Student leader and role model plans to focus on environmental justice after graduation

Ethan Pellegrini, a double major in political science and history, has been named to the College of Arts and Letters dean’s list every year since his 2021 arrival at San Diego State University. This year he was recognized with a 2025 SDSU Quest for the Best Award, the annual SDSU Vice Presidential Student Service Award that celebrates student achievements in academic excellence, student service and activities, community service and leadership development.

During his time at SDSU, Pellegrini was vice president of financial affairs for the College of Arts and Letters Student Council, participated in myriad Associated Students committees, guest-lectured in international security and conflict resolution (ISCOR) classes, presented research at the SDSU Student Symposium (S³), was editor of Splice (CAL’s journal of undergraduate scholarship), interned for the U.S. State Department, studied abroad in France, tutored a student in French, and participated on the Aztec rowing team. 

How did he fit this all in and find time to study?

“I juggle all the work with student orgs, the internship, and classes through time management,” said Pellegrini. “I often have to triage things I need to do, and parse the items based on importance and when they are due.” 

Pellegrini, who graduates May 16, also minored in ISCOR and Weber Honors College interdisciplinary studies.

Cheryl O’Brien, associate professor of political science said, “In each of three classes with me, he stood out as an ‘A’ student in reading, writing, research, discussion, and class participation.”

In her rigorous courses, O’Brien assigned a heavy reading, research, and writing load. “His essays show a high level of synthesizing theory and research findings across readings and lectures. Showcasing a breadth of knowledge from across course materials, he incorporates theory with practice.”

“Since my first year at SDSU, I have grown into a more confident, resilient, and globally conscious leader,” Pellegrini said. He found a supportive community in his student experience by actively working on committees and student organizations. He built a strong network and found the leadership opportunities gave him the confidence to take on more advocacy roles and responsibilities. Pellegrini is known to volunteer significant time beyond any official role in student organizations. 

“Ethan Pellegrini is one of those students who finds joy in meditating on a text while inhabiting its narrative logic and unfolding its varied meanings,” said Abikal Borah, assistant professor of history. “Ethan's final paper in my course, Violence and Colonialism, carried 52 footnotes. Having read the paper, I asked myself, ‘Did I just read a research article but not an undergraduate essay?’”  

O’Brien said Pellegrini is the first student she has known who earned not only a prestigious research internship within the U.S. State Department’s environmental sector but was notably asked by his supervisors to be the team lead after they observed his impressive contributions in meetings.

“He represents SDSU very well as the team lead for the environmental defender research interns with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs,” O’Brien said.

His internship allowed him to contribute research and analysis for cases of violence against environmental defenders in priority countries. 

“By providing direct support to priority embassies, I strengthened my ability to manage projects, synthesize complex information, and contribute meaningfully to international human rights and environmental policy efforts,” he said.

A pivotal point during his time at SDSU was when he attended the 2022 CAL Dean’s Lecture Series featuring author and Pulitzer prize-winner Annette Gordon-Reed. “Her lecture broadened my perspective on the role of law in historical reckoning, reinforcing my commitment to international human rights law and the power of legal advocacy in addressing systemic inequities.”

Pellegrini counts Olivier Ndoole Bahemuke (a Congolese environmental lawyer), Mary Lawlor (UN Special Rapporteur), and Michel Forst (former executive director of Amnesty International), as heroes “for their unwavering dedication to international law and the protection of human rights.”

Pellegrini points to an inspirational sentiment attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Education is not just about acquiring knowledge, it is about using that knowledge to challenge injustice and defend those who cannot defend themselves.” 

Pellegrini is planning to head to law school where he can use his knowledge to contribute as a changemaker. “I am driven by a desire to give back to SDSU and my community,” Pellegrini said. With boundless energy and commitment, he plans to pursue a career in environmental justice on a global scale using law as a tool for change.