The Student Sustainability Council (SSC) was formed to supervise the distribution of the Environmental Stewardship Fee in order to responsibly advance the theory, practice and reality of Sustainability at the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky’s Student Sustainability Council is headed by a group of students, representatives, and elected student directors.
Shaun Lavin
Director of Operations
Senior; Electrical Engineering
“I am looking forward to funding more sustainability efforts on campus than ever before. I hope to have a lasting impact on UK Sustainability and the Student Sustainability Council.”
Fun Fact: I have been to every state except Alaska and Hawaii.
Kauner Shacklette
Director of Development
Junior; Architecture with a certification in Historic Preservation
“I am excited to see the new proposals and ideas students have come up with in helping to make UK a more sustainable place!”
Fun Fact: I have visited 11 countries!
Leila Dawson
Director of Transparency and Accountability
Junior; Environmental and Sustainability Studies
“I am excited to have the opportunity to be in a director position this year. The position allows me to take on a leadership role regarding the operations of the council, so I am glad to have more insight into how the council will conduct its meetings. I am also excited to hear about new ideas and promote the development of green infrastructure throughout campus.”
Fun Fact: My favorite artist that I have been listening to currently is Bob Marley & the Wailers!
Caitlyn Weaver
Student Government Association Representative
Junior; Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Business Management
“Providing support to growing campus sustainability-centered organizations and being given the opportunity to speak on important initiatives across campus. I love being able to provide students the motivation to make their ideas a reality.”
Fun Fact: I own a herd of four guinea pigs and they all have very human names.
Sophia Cahill
MANRRS Representative
Junior; Landscape Architecture
“I’m excited to see how we can add more sustainable efforts to campus and the Lexington community this year! I hope to use what I learn into other communities once I am a licensed Landscape Architect!”
Fun Fact: I can play instruments!
Phoebe Brown
Horticulture Club Org Representative
Sophomore; Landscape Architecture
“I cannot wait to learn more about the amazing work regarding sustainability happening at the University of Kentucky. I hope to connect with others also interested in the role biodiversity and plants play in sustainability.”
Fun Fact: I am an avid birder!
Kaylee Bliss
Social Media Chair and Social Entrepreneurship Scholars Representative
Junior; Marketing and Environmental and Sustainability Studies
The SSC has allowed me to combine my interests in sustainability with my Marketing major. As the SSC’s Social Media Chair, I hope to continue bringing awareness of sustainability issues as well as promoting the innovative projects we’ve funded. I am always fascinated by the proposals presented to the council by both students and faculty alike. I cannot wait to support more projects this year!
Fun Fact: I spin in the Wildcat Marching Band’s Color Guard!
Finn Haight
SSC At-Large Member
Junior; Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Geography
“I’m excited to be a member of the SSC because I’m looking forward to learning more about sustainability projects going on at the university. I’m also hoping to improve our recycling system!”
Fun Fact: I like cooking and playing music!
Ella Bratcher
SSC At-Large Member
Junior; Environmental and Sustainability Studies
“I’m excited to support student research and clubs through the council. Knowing that the council’s support can heavily progress student projects makes me excited for every meeting. Helping fund the Bee Keeping club and Mycology club were some of the most rewarding projects from last year.”
Fun Fact: I’m wanting to further my studies to become an environmental lawyer.
Mallory Sparks
SSC At-Large Member
Junior; Environmental and Sustainability Studies
“I am excited to learn more about all the creative and interesting ways that student organizations and faculty are implementing sustainability on campus.”
Fun Fact: I spent last semester studying environmental sustainability abroad in Costa Rica!
Mae Hanna
SSC At-Large Member
Junior; Natural Resources and Environmental Science
“As a transfer student, I was impressed with all the student organizations advancing sustainability on campus and was eager to get involved. I’m really excited to be on the SSC and to help contribute to sustainability efforts across the board! I’m looking forward to learning more about sustainability initiatives on campus and the impact that we’ll be able to make this year.”
Fun Fact: I have over 70 plants!
Sophia McKay
SSC At-Large Member
Junior; Geography and Environmental and Sustainability Studies
“I’m excited to continue learning about sustainability efforts on campus and I aspire to become more involved in student-led orgs focusing on the promotion of sustainability.”
Fun Fact: I once shot a singular basket in an intramural basketball game.