Biology major receives John Roe Sustainability Impact Student Award

Biology major Cameron Koch is one of five students to receive the John Roe Sustainability Impact Student Awards from Penn State Sustainability.

Named in honor of the late mathematics professor John Roe, these awards recognize students demonstrating significant commitment to environmental and social sustainability. Awardees each receive $1,000 furnished by the Dr. John Roe Fund for a Just and Sustainable Future. Their initiatives encompass food security, sustainability advocacy, curriculum development and promoting sustainability through art and design, resulting in widespread achievements across the Penn State community.

Koch serves as the executive director of Fresh START Day of Service, leading Penn State’s largest single-day service initiative, coordinating training for hundreds of volunteers, and building long-lasting partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and academic colleges. As a Lehigh Valley Health Network intern, he has worked directly with staff and residents of a transitional living center that aims to rehabilitate those with diagnosed mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Koch’s commitment to sustainability through One Health also extends to assisting animals and the environment. He has volunteered for over a year with Centre County PAWS, leveraging Fear Free Training to reduce cat behavioral barriers to adoption.

Hero image: The 2025-26 sustainability award winners at the recognition ceremony on April 23 with Peter Buck, director for education at Penn State Sustainability. From left are: Peter Buck, Arpit Jain, Alivia Cross, Cameron Koch, Zach Fisher, Pauline Thompson, Sofia Sarracino and Emmanuel Kraft. Credit: Natalie Kitts.