My name is Josie Welker (she/her), and I am a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate from the Chemistry Department in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. I am from central Illinois and received my B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Environmental Studies from Monmouth College in 2021. I served as the sustainability director last year and really enjoyed my time, so I am looking forward to serving as sustainability director again this year! Last year, we held a documentary showing in collaboration with Save Soil, held a water quality lecture event, and held an electronic waste recycling donation drive. We also completed the Shut the Sash initiative to help reduce electricity usage in the laboratories on campus.  

Some of my goals for this year include establishing green laboratory initiatives, electronic waste recycling, recycling education and accessibility, energy conservation, and increasing campus involvement in sustainability initiatives. I am also passionate about outreach and science communication, and I hope to increase our impact on not only the campus, but the Iowa City area at large!   

Outside of my work within the University, I enjoy reading, crocheting, riding my bike, spending time with friends and family, and spending time outdoors. Serving as Sustainability Director for GPSG, I am most excited about meeting new people across the campus and discussing novel approaches to create a more sustainable campus for us all.