Kaitlyn Hilley-2023
Kaitlyn Hilley
Major: Biology (B.S.)
Dual Degree: Government and Law (B.A.)
GPA: 3.81
PERSONAL STATEMENT
During my FYS, I wrote about my frustrations with the college allowing significant amounts of food waste to go to landfills each week. My professor challenged me by asking, “What are you going to do about it?” Since then, I have been determined to take action throughout my college career and for the rest of my life.
I have been passionate about helping the college achieve its goal of reducing food waste as outlined in the CAP 2.0 since my first year. I saw an opportunity to address this issue through composting and worked with various entities, including Student Government, my research organization abroad, and the EVST internship, to develop and implement composting methods on-campus and within the Easton community. Despite facing challenges, such as COVID-19, our efforts paid off as the college is set to begin composting again this fall. As president of Alternative School Break (ASB), I faced significant challenges keeping the group active during the pandemic. Despite this, I persevered in my role and helped lead the rebuilding efforts of the organization. ASB serves an important purpose in our community as we learn about social justice issues, engage with marginalized groups, and strive to make a meaningful impact beyond completing service projects. It was fulfilling to see us finally able to go on servicetrips again, giving back to our community and other communities worldwide.
As I approach graduation, I am proud of the impact I have made on the Lafayette community. Through my involvement with composting and ASB, I have worked to embody the Lafayette ideal of being a positive leader and changemaker. My legacy at Lafayette is the continued growth of both the composting program and ASB, and I am confident these initiatives will continue to thrive and make a difference in our community.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITY/AWARD
Environmental Science Waste Management Intern-1 year
Interned for course credit with the Environmental Science Department and independently designed a composting program for the college and analyzed the logistics and impacts of all composting initiatives by the college since 2008. Conducted research to design new methods of composting and organize its implementation by the college with a budget of over $150,000 with advising from Professor Kney. Utilized the college’s joint governance process by crafting sustainability and composting-related resolutions which were submitted to and passed by Lafayette College’s Student Government. Regularly met with administrative officials including PresidentHurd and to negotiate policies for resource and waste management. Coordinated with faculty and staff to gain support, resources, and approvals and mobilize support and collective action by students to foster sustainable ethics and prevent food waste.
Research at CIEE Monteverde, Costa Rica-Summer 2022)
Studied abroad and participated in independent research in Monteverde Costa Rica during the summer of 2022. Conducted experimental and observational research on compost samples studying compost maturity. Worked with ASADA, a government agency, to test the effectiveness of their composting program and methods and investigated its applicability to other programs. Researched relevant literature in various fields including biology and political sciences to inform the final scientific paper and the arguments for its sustainability implications.
CIEE Tropical Ecology and Conservation Research Symposium-Summer 2022
Presented my research analyzing the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of aerated compost in different stages of decomposition during the agroecology forum of CIEE’s Research Symposium.
Model United Nations-3 years
Served as Vice President for one and a half years throughout the pandemic and transitioning our participation in conferences to be digital. Prepared the MUN team for participating in global MUN conferences as delegates representing various states by coordinating team registration and policy writing preparation. Facilitated meetings and conference practices for the executive board and general members. Participated in conferences as a delegate responsible for researching global politics and negotiating policy initiatives. Concentrated on sustainability and agricultural representation and policy.
Teaching Assistant-1 year
Works as a teaching assistant for the biology department for Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Intro Biology II SEA-Phages labs. Responsible for setting up the laboratory for all procedures, grading lab activities, upholding laboratory safety measures, and assisting in teaching the course material.
Collegiate Leadership Competition-1 year
Participated with the Lafayette Leadership Education Team in CLC weekly educational training meetings as well as the final competition against other Lafayette CLC teams. Activities and education centered around the components of good leadership practice and teambuilding.
Pi Sigma Alpha-2 years
National Political Science Honor Society.
Beta Beta Beta-4 years
Biological Honor Society and academic fraternity.
Food & Farm Studies Salon-1 year
Participated in weekly discussions with students, faculty, and staff surrounding sustainability, agriculture, and climate justice.
Kirby Government and Law Society-4 years
Attends community events and discussions focused on increasing interest, awareness, and activism within the Lafayette College community.
CAMPUS SERVICE ACTIVITY/AWARD
Sustainability Committee of Lafayette Student Government-3 years
Works with members, students, and faculty to organize and implement sustainability initiatives on campus in addition to voting in general body and committee meetings as a sustainability committee chair. Coordinates with college administrators, faculty, and staff to develop policies and initiatives that contribute to the college’s sustainability goals including reaching carbon neutrality by 2035.Writes and votes on official resolutionsin the college’s joint governance process. Represents the student body and their sustainability priorities at committee and general body meetings.
Student Government Outstanding Delegate Award-3 years
Received the outstanding delegate award for four semesters from the head of the Sustainability Committee.
Sullivan Removal Coalition-2 years
Helped found the Sullivan Removal Coalition as an extension of ASB’s Indigenous Rights trip. Worked with faculty, staff, students, and administrators to advocate for Indigenous representation and rights on campus. The coalition was successful in changing the name of the, now, Leopard Parking Deck and continues to correct the unjust historical narrative perpetuated on campus regarding the Sullivan Expedition and local Indigenous Massacre.
Lafayette Leadership Education Committee-2 years
Participated in weekly meetings planning and facilitating educational events for the Lafayette community such as the Lafayette Leadership Institute (LLI). These opportunities are designed to provide realistic challenges and support for students in leadership positions and encourages active learning through real-world experiences, consistent feedback, and thoughtful reflection.
Laffco-3 years
Volunteer at LaFarm.
Food Recovery Network|2|Collected food and scraps from dining halls each week to give to Safe Harbor and the Biology department’s reptiles to mitigate food waste on campus.
LEAP-2 years
Attended weekly meetings to plan events and initiatives addressing sustainability issues on campus.
Lifeguard at Lafayette Recreation Services-3 years
Ensures the safety and well-being of students, athletes, faculty, staff, and guests at the college’s division I pool. Participates in frequent in-service training and maintain facilities.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Alternative School Break-4 years
Served as general member and the finance chair for one year each and president for two years. Participates in service trips working with community partners across the US on social justice issues such as Indigenous rights and disability advocacy and awareness. Organizes and facilitates educational events and activities for the Lafayette and Easton communities raising awareness about trip topics. Coordinates with other executive officers and Landis Staff members in running the organization. Organizes all educational, bonding, and training activities as well as runs all executive and general member meetings. Writes official documents for the operation of the organization and its affiliation with Lafayette College’s Landis Center for Community Engagement including contracts, financial policies, and the constitution. Manages the finances of participants and trips and coordinates club-wide fundraisers.
Landis Jeremy Saxe Award-1 year
Awarded annually to a senior who best exemplifies the ideals of academic achievement and intellectual curiosity, personal engagement in the community and a commitment to making the world a better place.
Landis Active Citizens Student of the Year-1 year
Recognizes students, faculty, staff, and community partners who strengthen the bond between campus and community through education, outreach, and service. The selected student embodies the ideals of individual commitment, a common purpose, and active citizenship and makes the Lehigh Valley and the world a better place.
2019-2020 Alternative School Break’s Positive Change Creator Award-1 year
Awarded to an outstanding member of one of ASB’s annual trips. This student brings enthusiasm and positive energy to their initiatives and uplifts their team in their shared endeavors.
Generation Next-2 years
Volunteered through Landis’s Mosaic program at Easton High School each week mentoring high school juniors and seniors and helping them complete their college applications.
State Park Environmental Protection Volunteer Intern-1 year
Volunteered for the Parks Department in Bear Mountain State Park, NY. Assisted Bear Mountain State Park Environmental Protection team in designing and constructing protective measures around an endangered plant species plot in Bear Mountain State Park. Work was conducted in the field and required physical labor and the use of tools and machines to implement designs. Protecting endangered species in the park contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecosystem health of the area that researchers and members of the community alike can enjoy and benefit from.
Campaign Intern-1 year
Interned for New York State Senate-39th District during the 2020 campaign cycle. Worked remotely (due to COVID-19) contributing to state Senator James Skoufis’ re-election campaign. Responsibilities included phone banking in addition to attending conferences on campaign logistics, finance, and staffing.
Lafayette EMS-2 years
Volunteered as an assistant EMT at Easton Emergency Squad responding to medicalemergencies within Easton and on campus via the Lafayette Quick Response System.
Food Distributer-8 years
Distributes food to community members in Easton and in Highland Falls, NY. Volunteered bi-weekly in New York through the Church of the Holy Innocents throughout high school. Volunteers in Easton’s West Ward through Father’s House. Aids community members and other volunteers utilizing my Spanish speaking abilities.
ATHLETIC ACTIVITY/AWARD
Women’s Club Lacrosse-4 years
Participates in games and weekly practices. Served as Secretary for one year and was responsible for scheduling practices, games, and events for the team as well as creating flyers and social media content. Currently having an undefeated season as a member team of The Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Organization (WCLO).
Women’s Club Soccer-3 yeas
Participated in games and weekly practices. Served as Vice President for one year and was responsible for organizing practices, games, and bonding events.
Lafayette Outdoor Society-2 years
Attended bi-weekly meetings as well as weekend outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating.
Personal Fitness-4 years
Participates in group fit classes and athletic opportunities on campus such as the annual PASA Take Back the Night 5k.
SPECIAL INTEREST ACTIVITY/AWARD
Vice President of Recruitment, Alpha Gamma Delta-1 year
Served on the Executive Committee of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity’s Zeta Theta Chapter. Organized all recruitment efforts including all financial, aesthetic, interpersonal, and logistical coordination during primary recruitment and continuous openbidding. Focused on enhancing our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and making the recruitment process welcoming and exciting for all potential new members and current members. Worked with advisors, AGD executive and general members, and members of the Panhellenic Council to ensure a well-executed recruitment that highlights the values of AGD and our community. Significantly improved the chapter’s recruitment rate and recruited the largest membership class across all chapters on campus in over 5 years.
2022 Fraternity and Sorority Life Excellence in Recruitment Award-1 year
This award goes to the fraternity and sorority that excels in recruitment, continuous open bidding, and/or intake and in retaining new members. These chapters articulate a plan for recruiting new members in a values congruent manner, host a new member education process rich in expectations, values, and development, and provide support throughout the new member process.
Head of Counselors in Training and Waterfront at Camp Ma-He-Tu-6 yeas
Worked at camp Ma-He-Tu in Harriman State Park every summer from 2017 through 2022 gaining more experience and leadership each year. Worked as a member of senior leadership through multiple roles including the Head of Counselors in Training (CITs) and Head of Waterfront which were both executed at the same time. Responsible for managing staff and campers as well as aiding the director and assistant directors in managerial office responsibilities using organizational skills and creativity. Aided in camp management and safety, responding to emergency situations, and event planning. Was directly in charge of the CITs in their daily scheduling, training, and management and responsible for waterfront management, staffing, safety, and boating and water events. Has been a part of the Ma-He-Tu community since 2012. Spanish Speakers of Lafayette|2|Attended weekly meetings and events where students were encouraged to use and practice their Spanish conversational skills and learn more about Spanish-speaking culture.