Meet the team
Emily Chen
Natural Sciences, second-year
Hi! I’m Emily, and I’m studying biological Natural Sciences at Girton College, Cambridge.
I joined ROOTS during my first year because its core focus is on the interdisciplinary nature between economics, law, and the environment. I’m interested in how my scientific studies translate into real life policy, and how environmental decisions are shaped not just by evidence, but by infrastructure, incentives, and trade-offs.
Sustainability is not a purely academic problem, and I’m keen to explore how these factors interact in practice. Opportunities through ROOTS, such as upcoming speakers and projects, are especially exciting to me as they offer a chance to explore how environmental solutions operate within specific economic, legal, and social contexts.
Within ROOTS, I believe that I can provide scientific insight and contribute to discussions with broader perspectives. I enjoy connecting ideas, asking questions that challenge assumptions, and helping drive discussions towards practical implications rather than purely theoretical conclusions.
John Jones
Land Economy, second-year
Hi, my name is John, and I joined ROOTS as a first-year undergraduate. I am reading for a BA in Land Economy here at Girton College.
What interested me the most about ROOTS is its application of my favourite parts of my degree, that of the environment and economics, but also its ability to foster my newfound curiosity in law and planning that I have discovered through my studies.
The opportunity that ROOTS provides to organise and spectate specialised speaker events and research is another factor that has drawn me in. Being able to talk with industry leaders, learn from their experience, and apply that knowledge to my studies and the operation of ROOTS is something I am deeply motivated by.
I believe that I can make a real difference in the project through my passion for learning about the built environment and my drive to apply what I have learnt so far into analysing current issues surrounding the sector, namely that of environmental and social sustainability, through ROOTS.
A little fact about me is that although I’ve only learnt how to play both sports since joining college, I am a huge fan of rowing and rugby. I also love to get out on the bike by any means necessary!
Kate Willis
Geography, third-year
My name is Katie, and I am studying Geography BA, focusing on human geography and the intersection of human and physical geography. I joined ROOTS during my second year.
I was first drawn to Roots, as it felt like a practical extension of my degree, and I am excited to expand on the implementation of the intersection of economics and the environment. I am really excited about the cross-disciplinary opportunities, with many of the students coming from different departments and backgrounds!
I’m specifically interested in applying sustainability theories to all aspects of life (both within Cambridge, and beyond), and exploring how the Girton community can grow with the Roots philosophy.
Sam Blakesley
Land Economy, second-year
My name is Sam and I am taking Land Economy. I joined ROOTS as a first year. ROOTS is very in line with the course I do and the academic interests I have, namely the focus on the interdisciplinary nature between economics, law and the environment, which is the backbone of the society. I was also keen on the student-led nature of ROOTS, and enjoy the freedom it gives us to pursue topics and interests within its general framework at our leisure.
I believe I can bring a range of skills and perspectives to the society due to its similarity to my course, with a particular interest in environmental law and the impact of climate change on economic conditions, both of which are thoroughly explored within ROOTS. This interest is not confined to the UK, with international aspects being a particular fascination, and my love of South Africa ties to this due to its intriguing economic conditions and volatile climate. While I have volunteered there in the past I hope to tie future work to the country. Finally, I believe I can specifically help ROOTS through my connections in Cambridge, where I have lived my whole life, as well as hard working mentality and dedication to projects I enjoy.