Rising Elmhurst University senior Lucia Zdenahlik has been awarded a prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarship that will support her studies and introduce her to change-makers working in environmental careers.
The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship program identifies future leaders in the environmental, tribal public policy and health care fields. Zdenahlik, a resident of Glenview, Ill., is double-majoring in environmental studies and economics and minoring in geographic Information systems at Elmhurst U. She is one of just 55 college sophomores and juniors in the 2024 class of Udall Scholars, and was selected from more than 400 candidates nominated by 192 colleges and universities.
Zdenahlik will receive a $7,000 scholarship and expand her professional network when she travels this month to the Udall Scholar Orientation in Tucson, Ariz. While there, she will meet with other Udall scholars, as well as community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care and governance.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting people who have the same interests and passions as me, finding out about the projects they’re working on, and learning about career opportunities,” she said.
Zdenahlik discovered her passion for the environment while attending Oakton Community College, where she participated in natural restoration activities and served as president of the environmental club. After transferring to Elmhurst, Zdenahlik took part in a research project on plastics and finding plastics alternatives, and hopes to continue her research in the fall.
She doesn’t have a specific job in mind yet for after she graduates from Elmhurst, but hopes to find something that can bridge all of her interests.
“I’m still exploring and trying to be creative in how I might combine my interests into something that I’ll enjoy and that will make positive change,” she said.
By increasing access to opportunities like the Udall scholarship program, Elmhurst University fosters growth-minded paths for development in its students, giving them timeless knowledge and skills to thrive as adaptive leaders.
Students interested in applying for the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship or any other national fellowship or scholarship should contact Marisa Mancini, coordinator for national fellowships and scholarships, at [email protected].