LAUREEN FRANCO

Major: Environmental Engineering
Project: The role of peat accumulation in conserving tropical mangroves in the face of climate change.

I’ve always been captivated by science and the way it explains the world around us. As a child, I could spend hours getting lost in books, curious about how things worked. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a deeper awareness of our relationship with the environment; how our choices can both nurture and harm the planet. My lifelong love for animals and the outdoors, made me increasingly aware of environmental challenges, especially habitat loss and species decline, and it sparked a question that’s guided me ever since: “How can I be part of the solution?”

That question led me to Environmental Engineering, where I’ve discovered my passion for creating sustainable systems that restore balance, protect natural resources, and ensure a healthier planet for generations to come.