Congratulations to Lale Ergen and Ethan Harrod!
On June 10th the Christina Conservancy Board of Directors awarded Lale Ergen the 2025 Edward W. Cooch, Jr. Environmental Scholarship. The board also recognized the scholarship runner-up, Ethan Harrod.
Lale Ergen is a graduate of Newark Charter School in Newark, DE and will attend the University of Pennsylvania with a major in Chemical Engineering. Ergen’s environmental passion is to contribute to change for the better of our planet, our people, and our natural rights to clean drinking water. Ergen was first exposed to the environmental chemical engineering pathway through her internship at Old Dominion University. Ergen’s environmental engineering research focused on water treatment to replenish the Potomac Aquifer. Her awareness of lead and toxic contaminants in drinking water and its connection to environmental justice has pushed her to further understand and assist in clean drinking water access for all. In partnership with West Chester University, Ergen pursued drinking water research locally in Newark. Ergen sampled toxic organic compounds and their presence in low-income communities around Newark. Through the research she has conducted and her academic experience, Ergen has determined that in her future academics she would like to advance her preliminary research of anthropogenic water contaminants and their remediation of harmful effects. Ergen states, “with a foundation in both scientific research and social awareness, I want to dedicate my future to continuing my exploration in the intersection of environmental chemistry and justice—working toward real, research-based solutions that ensure clean water is not a privilege, but a universal right.” In addition to Ergen’s outstanding academic and research work she has also engaged in numerous volunteer activities, such as the Food Bank of Delaware, the City of Newark Parks and Recreation’s Adopt-a-Park, Newark community clean-ups, and Paws-For-People. Her volunteer activities also include a role as a student leader for the Youth Environmental Summit (YES!), Science Olympiad competitor, student council leader and Special Olympics coach. This fall (2025), Ergen will continue to pursue her love for the environment and social equity at the University of Pennsylvania where she will study Chemical Engineering.
Ethan Harrod is a graduate of Brandywine High School in Wilmington, DE and will attend the University of Delaware’s Honors College to study Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Harrod’s love for the environmental field stems from time spent outdoors and learning about the importance of nature and the environment from a young age. Harrod’s passion for the outdoors has led him to focus his future work on helping others enjoy outdoor recreation and to protect the environment so that people and wildlife can thrive. In high school Harrod achieved academic success with a strong work ethic. In addition to being a high school athlete in multiple sports all four years, Harrod’s high GPA is reflected in his membership in the National Honor Society and the science and math national honor societies. Harrod has also pursued his love for the outdoors through his work with the Delaware State Park’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) and continues to work as a seasonal employee at Bellevue State Park. Harrod’s community service and volunteer activities include work with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Delaware Nature Society and Good News Church as well participating in the Delaware Nature Society’s Teen Naturalist Club and the Youth Environmental Summit (YES!). This fall (2025), Harrod will continue his love of the outdoors and wildlife at the University of Delaware to study Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.
Please join us in recognizing Lale Ergen and Ethan Harrod and honoring Edward W. Cooch, Jr. who was an avid environmentalist with a deep passion for the natural lands and water resources of the State of Delaware.
Each year starting in 2012 this scholarship is awarded to a student recognized by the scholarship committee who demonstrates the ideals that Ned Cooch carried out in his daily life. For more information on the scholarship, Lale and Ethan’s award, and past scholarship participants see http://www.christinaconservancy.org/scholarship/edward-w-cooch-jr-scholarship/.
To donate to the scholarship fund contact the ChristinaConservancyInc@gmail.com.