Aidan is a second-year graduate student at NYU School of Global Public Health, pursuing his master's in public health with a concentration in global health. At NYU, he is a member of the Global Action for Urban Health Lab as well as an NYC public school tutor. As an undergraduate student, Aidan went to UC San Diego, where he graduated with a bachelor's in global health.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Aidan hopes to learn more about sustainable food systems and the impact of food systems on public health. He is particularly interested in the intersection of population health, the environment, and food production.

In his free time, Aidan enjoys shooting film photography, playing basketball and soccer, and running.

Hudson Granger

Seton Hall University / Environmental Studies; concentration in Environmental Policy

Hudson is a senior in the Environmental Studies program at Seton Hall University, with a concentration in environmental policy. With particular interests in ethics and consumer psychology, Hudson seeks to identify the ways in which detachment perpetuates apathy towards consequential societal practices.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Hudson seeks to become an organized advocate as well as gain a variety of perspectives on this important societal and environmental issue. He is excited to become more knowledgeable about industrial animal agriculture alongside passionate advocates who are thinking in terms of systemic change.

Both in and out of his work, Hudson has grown deeply fond of creating and reading visual novels. He views creativity as an important aspect of education, and likes to imagine ways that he can make educational materials which are engaging and fun, while maintaining a sense of seriousness.

Jack Donahue

The New School / Environmental Studies

Jack is a sophomore studying at Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School. He is studying environmental studies, with interests in urban studies and political science. He is interested in exploring many aspects of society through an interdisciplinary lens that focuses on the relationships between people, animals, and the environment.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Jack hopes to learn more about and study the impacts of industrial animal agriculture on nature, specifically on wildlife. He hopes to discover ways in which our food systems can be adapted to promote a more positive relationship between people and wildlife, and ensure positive outcomes for both.

Jack enjoys working with and spending time around animals, and has experience working with captive exotic wildlife. He also enjoys public speaking and activism, and in his free time explores these interests through theatre, union organizing, and political activism.

Jennifer Reyes

Rutgers University / Nutritional Science; track in Community Nutrition

Jennifer is a senior at Rutgers University majoring in Nutritional Sciences with academic interests in food equity and food security. She believes all people should have access to affordable and nutrient-dense meals.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Jennifer wants to learn more about the environmental effects of factory farming and the resources available to explore sustainable agriculture and food consumption. She hopes to use all her newfound knowledge as a tool to see issues like food equity and security through a different lens.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys cooking, baking, and trying new things.

John Warburton

Semiken Julia Yamou

CUNY School of Public Health / Public Health and Nutrition

Julia is an international student from Burkina Faso studying public health and nutrition at the CUNY School of Public Health. Her experiences in community nutrition, food education, food access, and urban agriculture have shaped her passion for improving access to nutritious food and promoting sustainable dietary practices. She is particularly interested in the connection between food, human health, and the environment.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Julia hopes to deepen her understanding of sustainable food choices and explore how reducing animal product consumption can contribute to healthier and more sustainable food systems. She is excited to grow as an advocate and gain the practical experience needed to drive meaningful change in her communities and beyond.

In her free time, Julia enjoys reading, cooking, exploring farmers markets, gardening, spending time outdoors, and learning more about food and nutrition.

Melanie Telles

The College of New Jersey / Public Health

Melanie is a sophomore at The College of New Jersey, pursuing a Masters of Public Health through an MPH program. She is passionate about advocating for marginalized communities, especially in health, and learning about the intersectionality of race, gender, and socioeconomics and how that impacts healthcare for different communities. She aspires to become a pediatric physician assistant.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Melanie is driven by the impact factory farming has on not only the animals, but surrounding communities. Through the fellowship, she aims to build personal skills such as self-advocacy and leadership, but also learn how the lack of availability of nutritious and plant-based foods impact the health of those who live in low-income, marginalized communities. 

In her free time, Melanie loves thrifting, discovering new music, watching movies, taking pictures with her digital camera, and hanging out with her friends!

Nina Zahir

CUNY School of Professional Studies / Business

Mahrukh is a senior at the CUNY School of Professional Studies, majoring in Business. Her coursework in classes such as Microeconomics and Organizational Behavior has led her to an interest in connecting financial and managerial concepts to societal health as well as industrial agriculture.

As a Reducetarian Fellow,Mahrukh hopes to learn about what it means for industrial agriculture to be sustainable in a way that also achieves certain economic goals, so that resources and a solid framework exist to ensure animal safety and environmental health in the long term. She also hopes to apply this knowledge to a career in nutrition and wellness, with a particular interest in the connection between metabolism and plant-based nutrition.

In her free time, Mahrukh  enjoys tennis, embroidery, and going for nature walks. She also loves experimenting with different plant-based ingredients when it comes to baking.

Noelani Aung

Columbia University / Linguistics; minor in Computer Science

Noelani is a senior at Columbia University pursuing a major in Linguistics with a minor in Computer Science. She is interested in the intersection between urban studies and social justice, particularly through environmental sustainability and food systems. She has extensive political advocacy experience in France, where she coordinated human rights events at the Council of Europe, and in the United States, where she lobbied for the BURMA Act and worked on asylum cases at an immigration law firm.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Noelani aims to learn more about factory farming practices and how they affect the welfare of farmed animals. She is passionate about public-interest technologies and hopes to develop or advocate for ways to reduce the suffering of animals using such technologies by the end of the program.

In her free time, Noelani enjoys running, cafe hopping, dancing, reading historical fiction novels, and watching overly emotional films.

Steven Abreu

CUNY John Jay College / Forensic Psychology; minor in Computer Science

Steven is a sophomore at John Jay College, majoring in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Computer Science. He seeks expertise in both Psychology and Data Science, aspiring to continue his journey in graduate school.

Steven began to recognize the importance of animal welfare at a young age in his birthplace, a small town in the countryside of the Dominican Republic, where his family farmed. As a Reducetarian Fellow, he is eager to learn and deeply understand the circumstances in which food systems operate to further develop new strategies that can be implemented in his family business and on a larger international scale. This also supports his plans of running a nonprofit that addresses food insecurity in New York City.

In his free time, Steven loves playing volleyball, walking in nature, spending quality time with friends, traveling, and learning in general.

Wendy Liu

New York University / Food Studies

Wendy is a Food Studies M.A. candidate at New York University. She has a diverse background in consulting, product management, growth marketing, foraging, and research across industries such as tech, financial services, catering, food systems, and agroforestry. She is currently working to build a food forest, and researching 16th-century Indo-Persian cookbooks and alternative protein in China. Whatever the role or industry, her goal has always been to solve complex problems using an interdisciplinary approach rooted in empathy, community building, and creativity.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, she is interested in learning more about the food system and how to make a positive impact, as well as exploring the areas of food policy and alternative protein.

In her free time, Wendy enjoys foraging, running, eating, and petting cats wherever she goes.

Zainab Ali

Fordham University / Environmental Science; minor in Environmental Studies

Zainab is an environmental activist, researcher, and advocate for climate justice committed to conservation. She graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor's in Environmental Science and a minor in Environmental Studies, where she specialized in plant science research and forestry. Beyond research, Zainab has remained involved in climate advocacy and community spaces, devoting her time to environmental stewardship, natural disaster relief, and campaigning.

Being exposed to the reality of industrial agriculture and factory farming is what initiated Zainab's concern for the environment. As a Reducetarian Fellow, she aims to learn what it takes to reform a system and bring diverse perspectives to support equitable, globally informed solutions to environmental challenges.

Alongside her passions, Zainab's personal interests include sketching, solo-traveling, thrifting, and enjoying the fall weather!

Anaiya Moore

Georgetown University / Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning

Anaiya Moore is pursuing her Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Georgetown University, with a focus on Housing, Community, and Economic Development. She received her Bachelor’s in Business Management with a minor in Hospitality, Resort, and Tourism Management from Coastal Carolina University. She is also the Founder of Eden Community Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, a nonprofit battling food insecurity. 

Her passion for food started at an early age watching Food Network and eventually joining the culinary program and competitive culinary team at her high school. 

Anaiya’s career interests lie in examining developmental inequalities in historically marginalized communities, especially those related to food access and nutrition, to create entrepreneurial ventures for change. As a Reducetarian Fellow, she is excited to learn more about factory farming and its impacts to enact change in her community. 

In her free time, she enjoys sitting in nature, cooking, and reading. 

Anna Calia

George Washington University / Photojournalism

Anna is currently a senior at George Washington University majoring in Photojournalism. She is passionate about animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and conservation and aspires to explore these topics through photojournalism. Growing up, food was a central part of her life and family, and that love sparked an interest in the food system and its impact on people, animals, and the environment.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Anna is excited to deepen her engagement and gain a more holistic understanding of the complexities of the food system and sustainable agriculture. She is interested in exploring the many interconnected aspects of the food and agriculture landscape to support her goals of advocating for animals, fostering sustainability, and protecting the environment through visual storytelling.

In her free time, Anna enjoys baking, spending time in nature, walking her dogs, and attending concerts.

Darius Harmon

Howard University / Human Performance; Political Science

Darius Harmon is a first-generation Howard University Student majoring in Human Performance and Political Science with a focus in Public Health, Neuroscience, and Public Policy. His academic focus is understanding and addressing the mental and physical challenges that affect children within marginalized communities. Darius is passionate about  psychological research and working with children in diverse communities, and plans to further these passions through research on sociological issues with adolescents in underserved communities. Through this research, he hopes to showcase their capabilities and make a meaningful difference through the power of empathy and community building. 

As a Reducetarian Fellow, he aims to develop a clear understanding of the intersection of nutrition and the impact of marginalized POC communities. His long-term goal is to  build a non-profit catered to supporting students from marginalized communities through nutrition education they can carry with them through adulthood.

Di’Nara Royster-Reid

Howard University / Health Science

Di’Nara is a sophomore at Howard University studying health science on the premed track with career interests in pediatric cardiology, health equity, and improving access to healthcare and nutritious food for underserved communities.

As a Reducetarian fellow, Di’Nara hopes to explore the relationship between the food we consume, human health, and the environment. She has always been interested in how nutrition can influence our physical and mental well-being and wants to better understand the ways our food choices connect to larger environmental and social issues. Through the fellowship, she also hopes to learn more about reducing animal product consumption and making nutritious, sustainable food more accessible to low income and historically marginalized communities. 

In her free time, Di’Nara enjoys writing poetry, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and discovering new restaurants and stores. She also enjoys exploring new places and trying new things. 

Evan Sahli

George Washington University / Political Science, History

Evan is a recent graduate of George Washington University with academic and career interests in philosophy, political theory, public policy, and environmental conservation. 

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Evan wants to learn more about the overlap between food sustainability, animal conservation, and environmental preservation. He also hopes to learn what a career as a conservationist would like. He wants to continue to do his part in mitigating the effects of industrial farming on animals and the environment and hopes to use this fellowship as a building block to a career as an environmental lawyer. 

In his free time, Evan enjoys going to the movie theater, hiking in nature, reading, watching the sunset, playing pickleball and soccer, and collecting records.

Faith Manley

American University / Biology, Pre-Vet Track

Faith is a senior at American University majoring in Biology on the pre-veterinary track. She hopes to become an exotic animal veterinarian and is also interested in pursuing conservation work with wildlife. Her experiences working with animals have strengthened her passion for animal welfare and inspired her to advocate for animals throughout her future career.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Faith hopes to learn more about animal advocacy and explore ways to improve the welfare of animals affected by human activities and food systems. She is especially interested in understanding how animal welfare can be promoted through education, advocacy, and changes in the ways people interact with and care for animals. She hopes to use what she learns through the fellowship alongside her veterinary career to make a positive impact on animals.

Outside of school, Faith enjoys working at her veterinary hospital, crocheting, playing her mini acoustic guitar and occasionally drawing.

Jamorra Monae DuBose Morris

Prince George’s Community College / Culinary Arts; Theater

Jamorra is an Off-Broadway theater director, playwright, and published writer with over five years of experience staging original works at NYC landmarks like Soho Playhouse and Davenport Theatre. A multifaceted storyteller, she frequently presents her research topics at academic and professional conferences. Today, she is expanding her extensive creative and scholarly background by pursuing a degree in culinary arts at Prince George’s Community College.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Jamorra's main goal is to continue to learn about plant-based eating and explore the complex systemic issues that are connected to factory farming. She plans to use this fellowship opportunity to learn as much as possible so she can return to teach her community about true sustainability. 

Ka’janea Banks

Howard University / Nutritional Science, Pre-Vet Track

Ka’janea Banks is a junior nutritional science major on the pre-veterinary track at Howard University’s College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. Deeply committed to the One Health framework, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being, she integrates nutritional research with hands-on clinical and shelter experience to advance animal welfare advocacy.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Ka’janea served as executive support and currently serves as Co-Event Coordinator for FAUNA (Fostering Animal Understanding, Nurturing, and Advocacy), where she assists in campus initiatives, community cleanups, and educational panels focused on global veterinary opportunities and environmental stewardship.

As a fellow, Ka’janea aims to leverage her interdisciplinary foundation to advocate for ethical animal stewardship, public health education, and impactful community-led conservation efforts

Luz Escobar

University of the District of Columbia / Human Development

Luz Escobar is a Human Development student with an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about supporting children and families and is especially interested in how nutrition can support children’s healthy development and learning.

 As a Reducetarian Fellow, Luz hopes to learn more about how our food choices connect human health, children’s nutrition, animal welfare, and the environment. She is particularly interested in learning how parents can make healthy and compassionate food choices in their daily lives while considering challenges such as cost, time, and access to nutritious foods.

 Luz hopes to explore practical resources that can help families provide balanced meals that support children’s growth, strength, and ability to focus in school. She also hopes to strengthen her English communication skills and become more confident sharing her ideas in professional settings. In her free time, Luz enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets, hiking, and spending time in nature.

Marissa Robinson

Bowie State University / Criminal Justice

Marissa is a senior at Bowie State University, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. As a Reducetarian Fellow, Marissa hopes to bring greater awareness to the complex social and environmental issues that impact communities and encourage individuals to recognize how small, intentional changes can contribute to meaningful change. Through her studies in Criminal Justice and Psychology, she has developed a strong interest in understanding the social, behavioral, and systemic factors that shape communities. She hopes to use her fellowship experience to explore the connections between individual behavior, community well-being, and broader social issues while encouraging others to become more informed and engaged in creating positive change.

In her free time, Marissa enjoys journaling, trying new foods, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys volunteering and staying involved in organizations and activities that allow her to connect with and give back to her community.

Meagan Vanzie

Howard University / Health Science

Meagan Vanzie is a Health Science graduate from Howard University and an aspiring public health professional and physical therapist dedicated to exploring the intersections between clinical care, community health, and preventive wellness. With hands-on clinical experience in physical therapy settings and a background in public health research, her work centers on understanding systemic disparities and improving outcomes for underserved populations.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Meagan is eager to explore  how diet and plant-forward nutrition play a vital role in community health, chronic disease prevention, and overall well-being. Looking ahead, she aims to create community initiatives that increase movement, educate on nutrition, and expand health access in urban minority communities. 

Meagan deeply values her faith in Jesus Christ and loves connecting with new people through shared stories and meaningful conversations. In her free time, she enjoys exercising and Bible study with friends, crocheting, and recreating the traditional foods she grew up with into healthy, nourishing recipes.

Mikko Nije

Prince George’s Community College / Biology

Mikko is a first-generation college student attending PGCC, pursuing a degree in biology and a certificate in art. Mikko is driven by all things science, sustainability practices, art/creativity, and research. They are on a path to earn a degree in ecology with a minor in anthropology hoping to contribute to conservation efforts. 

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Mikko hopes to deepen their knowledge of sustainable food systems, and the relationship that factory farming has with the environment, animals, and people. They hope to gain insight into the sustainable food and science communities and how to communicate digestible information on the reality of factory farming. Along with efforts to ensure those in diverse and marginalized communities can make informed decisions in regard to their health.

In their free time, Mikko enjoys creating with all mediums of art, researching the Hadean to the Phanerozoic Eon, collecting and researching dinosaurs, and experiencing the world outside of their own.

Tanaka Chitore

George Washington University / Master’s in Accounting Analytics

Tanaka is a second-year graduate student in the Accounting Analytics program at George Washington University. Growing up in Zimbabwe, where agriculture anchors much of the economy, she saw firsthand how closely human livelihoods, animal welfare, and the environment are tied together, and how vulnerable that balance can be when food systems come under strain.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Tanaka is passionate about finding ways to improve food systems to promote the health of people, animals, and the planet. Through research and education, she hopes to expand this knowledge both here and across the African region, bridging data-driven insight with practical, community-level change. Tanaka is especially interested in how analytical tools can support more sustainable, informed decision-making around food and agriculture, and in translating that research into resources communities can use.

Outside of academics, Tanaka enjoys cooking, taking nature walks, spending time with family and friends, and listening to music.

Adisha Pritha

Georgia Institute of Technology / Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Adisha is a sophomore international student from Bangladesh, a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy. At Georgia Tech, Adisha studies the intersection of chemical engineering, cellular and molecular biology, and agricultural technology, with specific interests in hydroponics, aquaponics, and bioreactor design. She is interested in finding ways to make farming more efficient, sustainable, and affordable and believes that food is both a necessity and a right. 

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Adisha hopes to deepen her understanding of innovative food systems and learn how to apply engineering approaches to create scalable, sustainable solutions for global agriculture.

In her free time, she enjoys reading webcomics, watching psychological thrillers and sitcoms, exploring fashion through thrifting, and trying cuisines from around the world.

Ameer Alnasser

Emory University / Political Science

Ameer is a junior at Emory University studying Political Science on the Pre-law track. He is planning to work in public interest law and wants to protect the rights of the vulnerable, including those who do not have a voice to represent themselves.

Ameer’s work with the Food Recovery Network at Emory inspired him to give back to food-insecure families in Georgia, reduce food waste, and provide a more collaborative, community-based environment. His passion for supporting the environment while creating positive friendships is

Ameer’s motivation for being a Reducetarian Fellow.
In his free time, Ameer enjoys the new experience of learning to cook. Ameer also enjoys taking nice strolls, and he has recently gotten into running. 

Baatsheba Poitier

Clark Atlanta University / Political Science

Baatsheba is a junior at Clark Atlanta University majoring in Political Science on the Pre-law track with a minor in History. She plans to pursue a JD in Civil and Human Rights with a goal of becoming a Liberation Lawyer. She hopes to dedicate her career to protecting and advancing the rights of marginalized communities and continuing the legacy of Black Liberation Movement legal activists.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Baatsheba is eager to deepen her understanding of systemic food system issues like the environmental consequences of factory farming, food waste, and food accessibility. Baatsheba hopes to bridge the gap between low-income and minority communities and access to holistic, nutritious diets that address racial health disparities.

Baatsheba enjoys oil painting, sightseeing, and taking nature walks. She also loves listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and watching psychological thrillers and horror films.

Bria Tidwell

Clark Atlanta University / Biology

Bria is a sophomore Biology major at Clark Atlanta University who aspires to become a pediatrician. Bria has a passion for science and helping others which drives her to connect health, community, and the environment to improve people’s lives. Through volunteer work supporting youth development, nutrition education, and mentorship, she learned the power of combining compassion with knowledge to create impact.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Bria is eager to explore innovative ways to build healthier, more accessible, and more sustainable food systems while inspiring others to make mindful food choices.

Beyond academics, Bria enjoys creating welcoming spaces where people feel comfortable and valued, embracing new experiences, listening to music, and building genuine connections. 

Janessa Montilla

Georgia Institute of Technology / Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Janessa is a sophomore at the Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and minoring in Environmental Science. She intends to use her degree to develop sustainable hair care products and to educate others about the importance of sustainability.

As a Reducetarian Fellow, Janessa hopes to deepen her understanding of the impacts of factory farming and discover new ways to incorporate sustainable practices into her life. Janessa is eager to ask questions and learn from those around her. 

In her free time, Janessa loves singing, writing poetry, coloring, and spending time with friends, family, and her Quaker parrot, Melo. 

Mariana Seijas Lopez

Georgia State University / Geoscience

Mariana is a junior at Georgia State University majoring in Geoscience. Mariana was born and raised in Venezuela. Her passion for the environment began early in her life while watching National Geographic documentaries with her grandfather. Through a year abroad program in Germany, Mariana learned about environmental activism and urban planning and decided to pursue a degree in Geoscience. 

Through the Reducetarian Fellowship, Mariana hopes to learn more about managing environmental resources sustainably to support urban development. She sees factory farming as a pressing issue that impacts many communities, and she hopes to use the knowledge she gains to promote more sustainable practices in future city planning.

In her free time, Mariana volunteers at the Georgia Aquarium.

Sophia Rivers

Georgia State University / Nutrition and Wellness

Sophia is a senior at Georgia State University majoring in Nutrition and Wellness and minoring in Art. Sophia plans to pursue a Master's in Dietetics and become a Registered Dietitian. 

Sophia has a special place in her heart for animals inspired by her family’s support for the Beagle Freedom Project. Through the fellowship, she hopes to learn more about protecting animals and creating more ethical farming practices.

Sophia is passionate about all things wellness. Outside of academics, she enjoys teaching yoga and pilates classes, trying new recipes with natural ingredients, and exploring art and photography.