Focused on Supporting Communities
Student Snapshot: Eva Hanlin ’27
Eva Hanlin ’27 is preparing to help build a more just and sustainable future. She saw what that work could look like through a summer internship with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Food Safety. “It gave me a better sense of how communities take care of themselves and how governments can support them,” she says.
Hometown:
Carlisle, Pa.
High school:
Boiling Springs High School, Boiling Springs, Pa.
Majors:
Environmental studies and political science.
On choosing Dickinson:
Growing up in Carlisle and Boiling Springs, I always heard about Dickinson. When I found out about Dickinson’s programs in sustainability and environmental issues, I realized it was the perfect fit for me!
Best thing about my Dickinson experience so far:
"The best part is meeting people from all over the world and from all walks of life, right here on campus. The kindness of our students, faculty and staff also plays a big role."
Best thing about my majors:
The attentive attitude of the faculty and staff. Even my busiest professor connects with me, whether that’s saying hello in the hall or sending me an email if I’ve missed class.
Favorite class:
Democracy and Immigration with Adjunct Faculty in Political Science John Harles. I took it in fall 2024, during the U.S. presidential election, so it was incredibly pertinent to what we were seeing in the news. There were times of disagreement, but they were handled with grace by both Professor Harles and my peers in the class. It really embodied the philosophy Dickinson has around disagreement, where the aim is to understand one another, not to change each others’ minds.
Favorite professor:
Visiting Instructor in Environmental Studies Sarah Sterner is so supportive and inspiring. She is consistently positive in her interactions with students, inside and outside of the classroom. Her experience in the field is really inspiring to me, as someone who wants to work with government agencies but is sometimes unsure of how that work will look, especially when environmental work is shaped by political swings.
About my internship:
I interned with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Food Safety this past summer. I am interested in food deserts/access to food and local and state policies that address these issues. A major part of my summer internship was conducting summer food inspections for schools and other organizations that provide low-income students with food in the months they aren’t in school. It gave me a better sense of how communities take care of themselves and how governments can support them.
Current project:
I’m setting up a local governmental election information website that compiles information on candidates in local elections based on direct interviews conducted by me or a team member, campaign platforms and any other information I can find.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I hope to work in local or state government, creating policies that create and support communities.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
Honestly, this nomination for Student Snapshots is probably the thing I’ve been proudest of in a while. It’s very nice to be recognized for my work, and I’m very grateful for it.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
You have to be ready to adjust to new challenges, to roll with the punches. You can set lofty goals of straight A’s and dream internships, but at the end of the day, you have to take pride in yourself on all you actually got done.
Clubs and organizations:
Eco-Rep, Environmental Majors Committee (social media and outreach chair) Residential Advisor, and Department of Environmental Studies (teaching assistant and social media advisor).
Honors/scholarships/awards:
1783 Scholarship and a Dickinson grant.
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Published December 16, 2025