Niki Bajracharya

Niki Bajracharya is an Environmental Science major with a Sustainability minor. She has a 3.9 GPA and is a part of the College Honors Program. She is a junior who has made it to the Dean’s List since her freshman year. Niki is an international student from Nepal and is committed to working towards climate change and a sustainable future.

At Ramapo, Niki is the President of the International Student Organization, Program Coordinator for the College Programming Board, and Treasurer for Naach. She is also a member of Alpha Phi Omega where she serves as the Vice President of Fellowship.

Off-campus, she volunteers for the MEVO fresh root farms and the Mahwah Senior Center.

Karyssa Cendaña

Karyssa Faye Cendaña of Livingston, N.J. is a Environmental Science major with a minor in Creative Writing. She has a 3.6 GPA, and has made the Dean’s List multiple times. She is also a member of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society. 

At Ramapo, she has taken the opportunity to pursue various challenging academic ventures such as two independent studies and the TAS Research Honors Program. Outside of school, she has volunteered at the Essex County Environmental Center, where she enjoys spending time helping young people to embrace nature. 

Karyssa says, “I hope to one day use my passion for art and literature to help make science and sustainable living more accessible for generations to come. 

Mikayla Bivona

Mikayla Bivona of Sparta, N.J. is an Environmental Science major. She has a 3.79 GPA and has made the Dean’s List numerous times. Mikayla is dedicated to her studies and is on track to graduate a full semester early. “I have a passion for the outdoors, and I hope to ignite the same passion in others throughout my life,” she says. 

On campus, Mikayla participates in the Women’s Soccer team and the Sustainability Committee through SGA. She volunteers with Challenger Soccer, where she assists with special needs individuals, and the Rivers Edge Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. She is also an assistant coach for the girl’s varsity soccer team at Sparta High School. Through these experiences, Mikayla has learned teamwork, goal setting, patience and gratitude. 

When she is not studying or playing on the field, she is self-employed as a commissioned artist and photographer. Through her business, Mikayla has made charitable contributions to an animal rehabilitation and care facility. She plans on continuing her education toward a masters degree after graduation from Ramapo.

Veranika Ivanashka

“Veranika Ivanashka excels in her coursework in all areas of environmental science,” says Professor Emma Rainforth, convener of the major. “She is an outstanding student.” Veranika is an Environmental Science major who is in her junior year. She has earned a 3.76 grade point average. Veranika is from Sloatsburg, NY.

The Environmental Science Scholarship was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise for me; I felt appreciated and deeply honored. I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez for helping me take another step on my educational path.

Gregory Owens

A graduate of Wayne Hills High School, Gregory Owens achieved Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, a brown belt in Okinawa Karate and a green belt in Okinawa Kobudo. He also was a member of the Latin Culture Club. As a Boy Scout, he assisted at Special Olympic games, catalogued books at the historical Van Riper- Hopper House and helped other scouts to complete their Eagle Scout projects. Since 2007 Gregory has worked as a landscaper for 40 weeks of the year. He is from Wayne, NJ and has earned a grade point average of 3.56 after his first semester at Ramapo.