In late August, the Graham Education Program team welcomed both new program manager Carly Silverman and the 2025–2026 cohort of Graham Sustainability Scholars. Together, these additions reinforce Graham’s commitment to preparing students for leadership in sustainability and climate action.
Silverman, a native Michigander, earned her master’s degree in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University and spent a decade in the Bay Area. She brings more than ten years of experience designing environmental education programs, supporting youth in schools, leading conservation crews, and facilitating professional development for educators.
“I’m honored to join the Graham team and to contribute to a community so deeply committed to impact,” Silverman said. “Working with students is what excites me most—helping them channel their ideas, energy, and leadership toward real-world solutions in sustainability. This is the kind of work that drives meaningful change.”
For nearly two decades, the Graham Sustainability Scholars Program has provided unparalleled opportunities for undergraduates across U-M to collaborate with external partners on applied projects. Scholars are selected through a rigorous review process to ensure they represent the program’s values of collaboration, leadership, and practical impact.
The 2025–2026 cohort of 24 Scholars will partner with organizations including Wayne County’s Sustainability & Innovation Division, the Stewardship Network, the Washtenaw 2030 District, the Washtenaw County Resiliency Office, and the Marygrove Community Association.
2025–2026 Graham Scholars
- Taylor Bentley (LSA)
- Kaylee Boudrie Foster (Taubman, LSA)
- Sophia Christian (LSA)
- Joe Clynes (LSA)
- Willa Cornillie (LSA)
- Margaret DuRoss (Education, LSA)
- George Elengikal (Engineering)
- Adele Flores-Noel (LSA)
- Morgan Gilboe (LSA)
- Celine Hartanto (Architecture)
- Veronica Hochrein (Public Health, LSA)
- Jacob Hornbach (LSA)
- Makenna Jedlicka (LSA, Public Health)
- Mason Johnson (LSA)
- Lihie Kalfa (LSA)
- Daniella Kasper (LSA)
- Gabrielle Kiminyo (Music, Theatre & Dance)
- Kaya McPhee (Engineering)
- Rachel Mecca (Engineering, LSA)
- Elisabeth Murley (LSA)
- Shreya Srivathsan (LSA)
- Zoe Vance (Public Health)
- Terahnia Williams (Architecture)
- Michelle Zheng (Taubman, LSA)
“The new cohort represents an incredible range of disciplines and perspectives,” said Greta Fear, a current Graham Scholar. “They are united by a shared determination to create change, and I’m confident their collaborations with partner organizations will make a lasting contribution to sustainability in Michigan and beyond.”
As the Graham Scholars program continues to grow, the institute reaffirms its role as a catalyst for preparing the next generation of sustainability leaders with the skills, networks, and experience to tackle society’s most complex environmental issues.