Dan Shearman

Dan is a third-year law student at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, recently returning from Madrid where he completed his Master’s in International and European Business Law. Dan first became interested in sustainable development after taking a class at the Sturm College of Law on sustainable development and international trade. Dan hopes to use this experience and his degree to work internationally in his career. Dan is looking forward to the knowledge and experience he will gain from this opportunity with SDSG.

SolEne crawley

Solène Crawley is a first-year law student at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. As a child, she spent three years living in Okinawa, Japan and had the unique experience of attending a local Japanese elementary school, Chatan Daini Shogakko. Through that immersive education, she developed a passion for the environment and an understanding of sustainable living. In 2019, Solène returned to Japan through a study abroad program at Kagawa University, in Takamatsu, where she studied the Japanese language while conducting research regarding Japan’s plastic consumption and the interplay between culture and law within Japanese society. She graduated from Colorado State University in 2019 with a major in International Studies and a minor in the Japanese language. Solène is currently a member of the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Society, at Sturm College of Law, and was elected to serve as a board member for the 2022-2023 academic year. She is also a member of the International Law Society at Sturm. Solène is excited to be an SDSG summer intern, learning about SDSG’s policy work and advancement strategies for sustainable energy and natural resource development.  

Alex Holmes

Alex Holmes is a 2023 JD candidate at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. He has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geology from the University of Colorado Boulder. At SDSG, Alex evaluated the state of consultation policies regarding government activities that affect Indigenous Americans, their lands and resources in the U.S. In his report you can read on our Sustainable Development and Indigenous Peoples webpage, Alex outlined some of the requirements for consultation with indigenous communities that have developed under international law, especially ILO Convention 169, the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (1989), and explained where the U.S. government consultation policies fall short of international standards and fail to ensure Indigenous American’s right to self-determination. He also researched various aspects of how the U.S. is ameliorating the impacts of the green transition on coal-industry workers, the social and environmental impacts that may result from increased mining for critical minerals necessary for the green transition, and conducted a review of which countries have adopted Environmental Assessment and which have note, including an analysis of how the role environmental assessments changes as a country adopts more complex environmental regulations. 

Zach Kauraisa

Zach Kauraisa has more than two years of experience in energy law. Currently, Zach is a legal professional at Koep & Partners, where he advises multinational energy and mining companies on commercial transactions in Namibia. Zach holds a master's degree in International Energy Law, specializing in Oil and Gas. He is committed to unlocking the economic potential of Namibia through its natural resources by increasing private sector activity in key sectors, which ultimately increases government tax revenues. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Zach plans to contribute to reforming Namibia's energy laws to attract investment into energy projects, with the ultimate aim of improving access to electricity in Namibia. Zach is with SDSG as part of the Professional Development Experience (PDE) component of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

Kallie Klein

Kallie Klein is currently in her last year of undergraduate school at Western Colorado University (WCU), graduating in December 2022 with a BA in Environment and Sustainability and a minor in Humanities and Diversity. Through her involvement with Equitable Solar Solutions and multiple sustainability programs on WCU's campus, she has grown to be passionate about studies of solutions and resilience. Kallie intends to receive a Master in Climate Science and Solutions in the future and use that knowledge to help build a resilient future and that begins with her work with SDSG!

AMELIA MARSH

Amelia Marsh is a first-year law student at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. She was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. She attended the University of Arizona, and after graduation worked for the Pima County Public Library as a Library Associate. During that time, she became involved in climate activism and worked with the City of Tucson to coordinate public input on the City of Tucson Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. These experiences inspired her to attend law school and focus on environmental and energy law to contribute to a just and speedy transition to renewables.

SARAH BRUSSEAU

Sarah Brusseau is thrilled to be returning to SDSG as a Research Fellow. Sarah’s time during the Spring of 2021 as an intern for SDSG solidified her interest in natural resources and environmental policy. She is currently using her passion for the environment as a Legislative Intern focused on energy policy for Colorado State Senator Chris Hansen. Sarah is a third-year law student at Denver Law. In addition to serving as the Editor-in-Chief for the Denver Journal of International Law and Policy, Sarah is also Senior Managing Editor of The Environment at 5280 Law Blog and the President of the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Society.

Chris Medary

Chris is a recent graduate of Western Colorado University, where he completed his Master in Environmental Management degree. He has worked in many sectors and scales on projects broadly related to sustainability. Most recently, he has worked as a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analyst, climate action planner, and researcher in the field of renewable energy transition. Over the course of the past 10 years, Chris has advised and worked collaboratively with public, private, non-profit, academic institutions, and indigenous communities on topics related to energy, waste, water, and food security. The interdisciplinary nature of his professional experience lends itself well to research rooted in systems theory, life cycle assessment, and resilience. At SDSG, Chris contributes to research on critical minerals needed for a green economy.

Michaela Norris

Michaela is currently obtaining her Masters in Environmental Management from Western Colorado University and resides in Colorado. Originally from Texas, Michaela got her BS in Environmental Geosciences from Texas A&M University. She is passionate about the environment and geosciences, and aspires to travel and live internationally with her career. Michaela is excited to join the SDSG team as a Research Intern where she will gain knowledge and experience in her field as she contributes to SDSG research in critical minerals for a green economy.

Tess Peterson

Tess Peterson will graduate from Western Colorado University (WCU) in May of 2022 with a Bachelors degree (BA) in Environment & Sustainability as well as a pre-law minor. At WCU, Tess is a sustainability coordinator, senator in the student government association, and associate editor for Top O' the World News. She is also a team captain of Western's mock trial team. Tess plans to attend law school and pursue a career in environmental justice and policy. She is thrilled to be working with SDSG!

Sean Ross

Born in Germany and raised in Scotland, Sean Ross is delighted to be doing a research internship with SDSG. Currently completing his Masters (MSc) in Sustainability: Climate Change & the Green Economy at the University of Dundee, Sean graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng(Hons)) in Mechanical Engineering from Robert Gordon University in 2019. At SDSG, Sean is looking into the social impacts of coal mine closures and direct support offered to coal workers in the European Union and the United States. In his spare time, Sean enjoys running and created the Sustainable Running Instagram page to raise awareness about sustainability issues in the sport. He also writes for The Green Runners website.

Hayley Glover

Hayley Glover is a recent MS graduate from Colorado School of Mines. There she expanded her knowledge in environmental engineering and is currently pursuing independent research in "research translation." She hopes to understand the nuances of ethical publishing as a scientist, and is interested in making scientific findings more accessible. With a multidisciplinary background, she has worked on SARS-CoV-2 building efficiency modeling, and explored mercury reduction strategies for small scale and artisanal gold mining in Colombia. Hayley is looking forward to a career in environmental engineering where she can combine dimensions of remediation with environmental and social justice.

RACHEL HOTZ

Ray is a rising 2L at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. There, she is working towards a certificate in environmental and natural resources law. She is a member of the 2021-2022 environmental law clinic and a board member of the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Society. Before attending Sturm, Ray earned a minor in sustainability and a certificate in the environmental humanities while interning at sustainable non-profits in her home state of Arizona. Ray is thrilled to continue that work at SDSG over Summer 2021.

Sarah Brusseau

Sarah Brusseau is a second-year law student at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law specializing in Environmental and International Law. Sarah graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. She worked for a non-profit focused on sustainability and conservation in Roatán, Honduras and is excited to continue to pursue that passion with SDSG. Currently, Sarah is the Vice President of the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Society, a Staff Editor for the 5280 Environmental Law Blog, and a Staff Editor for the Denver Journal of International Law and Policy. 

Nathan Gore

Nate Gore is currently working to complete his Master in Environmental project in part for the SDSG. His MEM project includes the continuation of his predecessor's research on biochar for mining restoration. Specifically, the soils from the Ben Butler mine were treated with biochar and compost amendments in a series of column tests to study fluctuations in nutrients and the breakdown of contaminants. Another component of the project is to write preliminary management strategies for a programmatic removal of the beetle-killed trees at Monarch Pass so that the material could be repurposed into biochar. The biochar created from this innovative strategy could then be distributed to mined lands for revegetation and restoration projects across Colorado and the West. This project has the potential to be scaled and applied to any mountain location where beetle kill and mined land impacts have degraded the landscape. After he graduates in May of 2021, Nate hopes to begin a career in ecosystem restoration and conservation. He is also very interested in working in alpine ski resort environmental management.

2020

SUMMER 2020

Richard Arnett

Richard Arnett is a rising 2L at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.A. in Geology. Richard previously worked as a field geologist for a renewable energy company before enrolling at DU. He plans to pursue a career in land use, natural resources, water, or renewable energy law. In his free time, he enjoys fly fishing and skiing. 

Heather Colby

Heather Colby is a third year law student at the University Denver Sturm College of Law where she is working towards a certificate in International Law. Before attending law school, she worked in the grassroots nonprofit sector with both local and international organizations. As an advisory member of the DU International Law Society, a member of DU’s Jessup team, and the opportunity to study in The Hague, she has focused her studies on international human rights and international courts. She is honored to serve as one of the Student Directors of the International Law Students Association for the 2020-2021 year and the Business Editor for the Denver Journal for International Law and Policy. She plans to pursue a career in international public policy and is thrilled to have the opportunity to explore that career in Colorado through SDSG.

Casey Morris

Casey grew up in Colorado and has a long-standing interest in environmental justice. She graduated cum laude from the University of Denver with a B.A. in International Studies and minor in Sustainability. She has worked internationally in India and New Zealand. Her work for SDSG focuses on coal transitions in the United States and globally. Casey was awarded a Squire Patton Boggs Public Policy Fellowship for her internship with SDSG. 

2019

FALL 2019

Annie Beall

Annie is a first year graduate student with the Masters of Environmental Management (MEM) program at Western Colorado University. Annie's research with SDSG is focused on Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and their use in renewable energy portfolios for Colorado cities and towns. Annie's goals with the MEM and working with SDSG are to best support just transition initiatives for Colorado communities and neighboring states. Annie has worked in public housing, agriculture, and is a certified herbalist and permaculture designer. Annie graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. 

Miranda borke

Miranda graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, which she hopes to apply towards a more sustainable world.  Besides working as a Research Associate for SDSG she volunteers at the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League.  Outside of work, she enjoys long distance running, mountain biking, skiing, kayaking and anything else under the sun.  

Catherine Meneses Quiroz

Catherine Meneses Quiroz is studying an LLM in American Law Practice at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She is a Peruvian attorney with over 13 years of experience in mining, environmental, sustainable development and community relations. She has work for different Peruvian law firms and as an in-house attorney providing advice to multinational mining companies. She is knowledgeable in the environmental framework in Peru, and has experience in extensive legal research and case law, as well as engaging with national and regional authorities, negotiation with rural and indigenous communities, and different stakeholders. She was the chair of a social trust created to generate and finance development projects for two rural communities in the North Andes of Peru within the area of influence of a mining project.

rachel blue

Rachel Blue is a full-time community college professor in pursuit of her JD. She is also a new mom. She’s spent the better part of 20 years advocating for her students and colleagues, whether it be the creation of inclusive spaces or a better leave program for faculty.  Now, she is turning her attention to sustainable and ethical growth, specifically as it pertains to corporate governance; her primary focus is reversing negative impacts on oceans and bodies of water. This allows her to utilize her advocacy skills while effecting change, locally and hopefully nationally.

Brad Cummings

Brad Cummings is in his third year of law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where he is also an LLM candidate for International Business Transactions. Brad is also a dual Master’s recipient in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Resource Law Studies from the University, and received his Bachelors in Philosophy from the American Military University. In addition to receiving specializations in Renewable Energy and Oil and Gas, he also has worked in various research assistant roles on projects involving the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Upon graduation, Brad plans to work in the non-profit community in Veterans advocacy and environmental protection, preservation, and sustainable development.

Wendy Kerner

Wendy Kerner is a student at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law where she is working toward a certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law. She is Symposium Editor for the University of Denver Water Law Review and will be participating in the Environmental Law Clinic for the 2019-20 school year. She has returned to school after teaching elementary education in Park County, Colorado for 20 years because she wants to gain the legal knowledge to help protect our planet and people (particularly marginalized communities) from irresponsible, unlawful actions; address harmful, ineffective laws; and help develop reasonable, sustainable policy. She loves spending time outdoors in the mountains with her husband and daughter.

Charlotte Selix

Charlotte Selix is a second year law student at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She is a dedicated animal rights and environmental advocate, serving on the executive board for the newly reinstated Student Animal Legal Defense Fund. Her passion for environmental protection has led her to intern for SDSG. She plans to pursue a career in Federal and international animal and environmental rights.

2018

Fall 2018

CONNER SAPP 

Conner Sapp is in his second year of law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Political Science and Spanish. After graduation, Conner spent time living and working in Spain, Ecuador, and Mexico. He is fluent in Spanish and most interested in the intersection between the political economy of development and the ecological issues that currently face modern civilization. As a result, Conner focuses his efforts on institutional fortification in Latin America in order to provide greater opportunity to a wider range of the population in a manner consistent with ecological balance.

HUNTER EDBERG

Hunter Edberg is currently a Master’s of Environmental Management Candidate at Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado. He is in the Sustainable and Resilient Communities track, and his emphasis is in renewable energy development, specifically solar. He is particularly interested in renewable energy policy, the increasingly compelling economic argument for renewables, and future growth in battery storage. Hunter’s interest in energy started while working at the Sustainability Office at Bemidji State University, where he received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration. When he is not working on school or project related items, you will likely find him the mountains or on a river somewhere.

JOSE MOZO HORMANN 

Jose Mozo Hormann is studying for his LLM at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. L.L.B From Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, with a concentration in Public Law. During Law school, Jose worked as an intern in the National Congress. After graduation worked in private practice as a sole practitioner. Jose is also a volunteer of the Santiago Fire Department. He is married and the father of one.

TORI JAROSH

Tori Jarosh is a Spring 2018 Western Colorado University graduate. She graduated with a degree from the Environment and Sustainability program with a water emphasis. In the Fall of 2018, Tori returned to Gunnison from her hometown of St.Charles, IL to intern for SDSG. She now acts as a research associate on a current study which aims to identify barriers to renewable energy adoption in Colorado communities. Tori's interests in energy arose during her involvement in Gunnison community energy initiatives; these include organizing public engagement forums and meeting regularly to connect local renewable energy agendas. She hopes to participate in further initiatives across the nation or globe. Outside of the office, Tori enjoys gardening and spending time in the kitchen.

SPRING 2018

Chris Werre

Chris Werre is a second-year graduate student in the Master in Environmental Management (MEM) Program at Western State Colorado University. His studies focus on Global Sustainability and he is particularly interested in policies that protect human rights while addressing pressing environmental challenges such as climate change. Chris has an undergraduate degree in Marine Science and Geology from Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, Florida. After graduation Chris volunteered for the Environmental Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun) as a trail team leader for international volunteers. Before enrolling in the MEM program Chris worked in Denver as an environmental lab analyst and continued to spend time volunteering in Iceland during the summers.

Edwin Bustinza Lozada 

Edwin is an LLM Candidate at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He received this law degree from the University of Lima (Magna cum laude). Since 2012, he has served as legal counsel to Compañia de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A, a Peruvian mining company. Edwin specializes in mining, environmental, corporate law, and foreign investments related matters. He has served as in-hous counsel to recognized international mining companies. He has experience in drafting agreements; preparation and presentation of environmental documents and filings; negotiation with communities; and knowledge of environmental and social issues often related to the development of mining projects. He also provides advice on issues related to foreign investments in Peru, including corporate transactions.

Sarah Schulte

Sarah is in her second year of law school at the University of Denver (DU) Sturm College of Law. She is a recipient of the DU Chancellor’s Scholarship, which provides full tuition in recognition of academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to the public interest. Sarah participates in the Tribal Wills Program at DU and will be Secretary of the DU Native American Law Student Association for the 2017-2018 school year. Prior to attending law school, Sarah worked in mental health, providing direct service in residential and independent living environment. Sarah graduated from Colorado College in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy.

Aubrey Bertram

A born-and-raised Denver native, Aubrey Bertram is thrilled to be interning with SDSG this fall. She will graduate this spring with a J.D. certificate in International Law and an LL.M. in Natural Resource and Environmental Law and Policy from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Aubrey studied Biology, Statistics, and Geography at the University of Wyoming. She studied abroad in New South Wales, Australia and Andhra Pradesh, India while at UW. Aubrey has also spent time in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and worked at two wildlife rescue centers in Cambodia and Thailand. Previously, Aubrey interned with the Environmental Protection Agency, The Wilderness Society and Metro Volunteer Lawyers, as well as worked in the Environmental Law Clinic and on the Tribal Wills Project. She is on the executive board of the DU Water Law Review, the Natural Resource and Environmental Law Society, and the president of the Native American Law Students Association. Aubrey is also a research assistant to Professor Annecoos Wiersema on international wildlife law issues. A true Colorado native, you can find Aubrey running, camping, hiking, skiing, gardening, or enjoying a local craft beer in her free time with her two cats and two dogs.

Amber Naiman

Amber is a third year law student at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. Born and raised just outside of Toronto, Amber graduated from the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario with a Bachelor’s of Commerce degree.  After graduating, she worked in the school’s Agricultural and Economics department. Under the supervision of Professor Maury Bredahl, Amber published a paper titled “Canadian Bilateral Trade Agreements: Drivers, Pressures, and Constraints“, which was discussed at the 2012 International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium (IATRC) Annual meeting.

Amber is currently pursuing a joint JD-LLM degree in International Business Transactions at the University of Denver. Amber’s studies focus on international trade, environmental protection, and economic and social sustainability. Outside of law school, she likes to spend her time outdoors and enjoys hiking, skiing, and running. She loves listening to bluegrass music, and like most Canadians, watching hockey.

Mr. Luis Chavez

Mr. Luis Chavez holds a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) degree from the Monterey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (the “Monterey Institute”), a premiere institute in Mexico, and is licensed to practice law in Mexico. In December 2013, he earned an LLM degree in Environment and Natural Resources Law and Policy from the University of Denver.

Mr. Chavez has many years of international mining experience.  From October 2007 to April 2012, he served as Legal Chief at the Mexican offices of Dia Bras Exploration Inc. (now Sierra Metals Inc.), a Canadian mining and exploration company with mining operations in Chihuahua, Mexico and Perú. From April 2012 to April 2013, he served Intercontinental Potash Corp (USA) as an Attorney, Business Development in Denver, Colorado.

In his professional capacity, he has been responsible for obtaining mining concession rights and titles, environmental permits and water permits.  He has completed extensive merger and acquisition work for these companies and other clients.  He has drafted, reviewed, and closed contracts including property acquisitions, service contracts, production contracts, and lease and sale contracts. He has been responsible for legal matters, including business development initiatives and regulatory compliance work.  He assisted in preparing legal documents required to open mining operations, including lease extensions, well or drill hole reclamation plans, and Environmental Impact Statement documents.

He has also completed an international exchange program at Angelo State University in Texas, where he took courses including Business Law and International Economics, and he has completed nearly two years of coursework toward a Master’s of Taxation (Mexico) at the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua.

Raven Adams Phillips

Raven is currently a third year law student at the University of Denver, where she has focused on environmental and natural resources law.  Originally from California, Raven traveled to Colby College in Maine to study Psychology and Neuroscience.  After gaining further experience in scientific research labs, she decided to attend law school for a change of pace.  In addition to her work with SDSG, Raven has interned for Colorado Legal Services, the Denver District Court, and Denver Water.  Raven also serves as Managing Editor of the University of Denver Water Law Review.  In her free time, Raven enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and appreciating the beautiful Colorado wilderness through skiing, hiking, and rafting.

Nadia B. Ahmad

Nadia is a native of Orlando. She is currently pursuing an LLM in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy at the University of Denver. Nadia obtained her law degree from the University of Florida, where she was a Virgil Hawkins Fellowship recipient and served as Assistant Editor-in-Chief of The Florida Journal of International Law. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with high honors in Comparative Literature. At Cal, Nadia was initiated into the Golden Key National Honor Society and was a three-time recipient of the Barbara L. Frye Scholarship for student journalism from the Capitol Press Club of Florida. She is a member of the Florida Bar.