Q&A: How McCullough Fellows’ Fieldwork Advances the Sciences and Supports Communities in Western NCFor the past decade, a curious and intrepid cohort of UNC Asheville undergraduate students has been selected each summer for the competitive McCullough Fellowship. The prestigious program provides students with the funding, mentorship, and support needed to immerse themselves in high-level, applied environmental research. Each fellow pairs up with a community partner and faculty mentor who help ensure they have the resources and guidance needed to complete and present their fieldwork. Many of the project outcomes provide helpful and practical insights that benefit Western North Carolina communities, improving the region and everyday life. Read on to meet a few of the 2025 McCullough Fellows as they share their research experiences and reflect on how the fellowship helped them to achieve their goals while giving back to their communities. Student Spotlights: Ximena Reyna-Campozano | Ian Miller | Kasidy Loggins