Member Spotlight: Ellie Thorson

This month, we’re excited to introduce Nature’s Blueprint member Ellie Thorson.

Hi! I’m Ellie, a current student at the University of St Andrews studying Sustainable Development and Business Management. I’m passionate about the connection between planetary and human health, with a particular interest in regenerative agriculture and community-based, nature-driven solutions. I’m excited to be joining the Nature’s Blueprint team and look forward to contributing to a mission I deeply care about while learning from and connecting with a like-minded community!

What inspired you to join Nature’s Blueprint? 

I was inspired to join Nature’s Blueprint because I wanted to be part of a community of like-minded individuals passionate about taking tangible action in the sustainability space. I believe building a sustainable future requires collaboration, and I’m especially drawn to how Nature’s Blueprint creates space for people from different niches to come together, learn from one another, and spark cross-pollination initiatives. 

How do you integrate Nature into your everyday work or life? 

I try to integrate nature into my everyday life by spending even just five minutes outside. For me, that might look like an afternoon trail walk or simply taking the long way home from work or school along a path that’s a bit greener. 

What specific projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you are excited about? 

I’m thrilled to be joining Nature’s Blueprint as a Summer Intern! I’m especially excited about the opportunity to help expand Nature’s Blueprint’s reach by creating engaging new social media content. I am also excited to connect with members of the community, gaining valuable insights and perspectives that can contribute to Nature Blueprint’s continued growth. 

Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had in Nature that significantly influenced your career or personal life? 

The first time I went scuba diving was especially memorable and left a lasting impact on me. I was 12 years old, completely entranced by the beauty of the underwater world. Since that experience, I’ve developed a deep passion for conserving nature, collaborating with others who share that passion, and educating people about the importance of connecting with the natural world—not just for the planet’s health, but for human well-being as well. 

From your perspective, what is the most challenging aspect of your work? How do you overcome it? 

Currently, I would say the focus is on sharing news and information that people from different perspectives can find useful and interesting. While Nature’s Blueprint strives to foster a community built on cross-pollination of ideas, it can be challenging to create content or measure impact for future funding that appeals beyond a single niche. 

To address this, I try to work with the concept of cross-pollination rather than against it. Even if I begin with one topic or perspective, there are often many ways to interlink it with others and incorporate additional dimensions. I believe this approach aligns with how sustainability should be addressed. Collaboration and multidimensional thinking are essential to building a holistic path forward and, ultimately, a more sustainable future. 

Are there any specific skills or expertise you’re looking for that other Nature’s Blueprint members may be able to help with? 

Right now, my interests are somewhat wide-ranging within the sustainability space. There are a few topics that especially stand out to me. I have experience working with a student-run food co-op at the University of St Andrews, where I study. I’m particularly interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture practices, as well as the business side of running a sustainable enterprise. 

I find the relationship between agriculture and human health especially fascinating. While there’s some controversy around them, I think carbon markets present intriguing opportunities for advancing sustainability—especially when combined with my interests in regenerative agriculture or ocean conservation. 

Lastly, I’ve really enjoyed managing Nature’s Blueprint’s social media. It’s given me the chance to express my creative side through a topic I’m deeply passionate about. I’d love to continue exploring marketing and communications in support of sustainability causes. 

We believe that humans have an extraordinary capacity to problem solve & innovate. What gives you HOPE? 

I find that spending time in nature with people who share the same passion and drive for change is incredibly grounding. It’s easy to feel pessimistic about the future and what’s at stake. But when I’m immersed in nature and witness the beauty that arises from its symbiotic relationships, I’m reminded that humanity is capable of creating the same harmony. 

When I work with like-minded and action-oriented people, such as those in Nature’s Blueprint community, I see the potential for those same symbiotic relationships to flourish among us and with the planet. That gives me real hope for a brighter, more sustainable future. 

We hope you found this Member Spotlight interesting. Do connect with Ellie if anything she has shared resonates with you and you’d like to know more – you can find out more about Ellie on here.