Louis Kordish: Nature Lover and Video Game Buff
Louis Kordish never smashes bugs, but he loves “smashing” his opponents.
A junior biology major and a member of the Super Smash Bros. Esports team, he is following his own path through nature and through the levels of his video games. His passion for environmental conservation and his enthusiasm for gaming have helped him to find both purpose and success at Saint Francis University.
Planting Roots
When Louis was just 14, he decided to cultivate his own ant farm, tasking his family and friends with finding a “queen” to kickstart his colony. While his ant farm didn’t survive for long, the experience deepened his growing interest in terrariums and aquariums. Throughout high school, he continued to carefully propagate his own plants and create the perfect ecosystems for marine life in his homemade fish tanks. The experience inspired him to pursue his work in college and his career.
Now, a biology major with a concentration in ecology and environmental biology, Louis is conducting fieldwork to determine the age of a forest, studying macroinvertebrates in the area, and completing research on cicadas with his advisor and mentor, Dr. Lane Loya. He is also an active member of the Biology Club on campus, and this summer he has been working to care for the fish and reptiles in the Marine Lab.
“I want to do something environmental and work outside in conservation,” Louis said. “Something like a wildlife biologist who can educate people on how they can protect animals and the environment because change starts with the individual.”
Louis plans to continue his studies during the University’s spring break trip to the Galapagos Islands in February. He will take a course this fall to get scuba certified, allowing him the once- in-a-lifetime chance to scuba dive from the islands while he is there – furthering his opportunity for ecological research and converting his knowledge into real-world, hands-on experiences.
Growing Experience
Ever since he was a kid, Louis has loved being outside. His deep appreciation for plants and animals and the joy he finds outdoors has inspired him to turn his passions into his profession.
This summer, he has been working as an intern with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of State Parks. His work in the region three field office, which oversees 21 of Pennsylvania’s 125 state parks, has him completing meadow studies, identifying and eliminating invasive species, and using GIS to map out a park’s water lines.
“I’m doing the same kind of work in my internship that we did in class, so I know what I’m doing in the field,” Louis said. “Many of the studies I’ve done in the state parks have the same setup as studies we have conducted in ecology lab.”
While his internship is more of a management position, Louis is happiest when he can get out of the office and get his hands dirty. Planting fields full of black-eyed susans, placing rock socks in the lakes to prevent erosion, or building birdhouses are the kinds of conservation projects that give him pleasure in his purpose, and the type of career he hopes to find post-graduation.
Staying Inside
Being outdoors isn’t Louis’ only passion. His lifelong love for video games has led him to a place on the Super Smash Bros. Esports Red Team – the most successful esports team in SFU history.
As the captain of his esports team at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Louis was recruited by Saint Francis and has been a valuable asset ever since. Louis’ squad won the 2025 conference championship last fall.
“As a commuter, being a part of the team gives me a reason to be on campus outside of classes,” Louis said. “I am able to hang out there with my esports friends and stay connected to the school while not living there.”
An avid gamer, Louis can find just as much joy sitting in front of the TV screen as he can outdoors. While his work in conservation gives him a sense of purpose and meaning in his life, esports has helped him to come out of his shell and find success as part of a team.
“All of the experiences I have had at Saint Francis have really helped me to find my confidence,” Louis said. “I want to capitalize on my time here and become the best version of myself.”
Nature Made
While environmental conservation is his calling and Esports is his craft, Louis has many other hobbies both on and off campus.
“Saint Francis is a smaller campus, so there is always something to do or someone to hang out with,” Louis said.
He is a part of the Ultimate Frisbee Club, meeting twice a week to play on campus. He is also a dedicated and enthusiastic disc golfer, often playing courses throughout the area with his family and friends.
In 2023, Louis and a group of his cousins designed and built their own 9-hole disc golf course in Crichton-McCormick Park in Portage, Pa. The group got approval from the park board before fundraising and building the entire course themselves. As a new community resource, the course gave Louis a new local place to play and has brought other disc golfers into the park.
Louis’ strong connection to nature and his love for the outdoors, coupled with his commitment to his esports team, have given him a unique Saint Francis experience all his own. He has found passion, purpose, meaning, and success in every aspect of his life.
“When I started at Saint Francis, I decided that I was going to put myself out there and be a part of things,” Louis said. “And look at me now – I have esports friends, biology friends, campus ministry friends, ultimate frisbee friends. I like how connected everyone is here.”
The Power of "And"
At Saint Francis University, we encourage our students to embrace the power of "and." Every new skill, talent, and challenge they explore here under guidance builds a foundation for something greater. It's through blending passions, disciplines, and experiences that they become someone they are uniquely called to be.
Find your "and" at Saint Francis University: