About uS
Our Voice. Our Planet. Our Future.
our mission
DAH believes that revolutionizing the way we interact with our environment holds the key to a sustainable, prosperous future. And even better— we believe every single American can help.
imagined by students. run by students.
an idea nourished by passion
Defend America’s Habitats was more of a nameless idea before it became an organization. Our team of passionate students and friends took this idea under their wings and made it a reality. Our philosophy is simple: as students, we are taught to browse a textbook and translate its information to knowledge— but as members of our community, we can take this knowledge and apply it to make change.
Today’s pressing climate crisis is being augmented by the policies that facilitate unconscious and detrimental environmental practices. It is in our best interest to not only care, but act now. We are committed to bringing communities together to both learn about the environmental issues that need our attention and realize the power of our voices in influencing policy. By first learning then taking action, we promote educated decision-making and lasting, impactful service driven by passion. Join us in our mission to a sustainable future.
our approach.
Together for a greener future
DAH strives to promote regulatory policies and practices of sustainability, including the shift to renewable energy technologies, the conscious conservation of our resources, and the advancement of environmental legal principles.
We bring students together to publish accessible and interdisciplinary educational content on environmental issues, encourage open and educated conversations to promote awareness, and connect our members with existing conservation and restoration efforts in their communities. We want to give a platform to members of our community who want to write about environmental issues that are close to their heart, provide the educational resources for those who want to learn something new, and showcase other brilliant environmental initiatives that need our help. We work tirelessly to ensure that every cent of our members' contributions are translated to meaningful efforts to promote beneficial environmental legislation and practices of sustainability across industries.
Ultimately, our goal is to unite under a common mission: to maintain biodiversity and protect our habitats.
"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people."
Franklin D. Roosevelt
meet Our Team
dylan riffle
co-president
Dylan Riffle is a freshman at the University of California, Irvine studying computer science and bioinformatics. He’s created a real estate backed cryptocurrency, an award winning mobile protein visualizer, and seven mobile apps. At Bioverse Labs he’s worked on a variety of projects ranging from reducing agriculture’s reliance on pesticides to aiding UN efforts in conserving the Amazon Rainforest. He aims to promote legislation fostering eco-conscious growth in the technology sector. Dylan believes we have to influence policy and politics to conserve the environment.
dylan riffle
co-president
valentina ortega
co-president
valentina ortega
co-president
Valentina is a freshman at Rice University studying bioengineering and energy and water sustainability. She has conducted and published interdisciplinary molecular biology research at various institutions, including the Medical University of South Carolina, and presented her work at various national and international conferences. Her goal as a part of this organization is to harness the power of cohesive communities to work towards environmental justice and encourage sustainable practices. She believes environmental consciousness holds the key to tackling other pressing societal issues, and thus working towards a better environment is the first step to ensuring a better future.
abhirami sriganeshan
director of operations
Abhirami is a freshman at the University of Miami studying Public Health and Gender and Race Studies. She was the Co-President of a student run non-profit organization, A Road For the Cure, where she volunteered with the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Broward Health. She also started a mentorship program with the American Heart Association and Boys and Girls Club to teach the children about their bodies as well as healthy eating and exercising habits. Her goal as a part of this organization is to help educate the general public about the pressing environmental issues we face and the straightforward solutions can be implemented through our daily activities.
abhirami sriganeshan
director of operations
rajat ramesh
director of outreach
rajat ramesh
director of outreach
Rajat is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania studying chemical and biomolecular sciences and management. He has conducted and published energy research and presented several of his projects at international conferences. His goal as a part of this organization is to provide others with a lens to understand a multitude of environmental issues, and use knowledge to develop conscientious communities living sustainably and advocate environmental preservation and restoration.
maia fernandez baigun
director of public relations
Maia is a freshman at Northeastern University studying communications and graphic and informational design. She has interned with magazines such as In the Pursuit and has photographed various nonprofit events. She also believes that education is the base of a successful community. As a part of this organization, she hopes to educate people about environmental issues and living a clean and sustainable lifestyle.