UW-Stevens Point student builds independent path for education centered on advocacy

At the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, students are encouraged to discover their purpose. For Brayden Banks, his UWSP education was not about discovering his purpose, but having the tools to actualize it.

From a young age Banks held high regard for the environment. As a Stevens Point native, being outside was one of his favorite ways to connect with his family, and he always felt a strong inclination to protect the world around him.

"I was always connected to nature and the environment because my family and friends were always found in nature having that social connection," he said. "Through some lived experience before college, I saw a lot of individuals and groups of people that their voices weren't as heard as others. Something drew me to kind of being that unrelentless voice for those who are marginalized, a philosophy I have towards wildlife and the environment as well."

Banks moved to Las Vegas with his family at 14 and later decided that he wanted to go to college somewhere familiar. He started at UW-Stevens Point in spring of 2023 as a political science major, then realized his goal of supporting conservation policy with actual conservation experience would require an independent path.

At the recommendation of advisers across the School of Humanities and Global Studies and the College of Natural Resources, Banks added minors in international studies, peace studies, captive wildlife, environmental studies and biology, as well as three certificates in environmental ethics, environmental justice and international relations. This allowed him to truly get his hands dirty in the field of conservation research and apply that knowledge to policymaking.

"I realized there wasn't a specific political science emphasis in the environment, so I connected with professors, asking them about programs and different courses that would give me the background I wanted," he said. "As someone who wants to represent people, it's really important that we utilize any resources that are available, especially research."

In his academic pursuits, Banks was involved in several areas of research including neuroscience and peace studies. His research, "Architects of Peace: Hibakusha, Listening, and the Transformation of Nuclear Memory into Political Obligation," was presented at the Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. All of his areas of study tied back to the idea of an interdisciplinary education while backing an understanding of policy with firsthand experience.

Banks' commitment to environmental advocacy shined beyond the classroom. During his second year while perusing campus announcements, he stumbled upon the opportunity to be a part of something impactful.

As an alternative spring break option, UWSP partners with the Living Land and Waters Project to help clean up trash on the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tenn. Banks felt this could be a great opportunity to get hands on conservation experience, and he has dedicated his spring break to working on the project for the past three years.

"I was drawn back because of the great group of fellow UWSP students and Living Lands and Waters volunteers that participate year after year," he said. "There were so much trash and recyclables and other pollutants when I started, but through going back I saw there would be less and less, and you could see that our work did have a substantial impact."

He later translated this experience into another service opportunity in Louisiana where he worked with several partner organizations to support natural conservancy and food distribution efforts. On the trip he worked with Pontchartrain Conservancy to help plant 600 cypress trees to support wetland resilience, volunteered with Our Daily Bread Food Bank supporting local food access and assisted with urban agriculture and land stewardship at Grow Dat Youth Farm. Through these experiences, Banks experienced firsthand what he called the "broad multiplier effect," where he felt these efforts carried more weight.

Although he has centered his community efforts on his interest in animals and waterway restoration, he has also served as an intern with Primates Incorporated caring for monkeys and participating in raptor husbandry workshops.

He said his extracurricular campus involvement allowed him to better connect with the people of UWSP in a meaningful way. During the 2025-26 academic year, Banks served as the Academic Affairs director of Student Government Association, largely leading the Text Rental Sub-committee through changes in the UWSP bookstore and working to make sure student voices were heard in academic decision-making.

"Seeing people who are already involved and show what I could do for the student body really drew me in," he said. "What we do is vastly important, especially trying to tailor your initiatives to the student body. Through textbook rental committee I saw that what I do is beneficial to the student body, like preserving textbook affordability and accessibility."

He credits several mentors and advisers for his success in his academic and extracurricular journeys, including Professor and Coordinator for International Studies and Peace Studies Valerie Barske, who encouraged him to try his hand in several academic programs and his partner, Casey Wright, who served as a co-leader with him on Living Land and Waters.

"Brayden is a dream student to work with on all levels," said Barske. "He approaches learning with authentic curiosity and cultural empathy. His academic and professional reach is impressive, which reflects his broader personal goals of seeking connection and community. I know wherever his journey leads him, he will make a life, a living and a difference in our global world."

As Banks prepares for his next steps post-graduation, he is interested in furthering his education through graduate studies, with the goal of working for an environmentally focused policy group.

He recently received the Dave Obey Young Adult Civic Engagement Award from the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service, awarded annually to a young person who demonstrates a commitment to civic engagement through building relationships throughout the community and working toward positive change.

Banks was also a recipient of the Albertson Medallion at UWSP, an honor awarded to fewer than one percent of the graduating class, recognizing students who embody outstanding leadership, academic excellence and civic engagement, reflecting the legacy of former university president James H. Albertson. "More than anything, I hope to carry on the broad multiplier effect in my future. Even if I'm not directly in a position of power, I want to grow and develop as a leader so I can help others to help their communities," said Banks.