Hi there! I’m Polina and I study environmental science at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY. I grew up in the Hudson Valley minutes away from the Appalachian Trail and only a few hours away from the Catskills and the Adirondacks. I’ve been an outdoor enthusiast since my brother led me on our first backpacking trip when I was 10 years old or so. Here at ESF, I am a climbing leader in the Outing Club and am doing hydrology research for my senior project. When I’m not cramming for classes or working, I love to climb, backpack, cook, and create art stuffs.

I was lucky enough to join WRFI in their Wild Rockies: Conservation across Boundaries Program, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had to date! The opportunity to learn about place-based issues and conservation efforts from various speakers was incredible, and I developed a lot of personal confidence with the support of my cohort.
I would love to share stories and information anytime, so please reach out with any questions!