Hayley Clos is an aspiring environmental engineer and a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut (UConn), with an expected graduation date in 2025. Guided by her advisor, Dr. Marisa Chrysochoou, Hayley’s research focuses on critical environmental issues, particularly soil contamination and environmental justice.

Hayley’s journey into environmental engineering began with her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Elon University, where she graduated with a B.S. in May 2022. During her time at Elon, she secured a $20,000 grant to support her original research on the effects of climate change on the uptake of trace metals in agricultural produce. This experience fueled her passion for environmental sustainability and research, leading her to UConn, a university renowned for its commitment to sustainability.

Drawn to UConn by the institution’s dedication to sustainability and her advisor’s impactful work in soil contamination and environmental justice, Hayley found a perfect match for her academic and personal values. Her involvement in the Include program, developed by her advisor to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the classroom, further solidified her decision to join the UConn community.

At the Jon Lof Leadership Academy (JLLA), Hayley serves as the Public Relations Director. In this role, she is responsible for managing communication between the Executive Board and general members, as well as between JLLA and the broader UConn community. Her leadership within JLLA reflects her commitment to personal growth and her aspiration to hold leadership positions in the environmental industry.

Hayley’s dissertation research is focused on developing methodologies for proper soil sampling and analysis in urban areas, particularly in Hartford, CT, to inform soil management decisions and assess environmental injustice related to lead contamination. Her work has already resulted in the publication of two papers, with a third currently in progress. Beyond research, Hayley is deeply engaged with the Hartford community, educating the public about soil lead contamination in their neighborhoods. She believes that an engineer’s responsibility extends beyond research and development to actively engaging with the communities they serve.

Looking to the future, Hayley plans to graduate in the summer of 2025 and pursue a career in environmental consulting, particularly in environmental site assessments. She aspires to work with firms closely tied to government agencies, hoping to influence environmental policies through her work. Her advice to aspiring students is to find projects that truly inspire them and align with their passions, as motivation is key to persevering through the challenges of graduate school.

JLLA has played a pivotal role in Hayley’s development as a leader, equipping her with valuable skills in public speaking, conflict resolution, and resource allocation. These skills have been instrumental in her role as Public Relations Director, in supervising undergraduate students in her lab, and in leading research events. Hayley is eager to continue developing her leadership abilities in the coming year and to apply these skills as she embarks on her career as an environmental engineer.

Hayley Clos exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated researcher, a compassionate leader, and a committed advocate for environmental justice, poised to make significant contributions to her field and the communities she serves.