Abigail Hickman CC’21, an anthropology major with a concentration in Native American studies from Norman, Oklahoma, and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and Arianna Menzelos CC’21, a sustainable development major from Los Angeles, have been awarded Udall Scholarships.

Abigail Hickman CC’21

Established by Congress in 1992, the Udall Foundation awards scholarships, fellowships, and internships for study in fields related to the environment and to Native Americans and Alaska Natives in fields related to health care and Tribal public policy.

At Columbia, Hickman is an active member of Native American Council, NativeAmerican Heritage Month, and the Community Coordinator of Manhattan House, the residential space for Indigenous students on campus. As Political Chair and Community Chair of Native American Council, she was a champion of the movement to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and was the co-author of the approved University Senate proposal. In her spare time, she works at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, doing outreach for Indigenous students.

Arianna Menzelos CC’21

Menzelos is presently a Junior Fellow at Data for Progress and has held internships at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School and the California League of Conservation Voters. She looks forward to her upcoming summer position at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority helping New York reach its ambitious climate and energy goals. Arianna is passionate about climate change mitigation and adaptation policies in the hopes of achieving a just future economy and a safe environment.

The 2020 Udall Scholars will assemble August 4-9 in Tucson, Arizona, to meet one another and program alumni; learn more about the Udall legacy of public service; and interact with community leaders in environmental fields, Tribal healthcare and governance.

Columbia College students interested in learning more about applying for the Udall Scholarship program are encouraged to connect with Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.