We are so pleased to announce Emilio Arias (C’20) has been awarded the 2020 Hickcox Award. Since 2015, the Department of Environmental Sciences has been honored to present the Hickcox award to a graduating senior. Named in honor of ENVS distinguished Emeritus Professor (and Waffles Thursday King), C. Woodbridge Hickcox, or Woody as we know him, the award recognizes an ENVS senior who displays significant leadership, presence and service within the ENVS department and Emory community.
While we are missing being able to congratulate Emilio in person, we are thrilled for him (and all of the ENVS 2020 grads!) as he sets his sights beyond Emory. From his reflection below, it is clear that Emilio has maximized his Emory experience. Congratulations to Emilio!
My four years at Emory can be defined by my work with Emory Questbridge Scholars, Slow Food Emory, and my commitment to the Department of Environmental Sciences. As a Questbridge Scholar I believe it is important to give a voice to the first generation/ low-income community at Emory. For that reason I became involved with the organization and was able to lead it as Vice President my senior year. Slow Food Emory is an organization that allowed me to combine my passion for environmental science with extra curricular work. As Co-President my senior year I was able to collaborate with fellow board members on volunteer trips to Oxford Farms, tabling events, and showcasing cooking demos all to promote “good, clean, and fair food”. Lastly, I have worked with Dr. Tracy Yandle on her research focusing on Georgia coast fishing communities since my sophomore year. Through this work I’ve helped write a case study, transcribe audio files, and even lead the research team my senior year. My favorite memory working with Dr. Yandle is going down to the Georgia coast during spring break my junior year and getting to meet fishermen, hearing their stories, and visiting the UGA Marine Extension sites. My most rewarding experience while at Emory is being a part of the Department of Environmental Sciences and meeting passionate colleagues and professors who support you every way possible. The thing I will miss most from Emory is getting to hang out with all my favorite professors and peers in the Lek (and waffle Thursdays of course!).
Department of Environmental Sciences 