Andrus Scholars Class of 2024

Amy recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Boise State University. She also achieved a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies, a minor in Music, and a German Intermediate Certificate throughout her studies. Coming into college, Amy found her community with the Blue Thunder Marching Band. As a freshman, she made her start in the program as a trombone performer. She was then selected as a Drum Major her sophomore year, a leadership position responsible for conducting and leading the marching band, and would continue to serve in that role for the rest of her college career. Outside of her passion for music, Amy is also an accomplished scholar of environmental studies. Whether it be becoming a research assistant for an Indigenous-led buffalo restoration project, or serving as a field technician in collecting sagebrush data in the Boise Foothills, she was always on the hunt for new academic experiences. In her senior year, Amy was elected as the Financial Officer of the Environmental Club, where she helped foster a community around a shared passion for the environment. This also led her to being selected as the Environmental Studies representative on the Geosciences Student Advisory Board.

Amy is from Meridian, Idaho.

In May 2024, Brianna graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior and a minor in Environmental Studies. She hopes to have a career in ecology focusing on restoration and conservation of insects and plants. She is passionate about the environment and can’t wait to have a job focusing on improving it. 

During her undergraduate degree, she gained experience with lab and field work. She has caught, identified, measured, and tagged Redband Trout for the Bureau of Land Management. Brianna provided data for Idaho Fish and Game on Grime’s Creek, Thorn Creek, and Logger’s Creek by conducting stream, riparian, and sediment surveys and catching and identifying fish and aquatic insects. She is working with The Peregrine Fund to eliminate noxious weeds and restore the sagebrush steppe.  She’s also in two microbiology labs focusing on sagebrush conservation and establishing stable microbial communities. For fun, She enjoys reading and is a self-described “huge fantasy nerd with too many books to fit on [her] shelves.”

Haley is a Junior at Boise State University and super excited to be an Andrus Scholar. She was born and raised in Georgia and has loved getting to explore Idaho. Haley loves the hiking, climbing, and camping that you can find here. She started getting into snowboarding and hopes to pick that up soon! Additionally, she really enjoys traveling, mostly in the form of road trips, and has gone on 5 road trips now and been fortunate enough to see some amazing sights. Haley is getting minors in Hydrology and Sustainability in addition to her Environmental Studies degree so she is excited to see where that takes her.

Iris Smith is currently studying Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior.  They are interested in the ecology and conservation of the Rocky Mountains and human interactions with the ecosystem. Iris grew up in Boise and has loved camping and hiking around the Northwest their entire life. They also enjoy birding, painting, cooking, playing the guitar and spending time with their pets. Iris is incredibly passionate about working hands-on in the environment and am so excited for the opportunity to intern with Idaho Fish and Game this summer!

Jayden is a junior at Boise State University passionate about fostering inclusive environmental initiatives and effective communication. She believes in understanding diverse perspectives, values, and communities to create sustainable and equitable solutions. Her goal is to bridge the gap between environmental advocacy and diverse audiences through thoughtful and engaging communication strategies. Living in Idaho her whole life has encouraged an appreciation for being outside rafting, snowboarding, camping, and hammocking. Jayden also enjoys drinking coffee, climbing, and spending time with friends. She is thrilled to have this opportunity to be a part of the Andrus Scholars Program this summer and work with The Idaho Conservation League.

Leonardo Aleksander Ryan is an interdisciplinary studies major at Boise State University. He is in his junior year and plans to attend graduate school on the east coast within the next two years. He has been a nonprofit consultant and advocate for the last six years, serving the state of Idaho and the nation. Leo grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, with very little access to natural lands. Once moving to Boise, his adoration of nature has grown. If he isn’t in the office, he can be found writing poetry by the river, biking through downtown, or up-cycling vintage clothing.