The Lloyd Center for the Environment is pleased to introduce Nicole Whelpley and Eman Khwaja as Student Directors on the Center’s Board of Directors for the upcoming academic year, as non-voting members.

Nicole Whelpley graduated from UMass, Amherst, with a dual degree in Biology and Public Health. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Marine Biology. Nicole was a Public Health Teaching Assistant while attending UMass Amherst and is currently a Biology Teaching Assistant at UMass Dartmouth. Throughout her undergraduate college years, Whelpley held the position of CHAARG Treasurer (Changing Health Attitudes and Actions to Recreate Girls); as a New Orleans Student Service Coordinator, programmed a weeklong service trip to assist with reconstructing homes from Hurricane Katrina and a recent tornado; and volunteered at For the Kids.

Eman Khwaja holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Environmental & Sustainability Studies from Agnes Scott College, attended the University of Rhode Island as a Master’s of Science Candidate for Biological & Environmental Sciences and is currently attending UMass, Dartmouth, to earn a Master’s degree in Biology/Marine Biology. Eman was a Lead Teacher at Engineering for Kids, an Assistant Teacher for Discover Science Center, and a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Rhode Island. Community service and leadership includes: UMass Dartmouth Biology Club - graduate student mentor, Muslim American Society - lead for a national team to organize and run a teen-focused religious program, Ocean Alliance - aided in the analysis of research and the development of resources focused on conservation and behavior of cetaceans for international audiences. Agnes Scott College Beta Beta Beta - Biology Honor Society board member, New England Aquarium - Education and Research intern, Girl Scouts of America - troop co-leader to mentor and guide 20+girls; planned annual service-unit wide events for the Roswell Service unit of over 200 members, Agnes Scott College Center for Sustainability - Environmental Resident Programming Lead, Agnes Scott College Spark mentored and tutored elementary school children in refugee and low-income communities.

As Student Directors, Whelpley and Khwaja will gain hands-on experience of nonprofit Board functions and responsibilities, participating in quarterly board meetings, and serving on a mutually agreed-upon committee. In addition, they may be asked to contribute short articles to the Lloyd Center’s newsletter. Training and mentoring is provided by a volunteer from the Board and a member of the staff.

Board membership will help build an understanding of nonprofit governance, and could earn a service-learning credit. At the successful conclusion of their term, the Student Directors will write a short reflection of their experience and receive a letter of commendation that details their work. Student Directors will provide the Lloyd Center Board with fresh energy and perspectives. Their ideas and opinions will be actively sought by fellow Board members as we strive to expand our membership and become more inclusive of the wider community.