Three undergraduate students have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Avery Dennison Foundation EnviroChamp Scholarships, a national program that supports young women working in environmental sustainability. Students including Anuja Krishna, Shivaani Arunprasad and Vanya Hegde are among the 10 fellows selected from across India through an independent selection process.Organized by the Avery Dennison Foundation in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE), the fellowship provides each fellow with a $1,500 scholarship, as well as mentorship, professional development opportunities and expert-led study sessions. The group includes students from institutions such as IIT Bombay, TERI Institute of Advanced Studies, Delhi Technological University, IISER Bhopal, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Azim Premji University.
Researchers work to address environmental challenges
The three selected students will work on projects focusing on river pollution, light pollution and climate-resilient agriculture.Anuja Krishna will study pollution in the Kosasthalaiyar River in Chennai by combining water quality analysis, biodiversity assessment and community interviews. Shivaani Arunprasad’s project will address Bengaluru’s light pollution problem through awareness-raising, citizen science and community action. Vanya Hegde will examine traditional tuber-based food systems as models for climate-resilient agriculture, focusing on farming practices and women-led knowledge systems.
The program provides scholarships and mentorship
Each fellow will receive a $1,500 scholarship and participate in a mentorship program designed to support research and professional development.“The Avery Dennison Foundation EnviroChamp Fellowship is dedicated to empowering and advancing India’s next generation of female leaders in environmental sustainability,” said Alicia Procello, president of the Avery Dennison Foundation.Vivek Mansukhani, Director, IIE India, said the program aims to develop young change-makers through financial support and mentorship. “By providing comprehensive mentoring, financial support and professional development, the program not only supports individuals; it empowers future female leaders to create real, sustainable impact in their communities and the world at large,” he said.
Research aligned with real-world sustainability issues
Harini Nagendra, dean of Azim Premji University’s School of Climate Change and Sustainability, said the students’ research reflected an emphasis on solving environmental challenges through scientific inquiry.“Anuja’s work on Kosasthalaiyar, Shivani’s work on light pollution and Vanya’s work on traditional food systems all reflect this common goal – based on a strong scientific foundation and focused on solving the challenges facing India,” Nagendra said.The Avery Dennison Foundation EnviroChamp Scholarship is an initiative of the Avery Dennison Foundation and the Institute of International Education that supports young women pursuing careers in environmental sustainability through scholarships, mentorship and professional development.