Amid the anxiety caused by the current administration's war on justice and the environment, the N.C. Chapter wanted this year's team of summer fellows to lean into what makes the Sierra Club unique among our environmental brethren: our Outings program.
Sierra Club outings are legendary among outdoor enthusiasts and environmental allies. They are frequently the first place people engage with us, a gateway through which participants see the value of – and become engaged in – our advocacy.
This summer, we're asking our four fellows to become certified outings leaders, and to design and lead an outing based on an environmental issue that they have researched and is meaningful to them.
We want to give them the opportunity to get outside and connect to nature, and understand how helping others to "explore and enjoy" inspires the grassroots advocacy and power we need to continue to "protect our planet."
Please welcome Ari, Diana, Daisy and Sam!
Ariel Mial
I’m a proud two-time graduate of NC Central University. I recently earned my Master’s degree in Environmental, Earth, and Geospatial Science, after completing my Bachelor’s in Environmental and Geospatial Science in 2023. I’m originally from Greensboro, though I spent my high school years in Lynchburg, VA.
I’ve had the opportunity to intern with organizations like the NC Conservation Network, the UNC Institute for the Environment, the NC Department of Health and Human Services, and LiveNation. Each of these experiences has helped shape my passion for environmental justice, public health, and community advocacy. I love working on projects that connect people to important environmental issues through research, education, and service.
This summer, I’m excited to work with the Sierra Club. It’s a chance for me to speak out about the environmental injustices happening in my community and to help educate others about the challenges we face. I’m also really looking forward to spending more time outdoors, meeting new people, and continuing to grow in this work that I care so deeply about.
Diana Bachiller
I'm a first-year Master of Environmental Management and Forestry student at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, specializing in Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems, as well as Community Engagement and Environmental Justice. I'm from Irvington, N.J., where I was inspired to bridge the gap between nature and cities.
While I was working on my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability from Montclair State University, I gained valuable experience in community engagement through work with urban farmers and leadership as president of the university gardening club, fostering connections and collaboration to promote sustainable practices.
Now, as the Duke RESTORE Wetlands Team Lead, I get to apply my passion for wetland science and restoration by coordinating efforts to improve ecosystem health and promote community-based conservation. I'm keenly interested in education, wetland science, water quality issues within urban spaces, and seeking environmental justice for marginalized communities.
Majemite Daisy Iyangbe
I'm a doctoral student of the Integrated Biosciences program at NC Central University, specializing in environmental health research. I'm originally from Nigeria, and I hold degrees in Zoology; Hydrobiology and Fisheries; and Earth, Environmental, and Geospatial Sciences. My research focuses on the ecological and human health effects of pollution, especially plastic contamination, and seeks to promote evidence-based environmental solutions.
I applied for the Sierra Club internship because of the Club’s mission to protect the planet and empower communities through education, coordination, and policy change. This aligns with my goal of bridging academic research with real-world impact and expanding my skills in advocacy and environmental communication.
This summer, I look forward to contributing to impactful research, supporting policy-related writing, and collaborating with experienced staff, community advocates, and volunteers. I’m also excited to coordinate outreach activities that raise awareness of environmental health issues and engage the public in meaningful conversations about sustainability and justice. Through this experience, I hope to grow as both a scientist and advocate, gaining the tools to inform policy, inspire action, and support healthier, more resilient communities.
Sam Burton
I'm a Master of Public Policy candidate at Duke University with a concentration in Environment and Energy Policy. Before graduate school, I worked in California managing school gardens and environmental education programming in K-12 schools. This work inspired me to bolster policies for environmental protection, equity, and education to combat climate change.
I'm originally from Southern California, where my passion for environmental stewardship began by exploring local beaches and mountains in my childhood. I developed an early interest in the Sierra Club while hiking through the giant sequoia trees and banks of the Merced River in Yosemite National Park. My appreciation for the organization has grown as I have witnessed its persistent fight for environmental conservation and justice in the face of political opposition.
This summer, I'm eager to contribute to the NC Chapter’s work to address climate change and associated equity issues across the state. I am especially excited to strengthen my policy skills towards climate change mitigation efforts by leveraging local outings to inspire action and advocacy. Outside of academic and professional pursuits, you can find me hitting the trails for a run or bike ride, digging my hands through soil, or sitting by the ocean!