45th Ashley Fellow Embraces Nonlinear Career Journey
Climate activist and artist encourages students to pursue passions and engage in the world to chart a unique path
With degrees in electrical engineering, computer science, and theoretical physics, a career in environmental photography was not always in the plan for Subhankar Banerjee, the 45th Ashley Fellow at Trent University.
Banerjee’s career path, one that has taken him across continents and different sectors, embodies the spirit of Trent’s Ashley Fellowship, which intentionally holds a broad interpretation of “scholar” and celebrates individuals for their passion, lived experiences, and community approach to learning.
“Subhankar has always been an intrepid visionary bridge builder. His focus on connectedness grew out of his relentless curiosity,” said Dr. Finis Dunaway, professor of History at Trent and Banerjee’s collaborator and longtime friend. “Today, he continues to follow his passions and curiosities by listening to and learning from diverse groups.”
Moving from India to New Mexico for grad school proved to be a pivotal moment in Banerjee’s life. It was there that he fell in love with the outdoors and his passion for conservation and photography took root.
After years in corporate America, Banerjee made the hard yet also easy decision to follow his childhood affinity for the arts, leaving the security of that life to pursue his hobbies professionally. Today, Banerjee is an author, climate advocate, professor, and the founding director of the Center for Environmental Arts & Humanities at the University of New Mexico. Now standing at a powerful intersection of art and science, Banerjee’s story serves as a reminder that the that the path to fulfillment is rarely linear, but is always driven by curiosity and courage.
“Get started making things and being out in the world,” said Banerjee. “Memories and experiences will inform the work that you will do. Keep an open mind and engage...you will learn a lot by getting out there and you will chart out a path for yourself.”
Watch the video to hear more about Banerjee’s journey and his advice for students making plans for their futures today.