UConn@COP is a competitive fellowship program that sends students to the international climate-focused United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP). The event brings together students, diplomats, government officials, activists, leaders, and delegates to discuss climate change. Students have the opportunity to engage and attend sessions that discuss ongoing negotiations in the global environmental sphere.
Twelve UConn students were selected to attend COP30 this November in Belém, Brazil. The Office of Sustainability received approximately 90 applications for the fellowship, all of which were exceptional. The UConn@COP Selection Committee, consisting of faculty, staff, and past UConn COP fellows reviewed each application, and collaboratively decided who would be accepted into this year’s cohort. Betsy Mortensen, Communication, Outreach, and Education Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability, and member of the COP Selection Committee shared her thoughts on this year’s applicants, “As always, the selection committee was super impressed by the students who applied, and by the diversity of the majors that were represented. Climate change affects all sectors so we’re glad that we can bring students from diverse fields to COP30.” The COP Fellowship is grateful to have engaged with so many driven students.
Students will attend COP 30 from November 14th to November 22nd, 2025. They will bring back the experience of a lifetime and educate their peers about their learnings both while they are at the conference as well as back on campus. One of the fellows, Kanika Chaturvedi ‘25 (CLAS) noted “I am looking forward to engaging with different diplomats from around the world to understand their perspectives as well as learn more about the international negotiation processes and discussions that take place.”
The following students will be attending this year’s conference:
- Aminieli James Hopson, ‘26 (BUS)
- Anagha Payyambally, Ph.D. Candidate in Marine Sciences
- Andy Ma Zhang ‘26 (CLAS, CAHNR)
- Brett Hurley ‘27 (JD)
- Caroline Maeve Keary ‘26 (MS)
- Claire Elise Lawrence ‘26 (CLAS)
- Kanika Chaturvedi ‘25 (CLAS)
- Madelyn Kelly ‘26 (COE)
- Malak Nechnach ‘26 (CLAS)
- Pranavi Rebala ‘26 (CLAS)
- Saanya Sharma ‘26 (COE)
- Toriana Grooms ‘27 (CLAS)
Meet the fellows and learn about their experience at the conference at the Climate Change Cafe on December 3rd, 2025 at the Student Union, Room 304 from 4-6 PM. Refreshments will be provided.