Honors student named Wayne State’s first Udall Scholar for environmental leadership
Rising Junior Jonathan Teh has been selected for the prestigious Udall Scholarship in the environmental category. This will be Wayne State’s first student selected for the national scholarship, which awards $7,000 to college sophomores and juniors.
Chosen from 381 nominees from 175 institutions, Teh is one of 55 scholars selected for his outstanding work as an honors student and significant involvement with sustainability research and action on campus and throughout metro Detroit.
As an Environmental Science major, with a University Honors co-major and a minor in Society and the Environment, Teh was identified early by Dr. Kevin Deegan-Krause of the Office of Fellowships as a promising candidate for the scholarship.
“I'm so grateful for Dr. Kevin Deegan-Krause. He does a great job of lifting students up and being a catalyst for change,” said Teh. “I can’t stress enough how thankful I am to everyone who has helped me: mentors, professors, colleagues and friends. It is a testament to the community we’ve built around sustainability on campus.”
Having a longtime interest in addressing climate change, Teh quickly got involved in sustainability efforts as a first-year student at Wayne State and began volunteering with Green Warriors. He then became an intern with the Office of Campus Sustainability, a leader in the Green Warriors student organization, and a Sustainability Ambassador for the Honors College.
Additionally, Teh is also involved with Dr. Donna Kashian's Aquatic Ecology Lab and the UN Regional Center of Expertise. His contributions on campus include the Towers Cafe Dining Hall Food Reduction Campaign, which has been recognized as a UN Youth-Led Outstanding Flagship Project, and with the YSA 2025 Sodexo Stop Hunger Innovation Grant.
In the local community, Teh has been involved with Make Food Not Waste and the Georgia Street Community Collective. Additionally, his work with the Clinton River Watershed Council sparked a passion for aquatic ecology, something he recognized during the application process for the Udall Scholarship.
“Reflecting on my experience and interests during the application process really helped me identify this focus and define my career path: the intersection of urban sustainability and aquatic ecology,” Teh said.
In addition to the scholarship, recipients participate in a Scholar Orientation, where they engage in professional development programming and build community with other Scholars, as well as joining the Udall Alumni Network. As a Udall Scholar awardee in the Environmental category, Teh will have access to professional development that supports future leaders who demonstrate a commitment to conservation and environmental issues.
“This scholarship is an incredible opportunity, not only for its financial benefits but also its College to Career professional development,” said Christine Jackson, Ph.D., vice provost for partnerships and workforce, who oversees the office of fellowships.
For Teh, those career opportunities lie in meeting people from across the nation.
“A highlight for me is that it’s nationwide. I’m excited to learn from other people who are my age and will progress in their careers at the same time,” said Teh. “We all have different backgrounds and passions, and I’m excited to see sustainability play out across the nation in so many different sectors.”
While Teh may be the first Wayne State student to receive the award, university leadership knows he won’t be the last. Jackson said this award signifies that Wayne State students can and should compete at the national level for scholarships like these.
“Jonathan’s significant achievements exemplify Wayne State’s dedication to fostering future leaders who will make a positive impact on the world,” said Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “We are proud of Jonathan and his outstanding work in the classroom and in the field. We look forward to seeing what he will achieve in his future endeavors.”