junior in Environmental Policy and Planning, Catherine also spends time organizing for clubs on her campus. Working mainly with the Environmental Coalition, of which she is president, and her campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. When not at school, Catherine can usually be found at a local coffee shop, where she likes to read with a latte and good music.

Catherine Galla:

Catherine, originally from Cleveland, is a senior studying Environmental Studies at Ohio University. She is Co-President of the Sierra Student Coalition on campus in addition to Vice President of College Engagement and Philanthropy with the Honors Tutorial College Student Council. She enjoys spending time outside, working on arts and crafts, and drinking coffee! 

Hannah Botts:

Hannah is a youth researcher, organizer, and consultant attending Centre College. She is heavily involved in the Kentucky environmental movement, and has previously conducted research on youth attitudes on civic engagement in rural communities. 

Anna Lee Bishop:

I’m Annalee and I’m a senior environmental science student at Berea College! I am very passionate about the outdoors and when I’m not in school I live in Anchorage Alaska. I do water quality work for the tribes in Alaska and love to explore! 

Katelyn Johnston:

Katelyn is a sophomore American Sign Language Interpreting Studies major at the University of Louisville. She is co-founder of an environmental nonprofit, Clean4ChangeKY, an organization that focuses on environmental justice and education in Kentucky. 

Annabella Kovach:

Anna is a junior Environmental Science major at Bethany College from East Canton, OH. On campus, she works in the greenhouse, conducts research as a NASA Research Fellow, is a member of Tri Beta and Art Club, and is the president of Greener Bethany, the environmental protection club.

Ryan Kirkpatrick:

Ryan is a passionate and dedicated community organizer with several years of experience in empowering marginalized citizens and driving social change. With a proven track record in advocacy, public speaking, and policy development, I have successfully coordinated numerous community events and outreach programs. My work with organizations like People Concerned About Chemical Safety and Our Future West Virginia has honed my skills in event planning, volunteer recruitment, and community engagement. As a relentless advocate for social justice, I focus on equipping community members to manage and sustain long-lasting improvements. Currently pursuing a degree at West Virginia State University, I continue to strive for impactful change in my community.

Tiambra Collins:

Tiambra Collins was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia. She is a senior at West Virginia State University, majoring in elementary education. As a first-generation college student, she is dedicated to her studies and enjoys reading in her free time. Tiambra aims to continue her education to earn her master's degree and become a principal.

Kennedy Little:

Kennedy Little (she, her, hers) is from Lexington, Kentucky, and is a senior at Morehead State University, pursuing a double major in Pre-law and Agribusiness with a minor in Public Administration. She works as the Youth Advocacy Team Member for the vegan food justice organization, Food Empowerment Project. Kennedy is the founder and president of an environmental organization on her campus called Evergreen, that focuses on the environment, animals, and social justice through an intersectional lens. In her free time she enjoys trying new vegan foods, going to the movies, and spending time with animals. 

Janki Patel:

Janki is a junior majoring in Environmental Science and Economics at the University of Pittsburgh. On campus, she is a part of the Pitt Sustainability Club and is beginning research with the geology department.