My Davidson | A Student Blog Beyond the Green: Lessons from the 2026 Southeastern Student Sustainability Conference
April 8, 2026
Discover how Davidson College first-year students Yoonjung Chae ’29 and Ameli Kuanysheva ’29 are leading the way in environmental stewardship. From presenting carbon data to building a regional network, learn how Davidson’s Sustainability Office empowers students to tackle global challenges through local action.
About the Authors
Yoonjung Chae ’29 is an intended environmental studies major on the natural science track from Yongin-si, South Korea. On campus, she is a member of the Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Action Plan Team with the Sustainability Office, Secretary of the Davidson Bird Club, Co-Chair of Social Media for the Korean Student Association (KSA), Library Information and Research Assistant, and a member of the Davidson Badminton Club.
“I chose to attend Davidson because of a strong sense of community where I envision myself learning, connecting, and engaging deeply with my peers, mentors, and professors in the classroom and beyond.”
Ameli Kuanysheva ’29 is an intended sociology and environmental studies double major from Almaty, Kazakhstan. On campus, she is a member of the communications team for the Sustainability Office, and a soon-to-be Chidsey Leadership Fellow.
“Why Davidson? It felt like a home away from home. What matters to me most is respectful relationships between students, great professors passionate about their areas of teaching, amazing support system, prestigious reputation, and plethora of opportunities for personal growth, outside of just the rigorous academics. Davidson College has it all.”
Last fall, during a departmental meeting, Assistant Director for Sustainability Programs, Cameron Clark, introduced the Southeastern Student Sustainability Conference (SSSC) 2026. What began as a simple inquiry resulted in seven student employees signing up for an adventure in deep inspiration and regional engagement.
Hosted by Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, from February 27 to March 1, the conference brought together students from across the Southeast to discuss institutional sustainability efforts.
These are the stories of a few student employees who attended the conference, how they engaged with the Sustainability Office, and their key takeaways from the conference:
Yoonjung Chae ’29
Last July, while searching for a work-study position, the Sustainability Office captured my attention. It offered a vital opportunity for an intended environmental studies major to build the mindset required for environmental stewardship.
Reflecting on the Conference My highlight was learning about advocacy projects from other schools and reflecting on how those successes might be applicable to Davidson. Through presentation sessions and shared meals, I engaged with students who share my passions. It encouraged me to keep moving forward with my work on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Climate Action Plan team, reminding me that we are part of a much larger movement.
Overcoming Challenges I was given the opportunity to present a poster regarding our GHG team’s carbon data work alongside my teammates Sierra, Michaela and Allison. Initially, I felt nervous that my English might not fully convey the technical nuances of our work. However, as I practiced with my team, I gained the confidence to answer complex questions from attendees. During the closing ceremony, I even stepped out of my comfort zone to share my takeaways with the entire assembly.
These experiences of overcoming fear have motivated me to be a more engaged team member and a more confident student. I am proud to have embraced vulnerability as a path toward growth. I’m grateful to Yancey Fouché, Davidson’s Director of Sustainability, who has helped me through this process, as well as Sierra, Michaela, Allison, and my GHG team, who have supported my confidence; and the Davidson Sustainability Office and groups all around the Southeastern US for making my experience at the conference rich and inspiring!
Ameli Kuanysheva ’29
I landed a part-time job with the Sustainability Office right when I arrived as a first-year student in August. It has been the perfect way to get involved; in just over a semester, I have already built professional connections and transferable skills that I will use for years to come.
Highlights & Networking The Southeastern Student Sustainability Conference (SSSC) was a game-changer. I added more than 30 new LinkedIn connections and formed friendships with students from as far as the University of Missouri. I'm really into art, so watching a film about environmental justice in the Appalachian Mountains opened my eyes to sustainability in cinema—and gave me ideas for future projects. I also saw incredible sustainability initiatives on other Southern campuses, and now I'm thinking about how to bring some of those ideas back to Davidson. Stay tuned!
Personal and Professional Growth Coming from Almaty, a city defined by its mountains, seeing the Appalachians reminded me of home. This inspired me to join Davidson Outdoors for my first hike on April 3. Professionally, I learned that I thrive when connecting with others about mission-driven careers. The constant communication required at the conference pushed me out of my comfort zone—I am now ready to put myself out there even more within the Davidson community.
