1. Sustainability at NIU
  2. About
  3. Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Courtney Gallaher
cgallaher@niu.edu
Altgeld Hall 308

As campus sustainability coordinator, Courtney Gallaher, Ph.D., oversees sustainability initiatives at the university and engages with the NIU community on a variety of projects.

A broadly trained human-environment geographer, Gallaher has experience researching and teaching a range of interdisciplinary global issues, including sustainable food/agricultural systems, water management and environmental justice. Prior to her current role, she was a jointly appointed associate professor in the Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment and the Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality.

Gallaher holds a bachelor’s degree in soil and environmental science from UW-Madison and two degrees from Michigan State University: a master’s in crop and soil science and a Ph.D. in geography. She has also completed training in gender and environmental justice. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, gardening and exploring nature with her family.

Holly Nicholson
hnicholson@niu.edu
Altgeld Hall 328

Holly Nicholson is the assistant director of web communications in Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications and is currently serving as the Presidential Staff Fellow for the 2025 calendar year. In this role, Nicholson is assisting the Office of Campus Sustainability with project management, developing new initiative, and improving processes to create efficiencies that aim to have a positive impact on the university. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with family.

Holly Hansen

Holly Hansen is a master’s student in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education, where she is earning her degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. She also holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Northern Illinois University. Holly applies transformative, social justice lenses to her work in and out of the classroom. Through her Graduate Assistantship with Campus Sustainability, Holly is looking forward to connecting students to sustainability, creating a campus culture rooted in sustainable practices. In her free time, you can find Holly out on the trails, enjoying a sweet treat, or exploring new places.