Elia Jane Chatham
Hometown: Bradenton, Fla.
Major: Environmental Engineering
Graduation Year: 2025
What is your proudest accomplishment at LSU so far, and what goals do you have for
the remainder of your time at LSU?
This sounds cliché, but I am honestly just really proud of the transition I am making
form out of state. I am learning how to balance all realms of my life so that I can
be a well-rounded scholar upon graduation.
What does receiving the Stamps Scholarship mean to you and your family?
To my family, the Stamps Scholarship is a lot more than just a financial grant. It’s
an affirmation that a community of scholars and mentors here on campus and across
the nation that are invested and dedicated to my growth and success. Since stepping
foot on campus during Scholars Weekend, I have felt known and seen on campus, always
supported and cheered on by those around me.
What extracurricular programs are you involved in?
On campus I am a member of the Phi Gamma chapter of the sorority Chi Omega. I also
recently got a job with my President’s Future Leader in Research scholarship with
Dr. Bui and her graduate students in their coastal environment lab. I am also in the
process of applying for LASAL.
How has your enrollment in the Honors College enhanced your LSU experience?
The Honors College has made the huge campus of LSU feel very small. Within it, I have
found advisors, faculty mentors, and older students who are ready to help in a heartbeat.
Just the other day, when the college was giving out free breakfast, Dean Earle asked
me how my classes were going. Knowing the dean hopes my classes are well really truly
speaks to the intent and sincerity of the Honors College at LSU.
What are your future career aspirations?
As an environmental engineer, I hope to work heavily with climate change and sea level
to help protect and preserve Earth. I would also like to work abroad, hopefully with
an international company to use my Mandarin skills.