Saanya Sharma is a senior Environmental Engineering major at the University of Connecticut from Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Over the past four years, she has built a strong foundation in environmental engineering through coursework, research, and hands-on experiences across diverse fields. She interned with Tighe & Bond as a Water Quality Engineer and has conducted stormwater management research focused on sustainable water solutions.

Saanya also studied abroad in Zurich, Switzerland, where she explored sustainable infrastructure and transportation systems. This experience deepened her understanding of purposeful design and how cities can integrate clean water management, runoff reduction, and biodiversity to support pollinators and resilient communities.

At UConn, she serves as President of the Student Union Board of Governors, where she leads a 13-member board in programming events for more than 27,000 students. In addition, she has worked with the Office of Sustainability for two years as a Sustainable Outreach Intern, organizing campus events such as Green Game Day and Earth Day Fling, while educating peers on practical ways to live more sustainably as students.

Looking ahead, Saanya plans to attend graduate school to further her education in environmental engineering on a global scale. She aspires to work in international development, creating affordable and impactful environmental solutions in developing countries. She is eager to attend COP 30 to expand her perspective and learn how multiple viewpoints can inform innovative, inclusive approaches to sustainability challenges.