Claire Walther was looking for something more than the average university experience. As she prepares to graduate with two degrees, Walther has found purpose in studying the intersection of the public, science and policy.
“I ultimately decided on CSU for the community, resources and diversity of programs,” Walther explained. “I want to be surrounded by diverse thinkers who challenge me, inspire me and drive interesting, interdisciplinary dialogue.”
Come graduation this spring, Walther will receive a B.S. in fish, wildlife and conservation biology with a concentration in conservation biology and a B.A. in political science with concentrations in both environmental politics and policy and U.S. government, law and policy. She also holds a certificate in restorative justice facilitation and consultation from Dr. Tom Cavanagh, and she managed to achieve all of this in under five years.
“I have a broad array of equally significant interests and want to pursue them all! I feel very strongly that we lack an integral sense of interconnectedness among disciplines,” said Walther.
Walther dreams of working towards a Ph.D. in environmental or indigenous law with research in restorative environmental justice beginning fall 2025. This goal was inspired through learning about alternative epistemologies and relationality from Dr. Marcela Velasco, who taught Walther’s course on indigenous politics. After graduation, she plans to spend her gap year working in the field.
In her own words
Q: What was your favorite experience at CSU?
A: There are so many. A standout is definitely building my bug community! My first week at CSU I joined BSPM 102 (Insects, Science and Society with Matt Camper and Maia Holmes). I loved the subject, wanted to be involved and went to office hours to introduce myself. These relationships led to the best job ever (working in the CSU Bug Zoo), an immersion in my absolute favorite activity (entomological outreach education), and my beginnings with the CSU Entomology Club!
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced on your way to graduation?
A: Aside from the obvious period of global catastrophe, I think I got in my own way more so than anything else. My motivation is very much intrinsic, and I occasionally concentrate too much on academics while losing sight of the space I need to take for myself. Slowly, I’m learning to maintain a better balance. There are a million amazing opportunities, but sometimes you have to be able to say “no” in order to show up fully for the obligations most important to you.
Q: What advice do you have for students?
A: Define your own success and find your niche. People around you will always seem like they’re doing better, or more. It’s easy to do well when you find what you’re most passionate about, so try not to concentrate on the success others find in their passions. Instead, focus on strengthening your own passions. Also, wear a helmet when you bike, and don’t forget about empathy and kindness in every facet of your life!
Click here to view CSU’s Outstanding Grads.
