Current Scholars

Crystal Berg
Crystal's thesis documentary will explore climate-induced polar/grizzly bear hybridization in the Canadian Arctic. Working alongside biologists and local guides, this film sets out to examine this rare, yet growing phenomenon, and what is means for the future of polar bears.

Robert Boyd
Robert's producing a short documentary about the abundant microbial growth, flourishing in kitchens and bathrooms, due to water wastefulness. His film, Table to Toilet: Fueling a Microbial Bonfire, will hold a microscopic mirror up to viewers, showing them the immediate, and close to home effects, of their wasteful water usage.

Sirjaut Kaur Dhariwal
Sirjaut is producing a short documentary on the depleting water resources in Punjab, India, where the farmers are struggling to maintain the ecosystem that once was. Covering only a small fraction of the country's land, Punjab provides India with majority of their wheat and rice. This film will delve deep into historical eco-friendly farming practices and explore options for future water conservation.

Elizabeth Herzfeldt-Kamprath
Elizabeth's film follows the story of artist Toni Lance who is known as "the bird lady" on the island of St. Croix. She is a strong and committed person and she's really carved out her niche on the island, but the responsibilities and overwhelming nature of caring for such fragile, wild creatures is wearing on her. The looming thought of who will do this when she can't lingers.

Gaby Krevat
Gaby's producing a film about a small community in Montana uniting to oppose two proposed gold mines located at the doorsteps of Yellowstone National Park. The film will discuss the intrinsic and economic value of the Paradise Valley's land, water, and wildlife that attract millions of visitors each year.

Ashley Luke
Ashley's producing a short documentary about the climate refugees of Louisiana's bayou. An area still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Katrina more than 10 years later caused alarming displacement of the coastal region. The documentary will examine how these refugees have adapted to the natural and manmade threats to their environment.

Amelia Tyson
Amelia's film Alabama Water Wars investigates the forces preventing an Alabama state-wide water management plan from being implemented and the women behind the efforts to put one in place. Though the work to put a plan in place is gaining traction, the question remains: will the stakeholders and interests groups be able to come together in time to save the vast and beautiful waterways of Alabama?

Kent Wagner
Kent is making a film about deforestation in Borneo. It examines the loss and exploitation of the island's natural resources through the eyes of the indigenous Dayak people who have inhabited the rainforests of Borneo for thousands of years. It includes commentary with ecologists, activists, and Dayak elders. The shooting is complete and the film is currently being edited.
Previous Scholars
- 2017 Center Scholars
- Emma Dacol, Sirjaut Kaur Dhariwal, Elizabeth Herzfeldt-Kamprath, Ashley Holmes, Megan King, Dorian Russel, Sam Sheline, Crystal Solberg, and Kent Wagner
- 2016 Center Scholars
- Vanina Harel, Elizabeth Herzfeldt-Kamprath, Sam Sheline, Kent Wagner, and Nick Zachar
- 2014-2015 Center Scholars
- Vanina Harel, Jamey Warner, and Nick Zachar
- 2012-2013 Center Scholars
- Maria Arreguin, Erin Finicane, Sarah Gulick, Sylvia Johnson, Brian Kelley, Ana Sotelo, Jenny Stratton, and Corin Wilson
- 2011-2012 Center Scholars
- Sarah Gulick, Helenah Svedberg, Jennifer Stratton, Aditi Desai, and Sylvia Johnson
- 2010-2011 Center Scholars
- Aditi Desai, Kai Fang, Jeremy Polk, Irene Magafan, and Sylvia Johnson
- 2009-2010 Center Scholars
- Ellen Tripler, Danny Ledonne, and Shanon Sparks
Kent Wagner
Kent is making a film about deforestation in Borneo. It examines the loss and exploitation of the island's natural resources through the eyes of the indigenous Dayak people who have inhabited the rainforests of Borneo for thousands of years. It includes commentary with ecologists, activists, and Dayak elders. The shooting is complete and the film is currently being edited.
Challenge Prize Winners 2017
Congratulations to School of Communication graduate students Sirjaut Kaur Dhariwal and Crystal Solberg, for each winning a Challenge Prize from the Center for Environmental Filmmaking for combating adversity.
Sirjaut and Crystal will receive $3,000 each.
Sirjaut Kaur Dhariwal is a second-year MFA candidate pursuing a degree in Film and Electronic Media, with a concentration in Environmental and Wildlife Filmmaking. Her goal is to change the face of the natural history and wildlife film industry by bringing more voices to the forefront of storytelling. This is an industry that celebrates different voices, human and animal, but there is a lack of diverse filmmakers. In a Caucasian male dominated world, Sirjaut hopes to break the norm and show young girls with all different backgrounds that their stories about their environments are worthy of being told, and worthy of being told by themselves.
Crystal Solberg is a second-year MFA candidate pursuing an MFA in Film and Electronic Media with an emphasis on environmental and wildlife filmmaking. In the past, she has had the pleasure of producing work for the Humane Society of the United States, and is currently an associate producer for National Geographic. Growing up in Minnesota with her six siblings, Crystal developed a love for dense forests, lakes, and the wildlife that share these spaces. Her free time is spent exploring and attempting to capture the beauty of the wild world through stills and moving images.
Their selection is a testament to their hard work, tenacity, and perseverance, as well as to their determination to make creative films on conservation that matter, that make a difference, and that make the world a better place.
Past Winners
- 2016 Recipients
- Doaa Nour, Elizabeth Herzfeldt-Kamprath, and Kent Wagner
- 2015 Recipients
- Shannon Lawrence, Will Reid, and Sam Sheline