Environmental and Natural Resources Graduate Program Names 2013-2014 Outstanding Students

Andrea "Andy" Liniger                            Amanda "Penny" Nichols


The Environmental and Natural Resources Graduate Program has selected the 2013-2014 Outstanding Students. This recognition is given to the students who have achieved the highest GPA's during their studies. The following are the recipients of this honor:

Andrea "Andy" Liniger is the LLM Outstanding Student. Andy, who is originally from Switzerland, received her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Lucerne and a Master of Laws from the University of Bern.  Andy has worked as a legal librarian for Vischer Attorneys at Law and has interned for the Federal Office for the Environment in Switzerland.  Andy also worked as a research assistant at the law faculty of  the University of Zurich.

Andy commented that "coming to Denver for my LLM has been a great and rewarding experience, but it was also hard work, so the award means a lot to me! The effort was certainly worthwhile, and I feel very honored and grateful to receive this award. I owe many thanks to Prof. Don Smith and Assistant Director Lucy Daberkow for their great work on the Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy program-without their continuous support, this would certainly not have been possible. Thank you!"

Amanda "Penny" Nichols is the MRLS Outstanding Student. Penny received her B.A. in Environmental Policy from Colorado College.  She has worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda and as a researcher for the Sustainable Development Studies Group with a focus on sustainable practices in mining. Her plans for the future include finding employment as a mining consultant specializing in sustainability. She had this to say about her experience in the program:

"The MRLS program has been an invaluable experience for me and what I have learned from most was the diverse and experienced adjunct professionals that matched my interest in natural resource use & extraction, human rights, environmental conservation and sustainable development. As a Masters student, I have been able to build a foundation in natural resource law, learn from my fellow law students and follow my passion by specializing in mining law." 

Andy and Penny exemplify the stellar students we strive to have in our program. We are extremely proud of their dedication, hard work, and academic excellence.  Congratulations to both!