Two Juniors Win Udall Scholarship

Mallon and Sakellakis aspire to address environmental concerns locally and globally

Two headshots of two young men
Fisher Mallon and Michael Sakellakis

Duke juniors Fisher Mallon and Michael Sakellakis have been named recipients of the Udall Scholarship. This competitive program recognizes future change agents in environmental, Tribal public policy, and Native health care fields. Mallon and Sakellakis are among the 55 scholars chosen from more than 400 applicants nationwide. 

“Fisher and Michael embody Duke’s commitment to knowledge in service of society. Through their leadership and dedication to environmental issues, they are already making meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable and equitable world,” said Lee D. Baker, vice provost for undergraduate education.

A Robertson and Nakayama Public Service Scholar, Fisher Mallon is an environmental sciences & policy and economics double major. Alongside his work with the Duke Climate Coalition and the Climate Commitment Advisory Council, Mallon helped to lead a research project on financed emissions, together with Prof. Elizabeth Albright, Emma Rasiel and Tim Profeta, that brought together Duke and DUMAC. He has interned with the Energy Transitions Commission and HOMES, Inc., and will intern this summer for the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Planning to pursue a joint JD/MA in Economics degree, Mallon aspires to work in government to enact policies that promote U.S. leadership and investment in the clean energy transition.

Michael Sakellakis, an economics major, has worked on several international environmental projects. Through DukeEngage, he interned in Brazil at the Itaipu Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric power plants. He is also co-founder of the Elumis Foundation, a nonprofit he created to provide renewable lighting technology to low and middle-income countries. Together with faculty at the Wharton School and Singapore Management University, he is conducting research examining the impact of solar lighting interventions on off-grid households in Sub-Saharan Africa. Sakellakis plans to work at the intersection of the environment and finance, helping expand investment in renewable energy and infrastructure projects that will support a more sustainable global future. 

The Udall Scholarship honors the legacies of Morris Udall and Stewart Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources. Each scholarship provides up to $7,500 during the scholar’s junior and/or senior year.To receive support for applying for opportunities like the Udall Scholarship, prospective applicants should contact the Nationally Competitive Scholarships advisors in the Office of University Scholars and Fellows. For more information about the Udall Scholarship, visit www.udall.gov