Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award

Candidates

From scientists to communicators, sustainable business leaders to social justice advocates, candidates represent the full spectrum of answers to environmental concerns.

miranda wang — Miranda Wang

(Winner) Inventor of sustainable plastic recycling technology

asha de vos — Asha de Vos

(Finalist) Blue whale expert working to make ocean science inclusive

chioma ukonu — Chioma Ukonu

(Finalist) Getting Nigerians to recycle with social incentives

alexia akbay — Alexia Akbay

Pioneer of new sustainable seafood farming methods

mitch anderson — Mitch Anderson

Defending environmental rights of indigenous people

erin barnes — Erin Barnes

Crowdsourcing public health and the fight against climate change

elizabeth corr — Elizabeth Corr

Social justice leader uniting arts and the environment

adel essaddam — Adel Essaddam

Pioneer of technology that breaks down PET plastics sustainably

brian gitta — Brian Gitta

Inventor of device that detects malaria in two minutes

dallas goldtooth — Dallas Goldtooth

Leader of indigenous activism against environmental injustice

josé gonzález — José González

Growing an inclusive, nationwide network of nature lovers

peter hammarstedt — Peter Hammarstedt

Captain who patrols the oceans to catch illegal fishing operations

kahlil kettering — Kahlil Kettering

Developing sustainable cities for people and wildlife

xiuhtezcatl martinez — Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

Leader of environmental youth activists worldwide

gavin mccormick — Gavin McCormick

Inventor of technology that enables people to choose clean energy

matthew mulrennan — Matthew Mulrennan

Finding a giant, tentacled symbol for ocean conservation

stephanie speirs — Stephanie Speirs

Bringing solar to renters and low-income households

vien truong — Vien Truong

Environmental activist lifting communities out of poverty

thomas tsun-hung yee — Thomas Tsun-Hung Yee

Leading efforts to build sustainable, transit-oriented housing

jamielyn wheeler — Jamielyn Wheeler

Political strategist who builds coalitions on environmental initiatives