Scaling glaciers to save the world

Vela Mkhonta, graduating senior and class of 2025, has been active in shaping his future at Earlham, double majoring in physics and pre-engineering.

“I’m currently looking to go into engineering school,” says Mkhonta when asked what his post-Earlham plans are, “but if that’s not possible then probably something pursuing renewable energy development. Material science also interests me.”

This makes sense for the double major who used his Epic advantage to hone in on what particular science he wants to pursue. Taking a trip to Iceland in 2022, Mkhonta chose a trip that focused on renewable energy research development.

“I like building things, being hands-on,” he says, so the Iceland trip where he was testing water samples, performing drone surveys of the landscape, and checking up on renewable energy material development in factories was right up his alley.

“The drone surveying helped us to see how the land and environment has changed over time,” he explains. “We used the drones to map the area then analyze from there, comparing those shots with old footage. There was one glacier, we went on that glacier and did drone mapping again to see the rate is has shrunk over the years due to climate change.”

Mkhonta has long considered a career in STEM. “Growing up I knew I was going to be a scientist or engineer. I picked Earlham because they had the pre-engineering program. That was the deciding factor for me, having that choice. And it served me well. I wouldn’t be pursuing what I’m pursuing if it weren’t for Earlham’s guidance.”

During his time at Earlham, Mkhonta has also been the co-convener of Interfaith House, an off-campus living option for students of varying faiths. “It’s been a great safe space for having conversations and acceptance and honoring other peoples’ beliefs and values,” says Mkhonta.

He also served as an intern for the Wayne County Historical Museum, curating his own collection, handling inventory backlog, processing artifacts and more. “This internship deepened my appreciation for museum work and its role in preserving cultural heritage while allowing me to make a meaningful impact on the local community of Richmond,” he says.

The Earlhamite will leave that legacy and more as he graduates this spring.

Written by Jay Kibble, writer/editor for Earlham College’s Marketing and Communications Office.

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About Earlham College 

Earlham College and Earlham School of Religion foster a collaborative learning community that inspires and motivates students with transformative opportunities and experiences so they can become catalysts for good in a changing world. Located in Richmond, Indiana, Earlham is one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 national liberal arts colleges and offers one of the top 20 classroom experiences in the nation, according to the Princeton Review.