Alex Niles recently graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned an Interdisciplinary Studies degree with emphasis in Communications, Sociology, and History. While there, he completed research projects assessing the environmental justice impacts of New York City’s Green New Deal legislation and exploring the impact of water politics on California suburban development.

As a student, Alex served as the president of the UC Student Association, which represents all 230,000+ UC undergraduates. He worked on issues including funding for disabled student services and undocumented student programs, Cal Grant reform, and Pell Grant expansion. At YLAC, Alex will work to advance policy related to environmental justice, public education, and housing.