Laura Bonga of Saint John, New Brunswick, has a deep admiration for the environment, stemming from generations of family commitment to understanding and preserving the natural world. Laura’s appreciation for the environment goes beyond the classroom, having completed numerous hikes, including the 100 Mile Wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail in Maine and the 41 kilometre Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick. Her desire to protect our natural environment and create a more sustainable future has led Laura to Acadia’s Environmental Science program, where she hopes to contribute to the preservation of the environment through research activities. Laura graduated from Saint John High School in June 2016 where she was a multi-sport athlete, having competed both provincially and nationally in track and field. She is a talented artist as well. In her free time, Laura enjoys skiing, sailing and playing the piano.