Connecticut student loses project support due to funding cuts

A high school student in Connecticut, Keila Silva, faced challenges when her research project was affected by changes in federal policy under the Trump administration. Silva, a 17-year-old from Suffield High School, was investigating operations at a local ice cream plant linked to potential environmental hazards. Her work was part of a competitive fellowship program run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In February, Silva learned that federal support for her project would end due to new directives related to “diversity, equity, and inclusion.” These changes were part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to restructure federal programs. Silva expressed her heartbreak upon hearing the news, noting that she had anticipated this outcome. Silva's research targeted the HP Hood ice cream plant, which has a history of chemical spills and is located near a housing development for low-income families. Through her data analysis, she found numerous reports of harmful incidents involving ammonia and other chemicals. Although her report could not directly link health problems to the plant's emissions, it highlighted environmental concerns affecting vulnerable residents. After losing support from NOAA, Silva quickly sought help from environmental organizations to continue her project. Despite the setbacks, she was able to submit her findings and recommendations to local officials and the ice cream company. While Silva managed to adapt and complete her report, many fellow students in the fellowship struggled due to the loss of resources. Silva hopes to pursue a career as an environmental justice attorney, advocating for better environmental conditions for communities like hers.