Dominic Straquadine received a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental & Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Environmental Policy & Politics from George Mason University in 2019. After attending WYSE in 2013, Dominic has been deeply invested in the growth and success of WYSE, having come to Mason in 2015 and becoming an intern for the Washington Scholars Program, then becoming a Junior Faculty Advisor in 2016.
Dominic’s passion lies in social and institutional change through civic engagement and education. Being an active voice in environmental matters in his hometown of Marion, OH, he played a role in the City Council unanimously passing legislation keeping the city recycling program running and funded in 2018.
His professional experiences include working as an intern for the U.S. Senate in 2018, doing general administrative work, serving as a policy analyst on sustainability and general environmental issues in Ohio, and working with constituents by fielding casework and logging concerns and opinions. Additionally, Dominic worked at Marion County (OH) Recycling & Litter Prevention, gaining knowledge by working with the local solid waste district on projects regarding recycling and other waste. Also working as an event planner, administrative assistant, and project manager. Due to his work in the field and in the classroom, Dominic earned the Student of the Year award from Keep Ohio Beautiful in 2017.
Outside of his work on furthering sustainability and being a proponent for sound environmental legislation, you can find Dominic singing with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Chorus, being involved with community groups, or reading. He is very excited to be back working with WYSE and being part of the cultivation of the next group of environmental leaders!