Lily Fillwalk, M.E.Sc

Ph.D. Student in Ecology & Evolution @ Rutgers University | Urban Ecology & Green Infrastructure

Brooklyn, New York, United States

About

Lily Fillwalk is a passionate and driven researcher and student interested in urban socio-ecological relations, focusing on soil and forestry. They are currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ecology & Evolution at Rutgers University, advised by Dr. Jason Grabosky. They are currently researching sealed soils under pavement, water use efficiency at different tree planting sites, and impact of tiny forests in urban areas. Previously, Fillwalk pursued a Master of Environmental Science (MESc) degree at Yale School of the Environment, where they were researching urban green roof soil organic carbon levels in New York City with Dr. Dorceta Taylor. Fillwalk holds a dual degree in Environmental Science and Studio Art from Pitzer College, part of the Claremont Consortium.

Experience

  • Graduate Research And Teaching Assistant at Rutgers University–New Brunswick
    Aug 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Yale Environmental Fellow - Resilient Infrastructure Intern at Environmental Defense Fund
    Jun 2024 - Aug 2024 · 3 mos

  • Yale School of the Environment (New Haven, Connecticut, United States · On-site)
    • Peer Mentor
      May 2023 - May 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • Communications and Outreach Director & Writer for the Yale Environment Review
      Jan 2023 - May 2024 · 1 yr 5 mos

    • Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Laboratory Research Fellow
      Aug 2022 - May 2024 · 1 yr 10 mos

      • Conducted food access research with Dr. Dorceta Taylor, a leading expert in environmental justice and sustainability. • Conducted literature reviews and collected data to gather insights on food access challenges in communities, specifically Boston, MA, and Detroit, MI. • Developed research, analytical, and communication skills, and gained valuable experience in environmental justice and sustainability issues. • The JEDSI Laboratory is currently focused on the following research topics: Transparency and Diversity, Environmental Justice, Food Access, Race and Nature, and Green Jobs.

  • Soil Science Researcher at almanak.ai
    Jan 2022 - Jun 2023 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Contribute to the mission of identifying how rising temperatures in Iceland will affect food insecurity due to an increase in specific insect populations with a cross-functional team of scientists, technologists, and business professionals to develop solutions. • Develop expertise in the fields of climate change, food security, and insect ecology, and gain valuable experience in a startup environment.

  • Pitzer College (Claremont, California, United States · On-site)
    • Resident Assistant
      Aug 2019 - Sep 2022 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      • As a Resident Assistant, I provide surrounding leadership and support for individuals that live in my dorm and on my campus. • Obligations include planning wellness programs, events for my floor, working shifts at the Office of Student Life, performing campus duty checks, and being on-call in case of emergencies

    • Ambassador at the Office of Advancement
      Oct 2018 - Jul 2019 · 10 mos

      • Fundraising for Pitzer College, specifically for Financial Aid, through the Phon-a-thon program, I strengthened relationships with students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends of Pitzer College through engaging events and conversations about current college happenings • Updated associates on the happenings of the college, as well as their contact information, and in total, I individually raised $3,045 for the college