Olivia Heldring ‘26

Olivia Heldring is a junior from Wayne, Pennsylvania studying computer science, actuarial science, and Catholic social tradition.  As a Kellogg International Scholar, Heldring is working under the mentorship of Law School Professor Roger Alford on a manuscript written by the late Professor John Nagle. The ~300-page manuscript is entitled America the Beautiful: Saving the Scenery of our National Parks, and its thesis explores the US national park system’s twin goals of public access and land conservation. The book investigates how our parks should balance these often-conflicting goals, and considers questions like ‘Is wildlife a form of scenery?’ and ‘What standards should constitute a National Park?’ As a research assistant, Heldring has operated as a first reader in the manuscript’s editing process and has worked on the citing/footnotes. The team is hoping to publish the book for everyday readers this year! Outside of Kellogg, Heldring is a Glynn Family Honors Scholar and International Security Center Fellow. She also supports campus ministry as a Basilica Tour Guide and cooks dinner every Thursday at the South Bend Catholic Work House for the unhoused. Outside of Notre Dame, Heldring is an avid hiker. Her most recent summits include Kilimanjaro and the Grand Teton.