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ESF Students, Alumna Named Planet Forward Storyfest Finalists
SYRACUSE, N.Y. 鈥� April 8, 2025 鈥� Five students and one alumna from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) have been named finalists in the 2025 Planet Forward Storyfest competition. They are among students from 49 universities recognized for their outstanding storytelling in the annual contest sponsored by Planet Forward.
ESF鈥檚 Storyfest finalists and their entries are:
- Emily Valenti, senior, wildlife science, Best Podcast,
- Brianna El-Quhir, junior, natural resources management, Best Multi-media story,
- Eva Kotobuki Sideris, 鈥�03, environmental studies, Best short video,
- Daniel Vera, sophomore, sustainable energy management, Best Multi-media story,
- Abbey Leibert, senior, environmental studies, Best Written Story,
- Elise Ruby, sophomore, environmental biology:
, founded by The George Washington University鈥檚 School of Media and Public Affairs, is a platform for emerging storytellers to share innovative narratives about sustainability, climate solutions, and the planet's future.
The Planet Forward Storyfest contest has become a connection hub for college students at the crossroads of climate action and journalism. With 49 different universities contributing to this year鈥檚 contest, submissions from across the globe have a chance to win in categories such as Best Written, Short Video, Social Media Video, Podcast, and Multimedia formats.
鈥淭he caliber of student storytelling represented in this year鈥檚 competition is remarkable,鈥� said Frank Sesno, Planet Forward Founding Director and Executive Director of the GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future. 鈥淭hese students should be proud of their stories. We congratulate them on becoming finalists in Planet Forward鈥檚 2025 Storyfest competition.鈥�
The finalists鈥� entries are being reviewed by an independent panel of judges and evaluated in areas including creativity and compelling use of chosen media format, storytelling and presentation, editorial quality, clarity of information, factual accuracy, and impact and engagement.
The winners of the 2025 Storyfest competition will be announced at the Planet Forward Summit on April 17, in Washington, D.C. This year鈥檚 summit, titled 鈥淭he Climate Divide: New Narratives to Transform the Crisis,鈥� will explore the role of storytelling in bridging divides and fostering collaboration around environmental challenges. ESF expects to have over 20 students in attendance, which represents ESF鈥檚 role as a pillar institution with Planet Forward.
In addition to being named a Storyfest winner, finalists are now in the running to win an expedition to the Gal谩pagos Islands with Planet Forward and Lindblad Expeditions. This journey aboard National Geographic Gemini will immerse the winners in one of the world鈥檚 most extraordinary ecosystems, offering the students an opportunity to continue honing their craft at the intersection of nature, conservation, and storytelling.
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The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.
糖心视频 Planet Forward
Planet Forward, a project of the George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs, teaches, celebrates, and rewards environmental storytelling by college students. Engaging a diverse audience of college students from across the country, Planet Forward uses storytelling, media, and educational events to tell the stories of invention and innovation that can move the planet forward.