Carolena Bellini

Originally from the outskirts of Philadelphia, Carolena began her studies at the University of Vermont in 2021 as a double major in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Throughout her career at UVM, Carolena has gained experience in environmental policy research and analysis, mainly working in the Vermont Statehouse with legislators. Outside of policy work, Carolena was an Organic Farm Production Intern for Common Roots and completed a travel study in the Amazonian Basin of Ecuador researching indigenous communities, biodiversity, and the impact of the oil industry. Her time in Ecuador inspired her current undergraduate thesis on international development and its social and environmental implications. When she is not working, you can find Carolena reading, drawing, and staying active as an avid hiker and member of the UVM Track and Field team. Carolena is looking forward to further developing her passion for conservation at the policy level.