Professor of Political Science at the United States Naval Academy, Howard Ernst's teaching and research focus on environmental policy and American politics. Ernst directs the Environmental Leadership Program at Gettysburg College's Eisenhower Institute and serves as a Senior Scholar at University of Virginia's Center for Politics.

Mishael is an Environmental Studies major with emphasis on sustainable development and environmental policy at Gettysburg. She has had excellent experiences in a wide range of environmental fields, including clean water research in Liberia, Cross-Discipinary Science Institute (X-SIG) research focused on wetland mitigation, Garthwaith Leadership experience, and she is a SHECAN scholar focused on building women's leadership in post-conflict countries. Mishael is passionate about environmental policy, cean water, and environmental justice issues. Mishael's goal is to get a Ph.D. in Global Environmental Policy to drive meaningful change for everyone despite race, ethnicity, and economic status.

Sophia is an international student from Costa Rica pursuing a double major in Political Science and economics and part of the 2027 class of Gettysburg College. She is passionate about social issues and human rights advocacy. To explore these issues she has participated in groups like Amnesty International Club, Peace and Justice Council, MUN, and academic programs like Building America: Affordable Housing. Additionally, she enjoys volunteering in Costa Rica at local farms, with sea turtle conservation, and foundations like Construyendo Sonrisas. Lastly, she enjoys participating in diverse physical activities like Crossfit, hiking, and aerial silks. 

During my time in the program, I explored environmental issues through the lenses of policy, economics, and justice, with a focus on sustainability and access to clean water. As part of the program, we focused on the Politics of Water, I worked with a team to examine the environmental impact of industrial wastewater in Bisbee, Arizona, contributing to a GIS Story Map that tracks a phosphate groundwater plume threatening the town’s primary water source. In addition, I supported the program through website development and photography while actively engaging in discussions and collaborative work beyond just the technical side.

Dylan is an Environmental Studies BS and Public Policy Student at Gettysburg College

Calef is a Political Science and Public Policy Double-Major at Gettysburg College