About the Team

DukeEngage

DukeEngage empowers students to address critical human needs through immersive service, in the process transforming students, advancing the University’s educational mission, and providing meaningful assistance to communities in the U.S. and abroad. DukeEngage provides funding for Duke undergraduates who wish to pursue an immersive (min. 8 week) service experience by meeting a community need domestically or internationally.  DukeEngage was launched in 2007 through the establishment of a $30 million endowment from The Duke Endowment and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  Since the program began, more than 1,400 Duke students have participated. DukeEngage will be funding a total of 435 students for Summer 2012 through our domestic and international programs and independent projects.  For more details, please visit our website: http://dukeengage.duke.edu/.

DukeEngage Portland Program:

DukeEngage Portland is one of 11 domestic group programs offered through DukeEngage and focuses on working with environmental non-profits and governmental agencies in the Portland area in the areas of environmental management, advocacy, policy, law, conservation, and education. Through individual project placements at different organizations, the program aims to immerse students in the Portland community.  The group also participates in weekly group volunteer opportunities through Hands on Portland exploring other ongoing community efforts toward sustainable living and green practices.  Students live together on the PSU campus.  Kaola Swanson, the 2012 on-site coordinator, leads weekly reflection sessions with the students and organizes weekend enrichment activities.  There are 8 incredible, enthusiastic students in the DukeEngage Portland program this summer. Their profiles are below:

Name: Kit Man Chan

Class: Junior

Major: Double major in History and Public Policy, with a minor in Environmental Policy

Campus Involvement: Member of Duke University Marching and Pep Band, as well as Treasurer. Member of the Duke University Wind Symphony, along with Office Assistant and Librarian. Work-study student.

Community Partner: Metro

Thinking about DukeEngage Portland, I am most excited about:

Getting to see a beautiful new city that is unlike anywhere I’ve been, getting to experience the outdoors for the first time and getting to understand the inner workings of an environmental group.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Name: Austin Lu

Class: Freshman

Major: Economics (intended)

Campus involvement: Duke Libraries First-Year Library Advisory Board Duke Wind Symphony and piano department, First-Year Advisory Counselor

Community Parnter: The Bicycle Transportation Alliance

Thinking about DukeEngage Portland, I am most excited about:

I am most excited about working with people who are passionate about what they do in the community!

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Name: William Lee

Class: Freshman

Major: Biology

Campus involvement: Duke Catholic Center

Community Partner: River Network

Thinking about DukeEngage Portland, I am most excited about:

Thinking about Duke Engage Portland, I am most excited about exploring the city and having a meaningful impact on River Network and its pursuit to promote the sustainability of water in Portland.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Name: Suellen Li

Class: Sophomore

Major: Neuroscience (BS) and Environmental Science & Policy (AB)

Campus Involvement: Mentorship Coordinator of Duke China Care, undergraduate Research Assistant at the Yin Lab, Volunteer at the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program, Fundraising Chair of Project HEAL

Community Partner: Metro

Thinking about DukeEngage Portland, I am most excited about:

Having the opportunity to serve at an environmental organization and learn firsthand about environmental policy and advocacy. I am also extremely excited about being able to live in Portland for 8 weeks and experience the city and all it has to offer.

 

Name:  Michael Migotsky

Class:  Sophomore

Major:  Biology Major, French Studies Minor

Campus involvement:  Volunteering at Duke Hospital, Duke Club Running, Duke Genome Research and Education Society

Community Partner: Friends of Trees

Thinking about DukeEngage Portland, I am most excited about:

Being able to get to know and explore Portland while giving back to the community and helping preserve the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

                                                                                                                                                  

Name: Emma Etheridge

Class: Sophomore

Major: Economics major with a psychology minor

Campus Involvement: Duke Roadrunners

Community Partner: SOLV

Thinking about DukeEngage Portland, I am most excited about:

Getting to work in my home community and benefit the area I grew up in. I’m also excited to work with children.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Name: Charlie Blanchard

Class: Junior

Major: History Major, ICS and PoliSci minors

Campus involvement:  Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, VP of Recruitment – IFC, Ducks Unlimited

Community Partner: Crag Law Center

Thinking about DukeEngage Portland, I am most excited about:

I am most excited about spending time in a new city and learning about issues that have interested me for years, but that I’ve never taken the opportunity to really explore.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Name: Caroline Lehman

Class: Freshman

Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering

Campus Involvement: Member of Zeta Tau Alpha, IM Basketball, photography for the Chronicle, volunteer at local nursing home

Community Partner: SOLV

Thinking about DukeEngage Portland, I am most excited about:

Getting to explore all that Portland has to offer and becoming involved with SOLV. I am also excited to get to know my fellow Duke students better.

 

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