Andrus Scholars Class of 2025

Annabel is a junior at Boise State University pursuing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies. She is also minoring in Urban Studies and Community Development, and is working towards a certificate in Environmental Education. Annabel was born and raised in Boise, and enjoys hiking, biking, and generally being outside in all of the beautiful nature that Idaho has to offer! She is passionate about environmental education, and one day hopes to work full-time as an environmental educator. As well as being outside, Annabel enjoys spending time with her cats, reading, drawing, and playing piano. She couldn’t be more excited to be an Andrus Scholar, and is excited to see where this incredible opportunity takes her. 

Alexis Fischer is currently a senior at Boise State University obtaining her degree in Biology with an Ecology, Evolution & Behavior emphasis. Alexis is originally from New Jersey but moved to Idaho with her family four years ago and absolutely loves the beauty and nature that Idaho has to offer. In her spare time, Alexis loves to write, take photos, enjoy nature and volunteer at the zoo.  Ever since she was little, her passion for animals has only grown. Now, she is extremely passionate about wildlife and protecting it for current and future generations. Alexis is eager to help conserve and protect wildlife anyway she can and is looking forward to making the world a better place!

Carter is a junior majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Climate Studies. Native to Northern Virginia, Carter grew his passion for the environment as he earned his Eagle Scout, participated in Virginia’s Youth Conservation Corps, and got to mountain bike all over the east coast. He has grown to be passionate about preserving and protecting our public lands and wilderness areas for all to enjoy. Carter stays quite involved on campus between being a full time student, playing snare in the Blue Thunder Marching Band, and working at the Cycle Learning Center where he is a mechanic and leads mountain bike rides with the public. When he isn’t occupied with academics you can find him in foothills ripping single track or up at bogus basin shredding the powder. Carter is quite ecstatic about being an Andrus Scholar and hopes to apply his curiosity, passion and previous experiences to his time with the Bureau of Land Management this summer. 

Embree Jackson is an environmental studies student at Boise State University with a deep passion for the natural world. Growing up in the Uinta Mountains of Utah, she developed a strong connection to the environment, spending countless hours exploring anywhere she could. This early immersion in nature sparked a lifelong commitment to understanding and protecting ecosystems. Her academic interests range from climate science and conservation policy to wildlife migration and land management. At Boise State, she is dedicated to studying the complex relationships between humans and the environment, and is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. With a deep appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to environmental stewardship, she aspires to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Lauren Legarreta is a sophomore at Boise State University who is passionate about environmental justice and advocacy. She is dedicated to protecting natural spaces and the communities that rely on them by advocating at the intersection of law, sustainability, and social equity. When she’s not studying in a coffee shop, she’s living it up in Idaho’s landscapes—camping in the Sawtooths, sleeping beneath ponderosa pines, biking through Boise’s foothills, and sitting by the river. She is honored to be a part of the Andrus Scholars Program this summer and to work with The Idaho Conservation League to further develop her advocacy skills and contribute to meaningful environmental change.

Bailey is a junior at Boise State University studying Environmental Studies with a minor in Urban Studies and Sustainability. She grew up in Georgia, where she spent a lot of time outside exploring the woods near her house, fishing, and playing soccer. Her love for nature grew after a road trip out West with her brother when she was sixteen. Experiencing public lands and learning about their importance inspired her to pursue a career focused on the environment. Bailey is passionate about both urban and natural spaces, as well as renewable energy. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, camping, making coffee, and spending time with friends. She is excited to be part of the Andrus Scholars Program and to work with the Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association this summer!

Cayden is a Public Policy and Environmental Studies student going into his final undergraduate semester at Boise State. Having grown up between Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington, public lands have always been an integral part of who he is and the work he does. He’s committed to ensuring the legacy of compassion and conservation left behind by stewards such as Governor Andrus and Senator Church is never lost and looks forward to pursuing a career in environmental law and public service. In his free time, you can find Cayden skiing, hiking, swimming or watching college football!