Olivia McKay (Master’s in Environmental Sciences and Management, ’21) was selected by the Graduate Education program as the Outstanding Graduate Student in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. McKay, who earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental earth and soil science in 2020, is currently working as an environmental scientist at Arcadis in San Luis Obispo.

McKay was recognized for her academic achievements, drive, and curiosity modeling how students could and should develop new skills in the field, the laboratory, and in analysis techniques. Her work on the distinct habitat for soil microbial decomposers created by macroplastic pollution led not only to a new research direction but also directly to funding from CADFA.