Velankanni Jesika Nadar Environment and Sustainability Officer

(she/her)

 

When it comes to sustainability, Velankanni leads the way – to make our campus greener every day! She is currently pursuing her Master of Biotechnology at the University of Melbourne. Velankanni brings not only scientific expertise but also a deep, heartfelt passion for protecting the environment.

Originally from the vibrant, multicultural city of Mumbai, Velankanni has the natural ability to connect with people from diverse walks of life. Her enthusiasm for sustainability was ignited during her undergraduate studies, where she developed a Sustainable Biomaterial through a project funded by BASF Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd. as part of the Wenyan Scholarship 2023-24. This work earned her the Consolation Prize for her Oral Presentation at The Blue Voyage: An International Conference for Coastal and Marine Conservation in 2024.

Velankanni is determined to dispel the myth that her role focuses solely on environment. She is equally committed to promoting eco-conscious student empowerment. Her vision includes raising awareness about sustainable practices in daily life of graduate students and integrate simple alternatives through an app. She plans to invite companies working in Environment & Sustainability in the annual career fair to bridge environmental advocacy with student growth. She will introduce a Fellowship for Sustainability Promoting Projects to support student-led innovative proposals.

In her downtime, you might find her strolling along the Maribyrnong River, reconnecting with her inner child and drawing inspiration from nature.

Velankanni is here to explore new horizons and expand possibilities – working towards a more empowered, sustainable, and enriching experience for every graduate student.