Liberal Arts Fuels DU Student’s Dream to Build a Better, Greener World

Whether competing in club climbing or dreaming up ways to build a more sustainable, equitable future, Adeline Braun grew up hungry to tackle challenges of all kinds. And when it came to choosing the right place to do so, the University of Denver’s study-abroad, economics, and political science programs, combined with Denver’s abundant climbing venues, checked all the right boxes.

Braun will graduate this June from the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) with bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science and minors in international studies, sustainability, and mathematics.

Her economics courses deepened her perspective on the subject. “Most economics programs study neoclassical structures like capitalism, but our program looks more critically at the current system, compares it with other models, and critiques the pros and cons,” she explained.

Courses like environmental economics, with Associate Professor Chiara Piovani, examine how real-world issues such as climate change affect economic security and quality of life. “It aligned with the kind of work I see myself doing and influenced my ideas of what to look for in a master’s program.”

Similarly, Professor Yavuz Yasar’s health economics class examined the American health care system. “We learned how hard it is to navigate and why and how it might or might not change in the future.” 

Braun cites Political Science Professor Seth Masket’s 2024 presidential nominations course, which brought students to Iowa to observe the Republican Caucus, as a game-changer.

“We saw a side of politics you can’t get from the news, the classroom, or your own social circles. It showed us what was possible now, where we needed to start, and the importance of meeting people where they are.”

Her senior thesis, guided by Associate Professor Phil Chen, included interviewing ranchers in Wyoming about conservation politics.  “Ranchers’ and environmentalists’ goals are really the same, but how we talk about them is wildly different. Things like calling it ‘conservation’ rather than ‘environmental protection’ have a huge positive effect in finding common ground with rural Americans.”

Braun’s study abroad in Thailand during her junior year offered valuable insights into practical environmental approaches. In a sustainable agriculture course, students stayed with organic farmers and collaborated on fair-trade and best-practice initiatives.

Student-conducted interviews “with people who were actually doing what we’d been idealizing revealed that this was working very well on a small scale and could be implemented in the United States and eventually built up.” 

According to Braun, membership in the CAHSS Student Leadership Council (SLC) provided a solid foundation for future success, including leadership training and professional development workshops led by Sponsor Alumna Amy Nisenson (BA ’90). 

“We also talked with CAHSS Dean Sahara Byrne, who shared personal struggles she faced early in her career. It was so valuable to see how such an influential person overcame challenges. It taught me that everyone is always learning, and you don’t have to succeed 100% all the time.” 

Beyond the classroom, Braun attributes her four years in leadership roles, including president of DU Club Climbing, to transforming her view of competition for the better. 

“I grew up in a competitive environment and have always been very hard on myself, but this environment is much more about having fun, supporting each other to do our best, and welcoming everyone.” 

Following graduation, she will head to Nantucket, Massachusetts, as an intern in the town housing department focused on finding affordable housing solutions for year-round residents. In the long term, she plans to pursue an international master’s degree to develop policies that drive environmental sustainability. 

“I’m grateful for all my classes, professors, friends, and climbing team members who’ve shared this journey and the culture of critique that DU offers. Not in a depressing way, but in a ‘let’s figure out together how we can improve’ way. I really found my place here, and I am better for it.”