“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Iliana Close
President & CEO (Founder)
Email me: iliana@ecologichealth.org
Iliana Close is currently pursuing her Master’s of Science in Community Health and Prevention Research at Stanford University, having earned her B.S. in Human Biology from Stanford in June 2026. Her interdisciplinary interests span epidemiology, global health and conservation reflecting a passion for understanding the connection between human health and the environment. Iliana began competing in science fairs in fifth grade, focusing on biology and computational systems and analysis. She went on to compete at the state and international levels, earning 1st place and Grand Prize and becoming an International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) finalist for her project “Predicting the Development of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Using Machine Learning and Automated Feature Detection.” Outside of her studies and research, Iliana enjoys caring for her adopted animals, playing piano, and working with horses at the local barns. As a lifelong vegetarian and environmental activist, she is passionate about human and animal rights and the importance of protecting the natural world.
Sabine Close
Vice President (Co-Founder)
Sabine Close is a junior at UC Davis, majoring in Sociology with a focus on civil rights and environmental law. Her interests reflect a commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Sabine also began competing in science fairs in elementary school, earning 1st Place at the California State STEM Fair, a 1st Place, Grand Prize, and Chevron Award at the GG STEM Fair, and 4th place internationally at ISEF for her project “Analysis of Coupled Nonlinear Dynamic Phenomena Using Sensors to Detect Abnormal Motion in Quadrupeds“. Sabine was recruited to compete on the UC Davis D1 Equestrian Team and also competes in equestrian A-rated shows. Her accomplishments include Champion at the R.W. Mutch Equitation Championship, Champion at the CPHA Junior Medal Finals, Champion at the NorCal Medal Finals, and Res. Champion at the USEF Talent Search Medal Finals West. A lifelong animal activist and vegetarian, Sabine is passionate about animal welfare and environmental protection. Outside of her academic and athletic pursuits, she enjoys spending time at the barn and caring for her many adopted animals.
Email me: sabine@ecologichealth.org
