Martha Wondimu’s path to the University of Minnesota began on quiet weekend mornings spent at farmers’ markets and watching nature documentaries with her father. Those early moments sparked a deep-seated sense of responsibility that now drives her work as a third-year student in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS).
Background: “I grew up in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul. My parents are Ethiopian immigrants who came here in the ’90s. Spending the beginning part of my childhood in the Twin Cities was very influential in sparking my love of nature.”
Finding her way: “I chose to major in environmental science, policy and management because of how versatile it is. I love that the major allows you to explore different tracks to find your niche, while still having the flexibility to take classes across multiple areas. Learning about the policy, planning, law and society track really piqued my interest because it allows me to combine my love for the environment with my interest in policy.”
Environmental science meets policy: “In an environmental justice class, I got to work directly with former state Sen. Patricia Torres Ray on a climate-focused insurance bill addressing how rising housing insurance costs are directly linked to climate change, which solidified my interest in policy work.”
Possibilities for the future: “Studying abroad at the University of Galway in Ireland and conducting ecology fieldwork there — including small-mammal trapping, bird surveys, water quality testing and plant identification — opened my eyes to the prospects of pursuing work grad school abroad. I really enjoy sustainability, environmental justice and policy. Finding a career intersecting all three would be great!”
On her passion for travel: “My study abroad experience in Ireland last summer has awakened my love for travel. Since coming back, I’ve visited Japan and France! So ideally I’ll do more traveling after graduation.”
Scholarships include: The Robert Henton Fund and the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Scholars Endowment
Feeling the support: “I am so grateful [to be the recipient of scholarships]. Not only does this ease the financial burden for me, but it also affirms that my dreams do matter. This support allowed me to study abroad in Ireland with an ecology program — as an environmental science major, that is huge!”
Life-changing education: “My experience at the University of Minnesota is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I’ve met such a diverse group of people on this campus, some of whom are now my greatest friends. CFANS has allowed me to have so many hands-on experiences that have helped me figure out what I really enjoy academically. I’ve gotten to work with a former state senator at the Capitol, organize pop-up climate teach-ins and so much more — thanks to the University.”
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