Each year ESSYI hires five to ten HWS student staff members who make everything work during the two-week program. They function as teaching assistants, residence hall assistants, mentors and help to shepherd the students throughout the program. Below are profiles of the staff for 2026.
Leah Riewerts
Leah Riewerts is a rising Junior from New Jersey, studying Environmental Science and International Relations, and intends on pursuing a career in Environmental Law. She has previously been a staff member during the Summer of 2025. On campus, she’s a part of Kinetic Dance Collective. She loves spending time outdoors, cooking, and traveling. She is so excited to be a part of ESSYI for another year and cannot wait to meet everyone!
Jacob Franchi
Hello, my name is Jacob Franchi. I am a rising Senior at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, pursuing a double major in International Relations and Asian Studies. After graduating, I hope to achieve a graduate degree in International Relations and work in Middle Eastern policy. On campus, I am a part of the Debate Team and Students for Humanitarian Justice. In my freetime, I enjoy reading, video games, hiking, and camping. I can’t wait to meet everyone this summer!
Rachel Brooks
Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a recent graduate of HWS, where I double majored in Environmental Studies and International Relations with a minor in Spanish. At HWS, I was the Treasurer for the Kinetic Dance Collective, was the Lead Global Ambassador for the Center for Global Education (I studied abroad in Wales and The Netherlands), and did research on Air Quality & Environmental Justice. I love doing anything outside and I’m super excited for ESSYI!
Angela Ciconne
Hi, my name is Angela Ciccone, and I am a rising junior at Hobart and William Smith Colleges! I am from Utica, New York, and am double majoring in Geoscience and Environmental Studies. This summer I had the great opportunity to learn more about volcanic eruptions and the Oregon coastline through the GEO 299 Field Studies class in the Pacific Northwest. I am very excited to join ESSYI and meet everyone!
NAtalie May
Hi, I'm Natalie! I'm currently studying Biology and Environmental Studies and hope to become a dentist in the future. I play hockey at HWS and love being active. I am originally from Colorado and I love to hike, camp, and spend time in the mountains. I'm excited for this opportunity and can't wait to meet everyone!
Marshall Hammerich
Hi, my name is Marshall Hemmerich. I’m an Environmental Studies and International Relations student from Pennsylvania. I recently studied abroad in Wales as part of an outdoor adventure education program run through UWTSD and HWS. I love the outdoors and the environment, and I’m looking forward to being on the ESSYI staff this summer.
Bianca de Nola
Hi! I'm Bianca, a rising junior majoring in Philosophy. I love being outdoors (rock climbing especially), painting, drawing, and reading (I'm always looking for book recommendations!). I'm so excited to meet all of you and learn more about environmental science and ethics together before I go to Prague in the fall!
Cyra PAcher
Hi! I'm Cyra, a junior at Hobart and William Smith Colleges majoring in Sociology and Politics. I love spending time outdoors, staying active, and exploring nature. I'm also involved with HWS Votes and enjoy participating in volunteer work on campus. I'm excited to be part of ESSYI this summer and I look forward to meeting everyone!
Holton Frank
Hi, my name is Holton! I'm a rising senior at HWS studying Physics and Mathematics. I'm passionate about fishing, environmental science, and the outdoors, and I can't wait to spend the summer exploring, learning, and growing alongside ESSYI participants. When I'm not on campus, you can find me hiking, jogging, cooking, weightlifting, and listening to all sorts of music. So excited to be part of this incredible community!
Margaret Murphy
Margaret is a rising sophomore at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She is an Environmental Science major and intended Aquatic Science minor. She will be studying abroad this fall in Queensland, Australia. From Upstate New York, she has always felt a deep connection to the outdoors. On campus, Margaret is the treasurer of the HWS Women’s Collective and a member of the equestrian team. She loves spending time outside, reading, swimming, and skiing. She is super excited to be a part of ESSYI this summer!