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Natalie Lara ’25 is a first generation Mexican American whose parents both came to the United States as young adults. Natalie was the first in her entire extended family to attend undergraduate school and now is the first to attend law school.

Originally, Natalie wanted to become a climate researcher, but after taking her first environmental policy course she learned more about environmental law and was intrigued. “Environmental law really stood out to me, because my professor had explained it as a way to bridge science, policy, and people,” said Natalie. “I knew I liked working with people, but I also wanted to advocate for better environmental conditions. Furthermore, growing up in South Florida, hurricanes were a common occurrence. I saw how climate change was affecting my community and other communities like mine, and I realized that I wanted to use the law to advocate for a sustainable future for all.”

So far, Natalie has had a very well rounded and positive experience at Haub Law. She finds the professors engaging and enthusiastic and all are willing to go beyond the classroom and act as mentors to help their students navigate their legal careers. “Professor Narula in particular always inspires me,” said Natalie. “In addition to her impressive legal career and despite any injustices that she's confronted throughout her life, she is still kind to everyone, and she reminds us to do the same. She reminds her students that it's important to process emotions as we feel them, whether we have great wins or great losses. This has been invaluable to remember.”

During her time at Haub Law, Natalie has participated in the Land Use Law Center legal externship and helped to develop the Climate Resilient Development workshop series. She is also president of the Environmental Law Society here at Haub Law, secretary of the Latin American Law Students Association, and Hospitality Vice-Chair for the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition.

Natalie is pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law and when she graduates in 2025, she hopes to find herself working in environmental law. “I would love to end up at a firm full of people who are inspired by the law and continue to challenge themselves.”

School-life balance is important to Natalie and even as a 1L last year she was able to read 100 books for leisure! “It is important to dedicate time to focus on yourself outside of your studies,” said Natalie.

It was 4L Ellie Taranto’s own personal journey that inspired her to pursue a career in law. “My older (twin) brother, Dennis, is an expert when it comes to all things YouTube, Raffi, Thomas the Train, and Disney World. Dennis has autism and has limited communication,” said Ellie. “He requires constant supervision for his safety and attends a day program with other adults with different abilities. My mother has been an amazing support system for my siblings as we navigate our lives. When a member of your family has special needs, your entire family's life depends on putting their needs first.” Witnessing her mother first-hand navigate the legal system to ensure that her brother Dennis had proper guardianship, care, and benefits inspired Ellie to want to pursue a career that similarly helped others.

“My first legal job out of undergrad was as a legal assistant at a workers' compensation and Social Security law firm,” said Ellie. “I loved being able to help people in this capacity during difficult periods of their life, but more importantly I learned so much about the legal system.” This job was a turning point for Ellie as she realized that it was through the law that she desired to help others. She has continued to solidify this decision through then working full time as a paralegal in personal injury and insurance recovery prior to and during her time at law school.

When she applied to law school, of primary importance to her was her ability to not just continue to work while she attended school, but to have the ability to participate in important law school experiences even as a “non-traditional” student. “With the help of Adjunct Professor Lisa Denig, I was able to complete a Guided Externship (or, a "flex"-ternship as Professor Denig and I refer it to) during my 3L year.” Since she was working full-time, Ellie could not participate in a traditional externship or clinic, however, the guided externship allowed her the opportunity to receive class credit while being placed at a company outside of the school, during non-traditional working hours. “This opportunity allowed me to gain invaluable experience in a new and unfamiliar field to me on a schedule that worked best for me. I am forever grateful for that flexibility.”

Ellie is also on ���ҹ����� Law Review, where she is serving as the Executive Promotions Editor for this school year as they’re hosting the Symposium later this Spring. Ellie notes that “���ҹ����� Law Review (and our other two law reviews as well) went above and beyond to make sure that Flex students were offered the same opportunities that were traditionally for full-time students.”

For Ellie, knowing she wanted a career helping others led her to explore law as an option, but it was her work experience that solidified that choice. “By gaining work experience in the legal field, I not only solidified my interest in law, but I also gained other skills that have benefited me in my studies and will ultimately help in my career. I would encourage others thinking about law school to consider volunteering or gaining work experience in law as well before applying to law school to ensure their interest in the field.”

In her spare time, Ellie loves utilizing her Peloton, spending time with her husband and stepson, and taking long walks with her (rescue) dogs, Tucker and Cooper.

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���ҹ����� start date: June 26, 2023

When do you feel like you are part of a community here at ���ҹ�����? (Is there a program or activity that contributes to your sense of community?)

I feel most part of the community when I am collaborating with our various departments in developing, planning, and delivering training opportunities for our departments and offices. When we come together and experience growth through learning, we become closer as a team and proud to further our institution’s mission and meet our strategic goals. It’s important to me to give back to an amazing community that gives so much support to our ���ҹ����� students.

How do you contribute toward the success of ���ҹ�����?

As a Talent Development Manager in Human Resources, my main focus is to support our employees onboard and grow within their careers at ���ҹ����� so that they can continue providing the ���ҹ����� students with expert service and care. By providing initiatives focused on personal and professional development, coaching, networking, and mentoring, we can collectively “level up” as one big team. We are launching many of these new and reinvigorated initiatives at our in-person this March, and I hope to see everyone there!

What do you love to do on the weekend to relax?

On the weekends, I like to get silly with my 7-year-old twins and pet bunny, Houdini, listen to old records found at thrift shops, and go on adventures with my partner from motorcycle rides when it’s warmer to trying new food and new restaurants.

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Start date as a student assistant: December 13, 2021
PT Staff start date: May 1, 2023
FT Staff start date: January 2, 2024

When do you feel like you are part of a community here at ���ҹ�����? (Is there a program or activity that contributes to your sense of community?)

As a ���ҹ����� employee, I feel most connected to the community when doing my job. I work at the Talent Acquisition office and part of my job is to help onboarding newly hired students. I feel I contribute to ���ҹ�����’s mission of providing students with real-world work experience to realize their full potential. Additionally, I feel I’m part of this community when I engage in campus events, like the Student Employment Fair or the Faculty and Staff Health and Wellness Fair that occur every year and give students, staff, and faculty more information about what Talent Acquisition does.

How do you contribute toward the success of ���ҹ�����?

For me, the best way to contribute is to perform my tasks with professionalism and commitment to excellence. As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, one of my primary goals is to serve as the first point of contact between new hires, visitors, or different departments and Human Resources. The Talent Acquisition team strives to improve the candidates’ experience by providing tools to conduct a smooth and simple onboarding process. We are aware that a positive candidate experience helps building stronger relationships with new employees and spreading our ���ҹ����� culture.

What do you love to do on the weekend to relax?

On the weekends, I love to spend quality time with my family and friends. We usually meet to play board games, have a movie night, bake desserts, or simply having a good conversation. If I’m by myself, I like to go for a walk while listening to music. But I always try to clear my mind and do not think about work.

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Donna Lanzetta ’86 grew up on Eastern Long Island surrounded by water, but it wasn’t until she was an adult that the ocean took on more than a recreational meaning in her life. “After thirty years of civil litigation culminating in stress related health issues, I decided to make a concerted effort to de-stress and eat healthier – that included major changes to my diet, including eating more seafood,” said Donna. “As I looked closer, I was shocked to see our shellfish and eelgrasses have virtually disappeared, with 99% gone. At the same time, our wild capture fisheries are at maximum sustainable capacity. Then I learned that the United States is importing over 90% of our seafood. I studied the matter further to learn about ocean farming, and its potential to feed the world with responsibly raised protein, protein grown in balance with the environment. Considering sustainability, responsibility, and protein production in the face of climate change, I realized that, done right, ocean farming is part of the solution.”

Donna started a self-proclaimed independent study program, learning as much as she could about seafood and sustainable production. “I began to travel within and outside of the United States to attend conferences and learn more – at the time there was a lack of formal education programs on this topic.” Donna was fortunate enough to have had the invaluable benefit of touring working farms around the world. “I learned about organic production in Canada, about seafood certifications, and more. I also learned about the negative – the illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) seafood, about seafood fraud and mislabeling. The United Nations SDGs brought it all together for me, and I was compelled to take action.”

Today, Donna is CEO & Founder of Manna Fish Farms, Inc., along with a number of related companies. Her mission: feed the world with sustainably grown seafood. “It’s time to build science-based support for ocean mariculture proving that protein production is possible in the ocean in balance with the environment.” To do this, The Manna Companies will use the latest technology to support responsible behavior and ensure balanced operations. “We must work with one another to site farms in the least impactful locations. The time is now. Seafood protein is the fastest growing protein sector, and the most environmentally sustainable protein to feed our growing world population. Consider it: Seafood is the last protein that we commercially hunt for, and the farming of seafood is a natural progression, on land and at sea. Let’s develop an ocean farming industry that operates in balance with the environment, without chemicals and overcrowding.”

Recently, Donna became an advisory board member on Haub Law’s Sustainable Business Law Hub. To serve and give back to her alma mater was important to her. “It has been uplifting to watch Haub Law’s Environmental Law Program grow over the years to national acclaim. The Sustainable Business Law Hub is a potential platform to teach about the importance of a sustainable future, including sustainable aquaculture and permitting, as well as the legal issues surrounding those practices. Most importantly, I feel it is a forum where I might contribute, with a hope to influence positive change and responsible aquaculture industry development.”

As a business owner, Donna works seven days a week, taking time off when she can for church, friends, travel, and her new grandchildren. Donna acknowledges that time management is a challenge, “I am so excited about what I am doing, building the Manna Companies and brands, that I forget to schedule time for my family and myself.” When asked about advice for future law students, Donna notes that it is important to learn the foundations, and then build upon them, which has propelled her toward her goal of a sustainable and climate smart future.

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Since 2013, Bryn Goodman has served as co-coach of Haub Law’s team for the prestigious Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. “Coaching has been an incredibly enriching experience for me because of the valuable lessons I've learned from the students,” said Bryn. “I've found that I've gained just as much, if not more, from coaching as I did when I was a student myself. It's a true pleasure to witness the growth of students over the course of the six-month competition.”

Founded by the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ�����, the Willem C. Vis Moot is the world’s premier international commercial law moot court. Held each spring in Vienna, Austria, the moot involves an arbitration of a dispute arising out of a contract of sale between two parties in countries that are parties to the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. This moot provides experience in commercial arbitration skills and provides an opportunity for students to develop international commercial law expertise. “Participating students in the Vis moot undergo an academically challenging experience where they gain insights into procedural issues associated with drafting and enforcing arbitration agreements,” said Bryn. “They also acquire knowledge about what to anticipate during an arbitration proceeding and how to navigate the rules of an arbitral institute. The competition offers students not only a chance to enhance their advocacy skills but also an opportunity to understand the intricacies of arbitration and its relationship with domestic enforcement procedures.”

While Bryn was a student at Haub Law, she was very involved in the School’s Trial Advocacy Program and in particular, found her participation on the Vis Team to be transformational. “In the program, I spent two years on the Vis Team, which turned out to be the most rewarding experience during my time in law school. We competed against more than 300 teams from around the world, addressing issues related to the validity of arbitration agreements and breach of contract. While it might sound straightforward, it demanded extensive research and rigorous practice to refine our arguments. This experience was the most effective in preparing me for a legal career, and I believe many others in ���ҹ�����'s Trial Advocacy program share this sentiment.”

Today, Bryn is a partner at Fox Rothschild LLP, a leading national law firm. Her specialized area of practice focuses on employment law, where she offers guidance to companies on potential disputes and various HR-related matters. She represents clients in both federal and state court cases and administrative proceedings. She also notes that ADR is an essential tool for lawyers and in her day-to-day practice. “In my practice, I regularly negotiate and mediate cases. In the labor and employment context, arbitration is also frequently used,” said Bryn. “Many federal courts even mandate mediation as a means to reduce the case load of judges. Whether handling commercial contracts, corporate agreements, or employment contracts, lawyers should be able to assess whether ADR is available and appropriate and the enforceability of a dispute resolution clause. Creative ADR strategies can greatly benefit clients, making it necessary for lawyers to understand how to use it to their advantage to be the best possible advocates.”

Prior to applying to law school, Bryn spent a year in France teaching English and then moved to New York City where she worked as a paralegal. It was Haub Law’s international law certificate program that intrigued her to apply. She continued to work as a paralegal in New York City throughout her first and second years of law school, which she notes made balancing work and classes a constant juggling act.

“During my second year, I also took on the added challenge of joining the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Team. This presented new challenges of learning different writing and oral advocacy skills and working with a team,” said Bryn. “By my third year, I had stopped working outside of school, but I intensified my academic commitments. I became involved in the Investor Rights Clinic, held the position of Managing Editor for the ���ҹ����� Law Review, served as co-captain of the Vis Moot team, and was a Dean's Scholar. Managing these responsibilities allowed me to develop strong skills in time management and prioritization, ultimately enhancing my legal skills and preparing me for the demands of professional practice.”

Today, as coach of the Vis Moot team, Bryn feels fortunate to have a part in students’ personal and professional development through the competition. “Learning and change are not always easy, but by the end of the program, everyone has made significant progress in their writing and oral advocacy skills. Each year brings new challenges as the competition introduces novel legal issues, and each team exhibits unique dynamics. It is also amazing to keep in touch with many former students and track their success. I feel so lucky to have had an opportunity to coach all these years.”

Bryn’s advice for students or graduates with a particular interest: “Do not be discouraged if you don’t land your dream job right after law school. Any job you take after law school equips you with valuable skills that will likely benefit you throughout your career. Gain experience, but also take steps toward your goal by getting involved, volunteering, networking, joining relevant committees. Focus on building a resume that reflects your ongoing commitment to your desired area of practice, and you'll eventually achieve your goal.”

On the weekends, you can catch Bryn in Central Park running, on a bike ride, or the Peloton if it’s raining, and spending time with her family.

Dean Emeritus Richard Ottinger, of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ�����, and Professor Wang Xi, of Kunming University of Science and Technology in China, have published a book that compares efforts to curb air pollution in two of the world’s largest urban areas, Los Angeles and Beijing. Their book, A Tale of Two Cities: A Comparison of Air Pollution Governance in the Los Angeles Area of the USA and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Area of China, was more than 8 years in the making and the product of a joint study with Renewables 100 Policy Institute.

According to the book’s publisher, Wolters Kluwer, “A Tale of Two Cities is an exceptional book focusing on two of the world’s most prominent cases and exploring how people in the areas of Los Angeles and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) established remarkably similar governance processes to combat air pollution and how the major actors in each area worked to make their region a better place to live. Employing the expertise of teams of knowledgeable environmental law experts from both China and the United States, the authors identify and analyze similarities and differences in the respective legal and policy experiences as actors succeeded in greatly improving the air quality of their areas.”

“We decided to produce a joint study to show what steps Los Angeles took to reduce its air pollution, which is quite a remarkable story, because decades ago, the pollution there was so thick that you could hardly see across the street,” said Dean Emeritus Ottinger.

“We also show what steps Beijing is taking to mitigate its serious air pollution problems. Not long ago, they had to close down their local economy and tell people to stay home because the health risks were so serious. Hopefully, our study will be useful to any state, city or local government that is grappling with solutions to the problem of air pollution,” he said.

“Our joint study develops a useful model of environmental governance that encompasses the relationship between regulatory agencies and the entities they regulate, government entities and regulators, and polluting entities and society at large,” added Professor Wang Xi. “In spite of great differences in the politics and cultures of these two cities, there are clear similarities in the way they worked to improve air quality.”

Dean Emeritus Ottinger is co-director of the ���ҹ����� Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies. He founded the ���ҹ����� Energy and Climate Center at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ�����, which advocates for climate change mitigation and promotion of clean energy resources. In his 16 years as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, he authored a substantial body of energy and environmental laws. He was one of the earliest environmentalists in Congress in 1965.

Professor Wang Xi, a leading China environmental law scholar advocating with Kunming University of Science and Technology, was previously a professor of Wuhan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and served as visiting professor at the Elizabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ����� in 2014. Professor Xi was named a recipient of the 2020–2021 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy, one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards. He was instrumental in the development of Chinese environmental law, a new area of growing importance. He has since been a key influencer in a major revision to China’s framework environmental protection law, which was accepted and adopted by the Chinese National Congress in 2014.

Haub Law Professor Bridget Crawford’s forthcoming book, , co-authored with Lolita Buckner Inniss, Dean and Professor, University of Colorado Law School, will be published by the University of California Press.

Black Lives Matter and are two of the most prominent social movements of the U.S. in the twenty-first century. On the ground and on social media, in reality and virtuality, more people have taken an active stance in support of either or both movements than almost any other in the country’s history. Social Movements and the Law brings together the voices of twelve scholars and public intellectuals to explore how Black Lives Matter and #MeToo unfolded—separately and together—and how they enrich, inform, and complicate each other.

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Stephanie Spruck

Class of 2025

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology and Human Relations

Stephanie Spruck is the student wellness coordinator on the Pleasantville campus, working with Assistant Provost for Wellness Sue Maxam, EdD on mental health and well-being initiatives, in addition to a volunteer mentor for RADical Hope, a peer-led wellness program offering services through a ���ҹ����� partnership.

Tell us more about these experiences and how they have been meaningful to you.

In this role, which has been one of the highlights of my ���ҹ����� Path, I assist with projects and event planning aimed at integrating ���ҹ�����'s vision for a cohesive approach addressing the eight dimensions of wellness (in February 2023, ���ҹ����� adopted the Okanagan Charter, an international framework for promoting wellness on college campuses globally). As a student, I share insights on what services and support systems my peers and I want to see, serving as a voice for the student community. In the process, I am learning invaluable lessons on mental health, wellbeing, social justice, and purpose, which inspire me every day to learn more about these realities and assist in enacting change.

I also take great joy in being a program guide for the nationally renowned RADical Health program at ���ҹ����� sponsored by the . In this role, I facilitate meaningful small group conversations around connection, resiliency, self-awareness, and stress management. Entering my fifth time taking part in the program, I always learn something new from my peers. I have also had the incredible opportunity of partnering with non-profit organizations, on-campus committees, and media platforms, such as NBC News’s NOW and TODAY, Radical Hope Radio, The Examiner, ���ҹ����� Magazine, and Bloomberg News, to share my journey and learn from mentors every step of the way.

How did you become interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology and Human Relations?

Unlike many colleges that offer only one psychology major, Dyson has four to choose from, which means a vast array of classes across the Psychology department. I have always been fascinated with how the human mind works and how that translates into behavior: why we choose, think, act, feel, and relate as we do. This major can truly guide my career in any direction with how expansive it is, serving as training for a wide variety of fields as well as continued learning in counseling, social/clinical work, academia, law, health, research, and even business, to name a few.

What have your experiences been like with the Pleasantville Psychology Department? What faculty have been instrumental in your academic journey?

The Pleasantville Psychology Department offers a wide array of opportunities and faculty who prepare students early on to reach our goals. We can spend time talking to and sharing interests with our educators, who have completed their master's and/or doctorate programs in psychology and can offer advice on the different paths our major can take us. Professor Courtney Gosnell, PhD, readily makes students aware of opportunities such as the Psychology Club and Psi Chi International Psychology Honors Society, as well as local internships. Any psychology student looking to put what they are learning in the classroom into practice should speak to her, as she has much wisdom to share.

Even prior to stepping foot on campus, I was welcomed and felt that this was the place I was meant to be. At an accepted students event, I could relate to the student speakers’ love of learning as they shared their classroom, leadership, and internship experiences.

Why did you choose to attend ���ҹ�����?

I distinctly remember the day I first visited ���ҹ����� at an Honors College Accepted Students event. Even prior to stepping foot on campus, I was welcomed and felt that this was the place I was meant to be. I could relate to the student speakers’ love of learning as they shared their classroom, leadership, and internship experiences, and thought to myself, “Wow, I want to do that, too!” I spoke to Professor Lawrence Hundersmarck, PhD, who I later enrolled in three engaging Honors classes with, as well as Senior Staff Associate Carol Turco, who greets my fellow students and I daily with a smile and makes us feel like family. The opportunities offered at ���ҹ����� are unlike any other college I have visited. Also, a fun fact: both my parents and uncle attended ���ҹ�����, so you could say we are a ���ҹ����� family!

What other activities or organizations are you engaged with at ���ҹ�����?

I serve as an Honors peer mentor, through which I help freshmen become acclimated with their new college environment, share my experiences, and give advice along the way. I have been blessed with many mentors at ���ҹ�����, so being able to give back through this invaluable service is very rewarding. I am also a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Leadership Society, where I get to collaborate with fellow student leaders. Recently, I have been welcomed into the Wellbeing Committee, and work with faculty and administration to share wellness-centered ideas for future implementation.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

Upon graduation, I seek to continue my education at ���ҹ����� in the , and pursue a career in this field. I also hope to continue in the wellness sector and ultimately share what I have learned with others through motivational speaking, podcasting, tutoring, and my creative writing—all newfound interests I have cultivated at ���ҹ�����!

What advice can you give to our current students?

Opportunitas is more than ���ҹ�����’s motto—it is a reminder to live out this goal each and every day, to seek out, learn from, and show up for opportunities of all types, from a simple interaction to professional development. Mentorship is also a beautiful experience, and I encourage everyone to both learn from a mentor and serve as one. With so many opportunities at our fingertips during these transformative years, learn all you can and explore your interests, and you will discover a lot about yourself along the way. What ���ҹ����� has to offer is more than we can ever imagine, all you must do is take the first step.