Meet the Team

Andy Hattala

Andy Hattala is an advocate and volunteer who holds multiple certifications and accreditations in the field of sustainability and mentorship. His recent work involved program development, strategic planning, and community engagement which led to significant sustainability initiatives and policy changes at UCLA.

Andy also serves on the leadership teams of the L.A. and San Fernando Valley chapters of The Climate Reality Project. He is working to adopt more sustainable behaviors and live an increasingly zero waste lifestyle. The mantra by which he lives is, "Don’t leave the world a little better, leave it *significantly* better than when first encountered." Andy is a proud alum of UCLA, where he served as an RA as an undergraduate student.

Arpi

Arpi is a fourth year Political Science and Global Health student passionate about the intersections between sustainability, health, and social justice. As an EcoNaut, Arpi enjoys educating students on environmental initiatives and opportunities at UCSD. Environmental topics that interest her most include sustainable food systems, waste management, and public transportation. In her free time, she loves to cook, go to the beach, and explore new areas around San Diego.

Austen

Austen is pursuing a B.S. in Real Estate & Development with a minor in Climate Change Studies and a focus in sustainable land management. He has a strong interest in experimental plant development research and plans to continue research in agriculture and sustainability, especially concerning the impacts of anthropogenic waste from agriculture and discarded material.

Ava

Coming from San Bernadino County, Ava is in her second year as an Environmental Systems: Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution major. As an EcoNaut, Ava hopes to take great strides in making UCSD a model for other college campuses and cities to follow when creating a community that fosters the well-being of people and safeguards the environment. Aside from advocating for sustainability, Ava enjoys photography, visiting art museums, and watching films at the theater.

Cecelia

Cecelia is a third year International Studies: Political Science major with a minor in Environmental Studies. As an EcoNaut, Cecelia is excited to make impactful change on campus and promote climate action initiatives that lead to a more sustainable environment at UCSD. In her free time, Cecelia enjoys going to cafes, going to the beach, and going to concerts!

Kianna

Kianna is a second-year student majoring in Environmental Policy. As an EcoNaut, she is excited to find pathways to make integrating sustainability into our community and routines easier. She is determined to help make subtle, but impactful new changes for the university in the hope of increasing its status as a leader in sustainability. Kianna’s favorite topics to learn more about are sustainable food options, ocean ecosystems, and the fashion industry. In her free time, she can be seen exploring new SD spots, thrifting, or cooking.

Ria

Ria is in her third-year majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Chemistry. Her passion for environmental causes and sustainable lifestyles led her to join the EcoNauts this year. Through this role, she hopes to help make UCSD a more sustainable campus with the opportunity for students to lead more eco-friendly lifestyles. In her spare time, Ria enjoys reading, crocheting, playing tennis, and cooking.

Soraya

Soraya is a second year Environmental Systems: Ecology, Biology, and Evolution major, coming from Austin, Texas. She was interested in joining the EcoNauts because she wanted to further educate herself on sustainability, as well as educate and increase awareness of environmental well-being to the campus community of UCSD and beyond. This is her second year as an EcoNaut, and she is excited to employ her passion for the environment into making a change on campus. In her spare time, she enjoys being in the water, whether that be in the ocean or on a lake back home, cooking, baking shows, and exploring new places with friends and family.

Tyler

Tyler is a second year pursuing an independent studies major in Sustainable and Transformative Approaches to Radical ecology. They appreciate the beauty found within nature and are committed to protecting ecosystems and advocating for the underserved communities intertwined with them. As an Econaut, Tyler works to improve campus sustainability efforts, focusing on waste and compost initiatives, urban planning, and educating the wider student body about eco-conscious practices and environmental justice. Outside of their work and school hours, you can find them in the garden, writing songs on their guitar, or sometimes doing them simultaneously!