UNE Environmental Studies students named as Camden Conference scholarship recipients

Samantha Schildroth and Hannah Buckley
Samantha Schildroth and Hannah Buckley

Samantha Schildroth (Environmental Science and Biology, ’17) and Hannah Buckley (Environmental Science, ’18), were awarded scholarships to attend the 2017 Camden Conference. Held February 17-19 in Camden, Maine, the topic of this year’s program was “Refugees and Global Migration: Humanity’s Crisis.”

The conference featured speakers from around the globe who explored the varied causes of the current international crisis. They discussed the unique challenges that come with accepting immigrants from particular countries, regions, and demographic groups, as well as the factors that may drive migration in the future.

Reflecting on the weekend, Buckley said, “We live in a global society where it’s crucial that we recognize the humanitarian needs of others experiencing hardship in their home countries.” She continued, “This conference showed me that we can make a positive impact both globally and locally through joint efforts, as we work to recognize the root causes and understand this worldwide issue through different points of view.”

Schildroth echoed these thoughts, stating that she gained a deeper understanding of the refugee crisis than is shown on the news. “The various speakers discussed how each country has its own perspective on what’s happening and how to cope,” she said. “Above all, they emphasized the need for a multi-lateral, multi-national, and cooperative solution. This will only become more important in the coming years as conflicts arise over access to natural resources, all of which will be exacerbated with climate change and increasing environmental degradation.”

Read about the 2017 Camden Conference

 

To learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences, visit www.une.edu/cas

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.