Kutztown University

Ava Esterly, Environmental Science

Junior Ava Esterly, a native of Pottstown, PA, is committed to a career in regenerative organic agriculture and wants to provide real holistic solutions in Pennsylvania. Esterly is part of Kutztown University’s unique undergraduate regenerative organic agriculture program, which was developed in partnership with Rodale Institute. The program launched in 2022 and is a dedicated track within the environmental science major.

KU faculty worked with Rodale Institute scientists to develop the curriculum, which helps students conduct research with experts from around the world and offers more internship opportunities.

It’s important to consider everything in the agrarian ecosystem: the biological, geological, and chemical aspects that go into the soil. Esterly believes in analyzing agriculture from scientific, social, political, philosophical, and other viewpoints.

“Pennsylvania stands to position itself as a leader in regenerative organic agriculture, which can be a model for other states as well,” she said.

Esterly has created holistic plans for regeneration and has learned how to interact with the scientific community to make real changes in how they approach food.