Grad embraces environmental leadership role to cultivate change
Rae Stusen, a New College Dean’s Medallist, will graduate this spring with a degree in environmental science. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of spectacular spring 2025 grads.
Rae Stusen has always believed that true change begins with knowledge — and with action.
As president of the geology club at Mesa Community College, Stusen discovered the transformative power of environmental science, which inspired their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Through their studies, Rae found new ways to connect science, sustainability and community impact, launching initiatives like the West Valley Garden to make a tangible difference in people's lives.
At New College, Stusen’s passion deepened as they explored how agriculture, soil health and water conservation shape the world around us. Their professors not only expanded their expertise but also helped them build the confidence to lead, advocate and innovate.
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Rae Stusen works in the West Valley campus garden.
Photo by Danielle Castillo
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Rae Stusen and fellow student Lindsey Stevens study together.
Photo by Danielle Castillo
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Rae Stusen and fellow student Lindsey Stevens work in the West Valley campus garden.
Photo by Danielle Castillo
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Rae Stusen in cap and gown standing at the Paley gates on West Valley campus.
Courtesy photo
Whether conducting water resource research for the state of Arizona or creating spaces for community growth, Stusen has embodied New College’s interdisciplinary spirit and commitment to real-world solutions.
Now, as they prepare for the next chapter in environmental policy and data analysis, they’re ready to continue driving meaningful change one project, one policy and one community at a time.
Read the below Q&A to learn more about Stusen's New College experience and their hopes for the future.
Note: This interview may have been edited lightly for length and/or clarity.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: My “aha” moment was when I was studying at Mesa Community College, earning my associate’s degree. I was president of the geology club, and I saw how much studying the environment can truly impact people. It helps others sustain their lives and continue pursuing their passions.
Q: What’s something you learned while at New College that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: Within my major, I learned a lot more about agriculture — nutrients in soil, water availability and how these things impact the environment overall. Through my projects and essays, I realized how much agriculture and our choices about food sources affect everything, sometimes in really harmful ways.
That knowledge drove me to start the garden. I became especially focused on the effects of carbon and methane — methane being far more potent. It really sparked something in me. Methane is a climate change gas that excites particles in the atmosphere, making them hotter and retain more moisture. This changes weather patterns, making dry places drier, hot places hotter, and contributing to both droughts and floods. That’s why we’ve been in a 26-year drought here in Arizona, really starting in the late '90s.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at New College and what was that lesson?
A: Dr. Anna Cunningham and Dr. Susie Sandrin taught me one of the most important lessons —confidence. They helped me realize that I already had the knowledge and skills to succeed; what I needed was the confidence to use them.
They encouraged me to talk to leaders at my job with the Arizona Department of Water Resources ... to share my goals. From that, we realized I’m in a great position to help Arizona manage its water resources. Dr. C and Dr. Sandrin really supported me this past year. They saw my drive to help others, even when I was more reserved professionally.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to someone considering applying for college?
A: My best advice is to try everything. Academically, try out different subjects, join clubs, explore the arts and travel if you can. See what interests you most, and reflect on it. Be grateful for your experiences and think about how they’ve helped you grow. When you find what you truly love, that’s how you’ll help yourself, and others, the most.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering your major? What makes for a good candidate in environmental science?
A: A good candidate for environmental science is someone who genuinely wants to help others and is driven to create change. If you’re someone who adjusts your daily habits because you know how they affect others now and in the future, you’re already on the right track.
For example, I’ve been vegan for six years because I understand how much agriculture and the environment are connected. If you care deeply about the Earth, love being in nature, and want to see it thrive, environmental science could be a great fit. The field is so broad that even having a basic understanding of things like water use or how plants grow is a great starting point.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on the West Valley campus — for studying or hanging out with friends?
A: One of my favorite spots is the gym, especially the treadmills that overlook the West Valley and the mountains. I used to run there all the time when my schedule was less hectic. When I really need to focus, I like to rent study rooms in Fletcher Library. But recently, I’ve found myself spending a lot of time in the tutoring center at Fletcher. It’s a great space where I can either socialize or just dive into my work.
Q: What are your plans after graduation? What do you plan to do for work?
A: After graduation, I plan to continue working with the Arizona Department of Water Resources, aiming for a full-time data analyst role in conservation. I’m building a dashboard that maps every agricultural field in the state, showing water use, irrigation methods, crops, acreage and drought conditions. The goal is to make water data accessible and support smarter, more sustainable policy decisions — especially in places like Wilcox, where groundwater dropped 20 feet due to overuse.
Q: What does "new" in New College mean to you?
A: “New” means new ways of thinking and helping. In environmental science, nature isn’t new — but our approaches (to studying it) are. We’re using existing data in smarter ways to shape policy, support communities and improve agriculture. This year, we expanded the West Valley Garden through collaborations with ethics and engineering classes, ASU Prep students and community partners. My hope is it becomes a lasting model for research, growth, connection and community impact.
Q: Did you receive any scholarships?
A: Yes, I received the Environmental Science Scholarship and the TRAIN Scholarship (TRAnsfer to Interdisciplinary Natural sciences). The TRAIN Scholarship has been especially impactful. It required me to take a class over two semesters, led by Dr. Cunningham and Dr. Susie Sandrin.
That class helped me grow so much, both professionally and personally. They supported me in building my communication skills, developing a website to showcase my work and refining my resume. The instructors met with us individually to learn about our interests and helped us figure out how to build on them to further our careers and help others. I’m incredibly grateful for that opportunity.
Q: What does your degree mean to you and your family?
A: To my family and me, my degree represents a drive for education and knowledge. We believe that not striving for knowledge limits what you can do, and that knowledge empowers you to take action, be effective,and live a more fulfilling life. For us, education isn’t just about learning facts, it’s about gaining the tools to make a real difference.
For example, I didn’t know much about subsidence before, but now I do, and I know how to help. That’s incredibly meaningful to me. It gives me hope, especially in the face of climate change, because I know I’m actively working to minimize its impact.
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