UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Ava Ciabattoni, a fourth-year student majoring in pharmacology and toxicology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been selected for the Rachel Carson Council’s 2026-27 National Environmental Leadership Fellowship.
The yearlong fellowship identifies students with a passion for environmental education, advocacy and policy. Through the program, fellows receive mentorship, guidance and financial support to develop and implement projects and campaigns that advance environmental action in their communities.
Ciabattoni, who also is pursuing a minor in wildlife and fisheries science, said her academic interests center on environmental toxicology, particularly the effects of pollutants in watersheds.
Growing up in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, she was exposed early to watershed work, which helped shape her career interests. Ciabattoni said an uncle who volunteered with a watershed association brought her along on water-testing and sampling outings when she was young.
“When I was little, my uncle used to take us out to do a bunch of water testing and sampling,” she said. “From there, I just always knew this is really what I wanted to do.”
Ciabattoni found and applied for the fellowship after learning more about Rachel Carson’s legacy in environmental advocacy. She said Carson’s work, particularly the book “Silent Spring,” closely connects with her own interest in environmental toxicology.
Carson, born in Pennsylvania, was a scientist, writer and environmentalist whose work helped launch the modern environmental movement. “Silent Spring” warned about the dangers that pesticides can pose to wildlife, the environment and human health.
After applying, Ciabattoni said her selection process moved quickly. After submitting her application on a Thursday, she was asked to interview the following Monday and received an acceptance that same day.
“I was beyond excited,” she said. “I immediately called my family and told them everything.”
This past summer, Ciabattoni researched biosolids — wastewater byproducts that can be processed into fertilizer and applied to agricultural fields — and their potential connection to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
She is measuring PFAS levels in streams near Harrisburg and York while studying macroinvertebrates, or small aquatic organisms, to assess stream health and biodiversity. Greater species diversity can indicate a healthier ecosystem, she said. Her research was done alongside Heather Preisendanz, professor of agricultural and biological engineering, and Jack Vanden Huevel, professor of molecular toxicology.
Ciabattoni’s fellowship campaign will build directly on that summer research. She plans to advocate for stronger Pennsylvania policies on biosolids applications and PFAS, while also working with landowners to explore more sustainable alternatives.
As part of the fellowship, Ciabattoni attended the Rachel Carson Council’s annual American Environmental Leadership Institute from July 19-23 in Washington, D.C. The institute brought together students from a range of academic backgrounds to develop leadership and advocacy skills and establish connections with fellow environmental advocates.
As someone in a chemistry-heavy major, Ciabattoni said it was interesting to connect with people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise.
"It reinforced my belief that environmental progress depends on collaboration among people with different skills and perspectives," she said. "It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. You need communicators, engineers, scientists, journalists and others. It's a collaboration."
Ciabattoni said she is especially looking forward to developing advocacy materials during the fellowship and returning to creative writing, which she enjoyed before college.
“While doing this advocacy work, you want to create stories that engage the public, because that’s the best way to get your message across,” she said.
Ciabattoni said the fellowship aligns with her long-term goal of combining scientific research with community outreach and environmental education.
“My dream job is to be in a position where I can split my time between doing hard science and community outreach work,” she said. “I love working with people; I love outreach. I really want this to prepare me for a future where I can have the best of both worlds.”