Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Meet Adam Hall!

Anonymous — Fri, 31 May 2024 17:15:08 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: Meet Adam Hall! Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 05/31/2024 - 11:15

Adam Hall is a 2023 MENV graduate from the Urban Resilience and Sustainability specialization. He currently works as a Urban Canopy and Tree Inventory Consultant for Amigos de los Rios. In this article, Adam tells us about his background, current work, art, and shares his advice for current and future students.

What is your academic and professional background?

I got my BA in Geography from University of Denver where I focused in urban studies and learning GIS for spatial analysis. At MENV I was in the Urban Resilience and Sustainability specialization. I focused mostly on green infrastructure/urban forestry projects as well as active transportation. I led two walks in West Denver for Jean Sanson’s Transportation class to highlight inequitable walking and public transportation infrastructure in Denver.

Where do you work and how would you describe your role?

I’m a freelance contract worker right now! My current clients are Amigos de los Rios and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. For AdlR, I’m helping them make use of their suite of TreePlotter tools by PlanItGeo, and conducting tree canopy analysis to help them prioritize where to focus efforts/resources for tree planting. This includes writing how-to guides for the 5 tools they have for 4 cities they work in and leading workshops with their staff and volunteers to get them started with the tools. Basically trying to enable them to use these powerful mapping and data tracking tools on their own so they can teach communities they work in how to use them too. So far I've worked on documents and analysis for Maywood, CA and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. Next is Altadena, CA.

For USDN, I’m doing data analysis and visualization for their research on heating soil beds and using biochar to extend growing seasons. Unfortunately I can’t say much more than that until they publish their results.

I was also consulting for the City of Boulder last year, after graduation, doing urban tree canopy analysis and integrating TreePlotter Canopy into their urban forestry planning process. This included writing how-to guides and leading workshops for city staff and their Cool Boulder partners. I also did a canopy site analysis for two Boulder Housing Partners properties, creating a tree canopy and demographic fact sheet to justify why those sites were selected for engagement that could lead to tree planting.

How did you find your current position? Could you speak about your job search process and how it went?

I got all of these contracts through networking. I knew folks at PlanItGeo through my time using their tools at the City of Boulder, (which I was connected to through my capstone project at MENV), and PlanItGeo connected me to AdlR, who needed help learning and applying the tools in their work. I was doing a lot of networking in NYC, where I live, trying to break into the public sector doing urban forestry work, but there has been a hiring freeze across city agencies so there haven't been any jobs to apply to.

I definitely still feel like I'm in the job search process, but sending in applications for other positions in the NY area has been slow and unrewarding. Most of the positions I find are ones I'm not as passionate about as the contract work I'm doing currently. I plan on picking up the networking again soon as my contracts wind down at the end of the summer, but I'm always paying attention to organizations and local agencies to see if they are hiring.

Were there any hard or soft skills you felt you lacked or wished you were stronger in when you started your career after graduate school? (i.e. negotiation skills, a certain certification, leadership skills, etc.)?

I wish I had practiced more networking while I was still a student. I’ve gotten a lot of practice since, but it took a long time until I felt comfortable and confident reaching out and meeting with people. I still don't like networking, so I get the resistance, but you just have to dive in head first.

What is something people may not know about you?

Well a lot of people know I'm an artist and I love to draw trees in urban settings. I share a lot of work on Instagram and my website and I sell prints, stickers, and originals at different parks around the city and I got a table at a block party on May 31 in Western Queens. Less people know that I'm really into abstract art as well, as I haven't shared too many of those works. I really like mixed media, using acrylics, oil pastels, water colors, ink, spray paint, and collage. I find pieces of wood from construction sites or dumpsters and just paint or draw without any agenda. It's a nice break from the fineline work I usually do.

What advice would you give to current and/or future MENV students?

Take advantage of being on a campus with all the resources you have available there. From professors and faculty to facilities and classmates, it’s just such a unique time and opportunity. Follow up with guest speakers, you really never know where a connection may lead. And use every project as an excuse to reach out to someone doing similar projects in the field or 'real world'. Most people want to talk about their work.

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Alumni Spotlight: Harsha Maragh

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:41:48 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: Harsha Maragh Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 02/08/2024 - 09:41

Laura Rosenbaum , MENV Alumni Engagement GSA

In our latest alumni spotlight interview series, we spoke with Harsha Maragh, a former Urban Sustainability and Resilience (URS) student currently serving as the Senior Sustainability Planner on the Climate and Data Science team at the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) in New York City. Harsha’s journey from MENV to her current role sheds light on the dynamic intersection of sustainability and the challenges of addressing climate-related issues.

Harsha reflects on her time in MENV, noting how the program exposed her to a variety of subject areas within sustainability. As part of the first cohort, she experienced the program’s evolution and broad tracks, including renewable energy technologies, land use planning and sustainable transportation. The exposure allowed her to find her passion in the energy sector and laid the foundation for her career choices.

Harsha underscores the importance of taking business-related courses, particularly the Energy Economics course, in her journey. Making a business case for sustainability projects, understanding return on investment (ROI), and effectively communicating a cost/benefit analysis are skills she developed during her time at MENV. She mentions that while the qualitative aspects of a project and its impacts on communities is important, it is not as effective without the supporting data or financial projections to back it up. (She even went on to open a Jamaican inspired brewery in Denver with her partner– further building on her business expertise).

Despite facing challenges with her capstone project, Harsha’s work on energy efficiency programs for low-income communities in Boulder County played a pivotal role in her career. Her experience during the capstone contributed to her growing passion for energy justice and advocating for a just transition.

Harsha’s career path includes roles in startups, nonprofits and for-profit companies, largely focused around energy and its impact on communities. It now has led her from Colorado to the heart of New York City. Her interest in sustainable transit drew her to the MTA, where she is a leader on the Climate Planning Team, focusing on implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives and creating a roadmap for the organization.

In her role, Harsha collaborates with various departments, external stakeholders, and contractors. The MTA’s resiliency team, addressing coastal flooding and storm surge, is a crucial partner in her efforts. Open communication and coordination with on-the-ground agencies and legal and funding teams are essential for addressing climate-related challenges within the expansive organization of around 80,000 people.

Harsha emphasizes the need for coordination between different teams within the MTA. As part of the headquarters team, responsible for planning, she highlights the ongoing coordination with delivery teams to align initiatives. For instance, Harsha’s most recent project initiative revolves around solar feasibility for sites undergoing roof replacements. Balancing the needs of a functioning transit system with the imperative to reduce its carbon footprint requires careful consideration, communication, and collaboration.

Harsha’s advice for recent graduates entering the sustainability field includes networking, conducting informational interviews, and researching organizations. She recommends exploring job descriptions beyond titles and stresses the significance of diversifying your background with a variety of skills. Harsha suggests joining professional networks like the Urban Land Institute and Women in Sustainability to connect with like-minded folks. Attending events like the Sustainable Denver Summit can provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into different areas within sustainability.

As individuals explore avenues for professional growth, Harsha not only underscores the significance of networking, but also pivots the focus toward a critical aspect – diversity, equity, and inclusion. She highlights the need for diversity and equity in the sustainability space. She emphasizes the importance of representation and inclusivity within MENV and conversations, advocating for a more diverse and equitable industry. Conversations around equity and inclusion within the sustainability space at large and at MENV are increasingly essential to fight the climate crisis effectively.

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Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Hamming

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 21:52:47 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Hamming Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 01/10/2024 - 14:52

Laura Rosenbaum , MENV Alumni Engagement GSA

Sarah Hamming, an alumna of MENV specializing in Environmental and Natural Resources Policy (ENRP), has made a remarkable transition into the world of environmental policy. Currently serving as the Legislative Analyst at Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), Sarah’s journey exemplifies how a well-rounded education and a penchant for relationship-building can lead to success in the public sector. In this interview, she shares insights into her career, the unique challenges of working in state government, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned since graduate school.

One of the highlights of Sarah’s graduate school experience was her capstone project with American Whitewater. Her capstone project emphasized stakeholder engagement and relationship building. As someone who came into the program straight out of undergrad, this hands-on experience allowed her to pivot her career focus toward Western water policy and meet people in the space.

After obtaining her Master’s degree, Sarah moved to Washington, D.C., for an ORISE research fellowship at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water. Throughout her educational career, Sarah had thought she was most interested in water quality, which during graduate school shifted to water policy, public lands, and recreation. Through her experience working for the federal government in D.C., Sarah got a taste of what it was like to work at a federal agency. One challenge in this space is how public-facing the agency’s work is in nature. While the federal government had solid processes for its workflow, a lot was interrupted by messages from the public or different stakeholders. Additionally, changes in administration in Washington hugely affect the work done at federal agencies. However, despite the challenges of working in the federal government, Sarah appreciated where it led her now and the insights she gained from the experience.

Sarah’s advice to current students and recent graduates considering a career in the public sector is to avoid preconceived notions. She encourages exploring opportunities and not shying away from government work based on misconceptions. For instance, Sarah had thought working at the state level would feel too big after working at small, close-knit nonprofits before graduate school. However, she explains that working in the state is a great way to open doors as many of the state agencies, particularly in Colorado, coordinate and collaborate often. She emphasizes the value of hands-on, on-the-ground work, as well as the potential for relationship-building in government roles. In hindsight, Sarah wishes she had diversified her research and project interests during her time in graduate school. For so long, Sarah thought she would only do water policy. This new job is different for her–she is doing state park work, wildlife work, and is working with several different interests across the state, including hunters and anglers, wildlife viewers, as well as environmental and recreation groups. She believes that keeping an open mind and learning about various topics during her time as a student would have better prepared her for the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of her current role as a Legislative Analyst at CPW.

In her new role, Sarah faces complex environmental policies on a daily basis. She is actively involved in the development of legislative proposals. Her work consists of meeting with various experts within CPW to develop the background, assess bill content, work with key bill sponsors, and understand the proponents and opponents of policy initiatives. CPW is the largest division within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR). She was initially hired as the “go-between” for CPW and DNR. Sarah’s role provides a crucial bridge between CPW and the legislative process. Sarah is particularly excited about meeting legislators throughout the state and learning about the various natural resource, wildlife, and parks issues happening in their respective districts.

As such, Sarah’s role necessitates staying informed about legislative developments and trends that could affect CPW’s initiatives. She underscores the importance of relationship-building within CPW, emphasizing how it enables her to maintain a pulse on legislative matters. She collaborates with experts, keeps track of bills, and ensures CPW’s initiatives align with Colorado’s broader political landscape. Although Sarah is not a registered lobbyist, she plays a critical role in maintaining connections and staying informed. Her team collaborates with a registered lobbyist who handles more public interactions and committee meetings during the legislative session. Working in state government, especially in Colorado, operates more autonomously and efficiently.

Additionally, her job is more hands-on and closely connected to local and state initiatives, which Sarah identifies as a gratifying aspect of her position. This year, CPW has a few exciting policy initiatives on its radar, including the reintroduction of the Wolverine (Gulo gulo). Sarah is looking forward to working with experts across CPW, including biologists, wildlife researchers, and legislative experts, to draft a bill and begin stakeholding this initiative to relevant stakeholders across the state. Sarah will get the real taste of her new job starting in January when the Colorado State Legislative session begins, which is only four months of the year (January-May). Sarah anticipates that her most significant challenge is yet to come!

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Alumni Spotlight: Elias Berbari

Anonymous — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:34:26 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: Elias Berbari Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/10/2023 - 11:34

Laura Rosenbaum , MENV Alumni Engagement GSA

In a world where sustainable food systems are becoming increasingly vital, Elias Berbari, an alumnus of the Master's of the Environment (MENV) program specializing in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS), is making a significant impact. He is currently serving as the Development Specialist at Fresh Approach, a non-profit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. During his time at MENV, Elias emphasized the importance of obtaining a deep understanding of systems thinking, as well as policies—such as the Farm Bill and SNAP—that shape our food system. This knowledge equips him to critically assess the complexities of food production, distribution, and equity issues.

In his current role, Elias thrives on collaborative efforts. The organization sources from over 25 regional farms for its mobile farmers' market truck and actively engages with the communities it serves. Elias points to the Community Advisory Board (CAB) as a testament to their dedication to community engagement. The CAB, comprised of residents living in the communities where Fresh Approach works, serves as a platform for discussions about local needs and allows members to design and implement their own projects. We can throw out numbers and statistics as much as we want, but telling and amplifying stories is crucial.

One key part of Fresh Approach’s work has been with coalitions and collaboratives in the Bay Area. These partnerships, founded on shared values of community-driven food systems, have facilitated resource sharing and advocacy work. Elias mentions their involvement in budget advocacy efforts, particularly in securing food security funding in San Francisco, and how they infuse a farmer's perspective into these discussions, thus creating new market opportunities for growers.

One area for improvement in this space is breaking down barriers in communication and access to resources. Elias identifies the danger of working in silos within the food system. He stresses the importance of considering the environmental and social aspects of food production, distribution, and access. For instance, he highlights the interconnectedness of affordable housing and food, emphasizing that food systems do not exist in a vacuum. A common misconception Elias confronts is the belief that industrial agriculture is necessary to feed the world. He emphasizes that we already produce enough food to feed everyone; the issue is distribution. Elias advocates for a values-driven approach, asking critical questions about the true cost of food and its impact on healthcare.

One emerging and exciting trend in this line of work is the inclusion of small-scale farmers and farmers of color in larger food assistance efforts and institutional purchasing. Elias sees this shift as a promising step toward a more inclusive and equitable food system. Food hubs and other food aggregators can play a vital role in connecting farmers with institutions and ensuring a consistent supply of fresh, nourishing food. Furthermore, Elias emphasizes the role of Food as Medicine work and its potential to lower healthcare costs and improve community health. Produce prescription programs, in collaboration with healthcare clinics, are a core component of Fresh Approach’s work, aligning with the White House Strategy's recognition of food as medicine.

Different players within this broader system can serve as catalysts, barriers, or sometimes both in achieving sustainability and equity goals. Too often, we accept the narratives created by the dominant voices in the food system, such as Big Agriculture (“big ag”) and Contained Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). From the institutional perspective, huge companies can dominate the market by offering low prices. However, those prices don't reflect the true cost of food.

Elias lived and studied in Colorado when the Farmer Worker Bill of Rights passed. He remembers learning about the pushback from power holders in the food system. The framing of the narrative is vital, and it must center the voices of often-exploited yet always-essential food systems workers. Something important to acknowledge is that the people at these big ag companies are not cartoon characters—they are human, too. They may have a particular idea of what progress and success look like that they've bought into, and yelling at one another does not usually lead to productive conversations. Focusing on the differences between players in this realm is easy, but one can instead find allies and build solutions from the ground up. Suddenly, it becomes clear that organizing works better than bickering.

Advocating for farm worker rights or good food purchasing programs and holding institutions accountable to the sustainability goals or racial equity goals they have set, it becomes untenable to source from how we have been doing it habitually. More often than not, good intentions exist, but communication serves as a significant barrier. Elias believes that accountability is critical to reshaping the future of sustainable agriculture. Holding institutions accountable for their sustainability and equity goals can drive change in sourcing and purchasing practices. Mapping out players in the food system, from farmers to distributors, helps institutions transition toward more sustainable practices.

He also emphasizes the importance of starting change at the local level and building from there. Local initiatives, like sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, can serve as proof of concept for broader change. It takes courage and imagination to reconsider the current food system, which is rooted in many historically oppressive practices. The decisions we have made, particularly policy-wise, are just decisions. Elias quotes a food policy professor from MENV, Taber Ward, J.D., "If humans made it, we could undo it, especially from a legal standpoint." Elias envisions a global food system that prioritizes values and relationships over industrial-scale practices.

In conclusion, Elias Berbari's journey from the MENV program to his role at Fresh Approach exemplifies the potential of holistic knowledge, community engagement, and values-driven approaches to transform our food systems. His insights remind us that sustainable food systems are not just about production and distribution but also about reimagining success, breaking down barriers, and telling the stories of resilience and change.

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Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Trautman

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 21:30:54 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Trautman Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/17/2023 - 15:30

Laura Rosenbaum , MENV Alumni Engagement GSA

In this edition of our alum spotlight series, we had the opportunity to interview Kevin Trautman, a recent graduate of the Master's of the Environment (MENV) program in the Urban Resilience and Sustainability (URS) specialization. Kevin currently serves as the Sustainability Coordinator for Jefferson County (JeffCo), Colorado, where he tackles the challenges of promoting sustainability in a local government setting. Through our conversation, Kevin shared valuable insights about his role, the skills he gained from MENV, key challenges he faces, community engagement efforts, policy development initiatives, and personal reflections on his career path.

Despite graduating in December 2020 during COVID-19, Kevin felt that MENV provided him with a holistic view of sustainability, exposing him to diverse areas of study beyond the conventional curriculum. The program's emphasis on real-world application through the Capstone project equipped him with something tangible to discuss in interviews. That experience provided valuable industry knowledge, which was vital for Kevin as a career pivoter from the world of engineering. Additionally, MENV provided essential project management skills and prepared him to tackle various challenges.

Challenges do arise, particularly when working in small-scale government. Kevin shed light on the key challenges he faces. With only two people dedicated to sustainability in a county with a population of roughly 600,000 people, the bandwidth for implementing sustainable initiatives becomes limited. Without a dedicated yearly budget, funding is also a significant hurdle. Part of the job is to stay up to date on emerging funding sources. One silver lining is that these challenges allow their team to identify projects and prioritize efforts strategically.

JeffCo's Sustainability wing operates under Facilities Management, so Kevin came into the position with that specific focus. At first, most of the job was around managing their buildings, from tracking energy performance & usage to monitoring the waste division. However, the focus of the job and department has shifted more to the traditional municipality sustainability department in the past couple of months. For instance, last December 2022, the county published its first-ever Climate Action Plan. Developing this plan has been Kevin's favorite project thus far and was developed in collaboration with the facilities management team. He found satisfaction in communicating sustainability to individuals who may not initially prioritize it, focusing on cost savings and return on investment. It is easier to show the multi-faceted benefits of driving environmentally-focused policy through data-driven analysis. Additionally, Kevin emphasized the importance of adaptability and the joy of engaging in a wide range of tasks within his role.

In transitioning from a facilities-focused role to a more community-facing position, Kevin aims to enhance stakeholder and community involvement in future sustainability initiatives. He shared his involvement in stakeholder engagement while developing the climate action plan. The JeffCo Sustainability Commission, a volunteer advisory board, has historically focused on public-facing engagement. In the future, they hope to collaborate with the commission to make this a dual effort.

As part of a small but mighty team, Kevin plays a significant role in all projects and sustainability efforts at the county level. He discussed his upcoming involvement in the county's two-year plan alignment process. Ideally, this process will be an opportunity to incorporate strategies from the climate action plan into all the major county plans, such as the comprehensive plan, the transportation plan, and the associated building and zoning policies. By leveraging this process, he hopes to positively impact the community and drive sustainable development in JeffCo.

When asked about advice for current MENV students, Kevin stressed the importance of balancing time between academic pursuits and building meaningful relationships within the program. Drawing from his own career journey, he shared the risks he took, quitting a job without a backup plan and the subsequent months of networking that led him to his current position. Kevin expressed gratitude for the support of his MENV peers and the belief in himself that developed through witnessing their success. He emphasized the importance of relying on one's professional network for encouragement and support, highlighting the positive impact of connecting with like-minded individuals and gaining feedback from experienced professionals. Additionally, Kevin highlighted the challenges of staying up to date with emerging sustainability trends while managing the emotional impact of climate anxiety. He attends webinars and reads extensively, although he acknowledged the difficulty of finding time for personal reading while staying informed professionally. Kevin emphasized the importance of finding balance and recognizing personal limitations in driving change.

Kevin Trautman's journey from an engineer to MENV to his current role as JeffCo's Sustainability Coordinator highlights some of the challenges and joys of working in local government, driving and aspiring to do stakeholder engagement, developing policies, and maintaining personal well-being provide valuable insights for current and aspiring sustainability professionals. By striking a balance between professional and personal life and recognizing the collective effort required for sustainable change, Kevin continues to positively impact his community and inspire others in the field.

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Alumni Spotlight: Meet Christina Manian!

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 19:33:08 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: Meet Christina Manian! Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/21/2023 - 12:33

Christina Manian is a 2022 MENV graduate from the Sustainable Food Systems specialization. She currently works as a registered dietitian and freelance food and nutrition writer for groups like Real Simple, Taste of Home, Climbing Magazine, Well and Good, Nutrition Business Journal, Dignity Health, Vitamix, Barton Associates' "Clinician1" and "Clinician Today", and just published her first piece for Better Home and Gardens! In this article, Christina tells us about her background, current work, and shares her advice for current and future students.

What is your academic and professional background?

I have my undergraduate degree in Dietetics from Boston University and did my dietetic internship at the Mayo Clinic. After my internship, I worked in the Intensive Care Unit at the University of Minnesota Medical Center for four years. I rotated through the neuro, medical, cardiac, and surgical ICU where I served as the dietitian for a year. When I moved to Boulder, I started working at a private practice focusing on wellness nutrition and began to teach cooking classes on the side. And from my time in Minnesota until now, I've been freelance writing for groups like Taste of Home, Vitamix, and different clinical-based publications.

Where do you work and how would you describe your role?

I work at about five different places! While I still work at the private practice and teach cooking classes, my primary job is freelance writing, so I work for myself. The majority of my writing is for Well and Good, and Real Simple, and I just started writing for Better Home and Gardens. I've also written for Nutrition Business Journal and done some copywriting for companies like Traditional Medicinals. Most of the writing I do is nutrition-based, and from time to time, I write about sustainability in the food space.

How did you find your current position? Could you speak about your job search process and how it went?

When I moved to Boulder I found this private practice and cold-called the owner. At first, it didn't work out. After about six months, I reached out to the owner again to see if things had changed, and they had so I started working with her. Regarding the cooking classes, I found a job posting, applied, and got the position.

In regards to my freelance writing...I've been writing for a long time and got into that with a high school friend who worked at a content creation company. He asked if I wanted to start writing, which I did! I had a pretty deep writing portfolio. when I graduated from MENV and I knew I wanted to focus my career moving forward on writing. An MENV connection put me in touch with the editors I work with now, and they connected me with other editors. Those network connections are really how it started to spiral to where I am today!

Honestly, no (ha!). I'm more informed from a sustainability perspective because of the program. That knowledge, along with the knowledge I had before MENV, set me up well. Since graduation, I've been really working with writing tones and what elements affect my writing (audience, mood, etc). Because nutrition-based writing is so information-driven, I can write about the science and not worry too much about being witty. That's the biggest skill I've had to flex is being more creative to make sure I engage my audiences.

What is something people may not know about you?

I'm really into horses and work as an equine bodyworker, which has been a really fun world to learn more about. For those unfamiliar, human body work include practices like massage, chiropractic, cranial sacral work, and acupuncture. Essentially things you do to engage in self-care at the body level. Every human body work modality you can think of also exists for horses. I focus primarily on massage, craniosacral work, and energy work. You can really go down many rabbit holes, and I plan to keep learning more!

What advice would you give to current and/or future MENV students?

As early as possible, really try to focus on what a real existing career is that you want to do and use the program to support you in getting that job. I (and folks I knew in the program) didn't start to think about it until it was too late or during a stressful time. If you can think about that before it's stressful, that's ideal. I know all the professors and staff tell you to start early but you can also say, "whatever!" and kick that can down the road. It's wise to think about it earlier to save yourself from getting stressed, which is always a good thing for our overall health (even though I didn’t do that, ha).

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Alumni Spotlight: Cristina Ramirez

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 20:19:56 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: Cristina Ramirez Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/01/2021 - 14:19

Mel Englund

Cristina is a 2018 MENV graduate who specialized in Sustainable Planning and Management (now called Urban Resilience and Sustainability). She currently works as the Keep It Clean Partnership Outreach Specialist at Boulder County, a collaboration between partner communities -- Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, and the towns of Erie and Superior, and Boulder County -- on water quality monitoring and education and outreach for their shared watershed. In this alumni spotlight article, Cristina tells us about her background and current position, as well as shares her advice for current and future MENV students.

What is your academic and professional background?

After receiving my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Virginia I spent two years as an AmeriCorps member at Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania co-managing the youth and volunteer program. While at UVA I held leadership roles with a scouting (Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts) organization and a search and rescue group, so I gained a lot of experience with event planning and managing people and programs. At Valley Forge I was able to use those same skills in a more formal setting, representing the National Park Service while working with community partners and planning events for our volunteers and visitors. I also started learning how to work with websites and use design programs such as Adobe InDesign.

Where do you work and how would you describe your role?

I am the Outreach Specialist for the Keep it Clean Partnership, a program in the Boulder County Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience. The Keep it Clean Partnership is a group of local communities who came together 20 years ago to collaborate on water quality monitoring and education and outreach for their shared watershed, the Boulder St. Vrain Basin. Since the KICP is made up of seven partners, I regularly work with and facilitate conversations between our stakeholders. Our team is small – it’s just myself and the KICP coordinator – so I get to work on a lot of different things day to day, which I love and was looking for during my job search. My job is a mix of high-level planning, community outreach, and creative communications. I’ve created an Education and Outreach strategy, planned virtual trainings, and updated many of our outreach materials. Right now, I’m helping manage our website update and running our first ever art contest.

How did you find your current position? Could you speak about your job search process and how it went?

I spent several months dog walking, tutoring, and doing data entry before finding my current position. As part of my job search, I regularly checked the Boulder County job openings. I was looking for a service-oriented role where I could serve and support my community and kept a close eye on non-profits and local governments that were hiring. It took about 10 months and many applications before I was hired by KICP. When applying to jobs I made sure to balance keeping an open mind about new opportunities and being realistic about the type of work that I would be passionate about and excited to do every day. I was incredibly excited about the KICP role and made it clear in my interviews that I truly believed it was a good fit – and it has been.

I had started teaching myself to use design programs and Google Analytics before I was hired, and ever since I have been working to improve those skills as I use them on the job. Design skills and being able to use Google’s analytics and marketing tools were not requirements for my position but have come up naturally as a need in my communications and outreach focused role.

What is something people may not know about you?

I have written the plots for two murder mystery parties! With the friends I made at MENV we have hosted multiple store-bought parties, to mix it up I’ve planned two holiday themed ones.

What advice would you give to current and/or future MENV students?

Make the most out of your capstone project. It is a great opportunity to practice project management and working closely with a team. Use it as an opportunity to learn and develop new skills. I did not expect to be working on a project related to green infrastructure, but I learned a lot and treated every interview and person we spoke to as a potential future colleague. My experience learning about and writing a green infrastructure guide has helped me with my current job and I now work with one of the people we interviewed as part of our project on a weekly basis!

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Alumni Spotlight: Matt Frommer

Anonymous — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 16:50:35 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: Matt Frommer Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 09/27/2021 - 10:50

Matt is a 2017 MENV graduate who specialized in Renewable and Sustainable Energy. He currently works as a Senior Transportation Associate at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), a public-interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency and clean transportation in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. In this alumni spotlight article, Matt tells us about his background and current position, as well as shares his advice for current and future MENV students.

What is your academic and professional background?

Before joining the inaugural MENV program in 2016, I was an architect building large university and residential towers in New York City. I traveled west to Colorado in 2015 to pursue my dreams of being a ski bum for a winter, but quickly realized I was here to stay. I decided to apply for the MENV program in Boulder because I felt called to do something about climate change.

Where do you work and how would you describe your role?

I’m the Senior Transportation Associate at a non-profit called the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, or SWEEP, where I work on climate and transportation policy in Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona. I work with state and local governments, electric utilities, and the private sector to accelerate the adoption of electric cars, trucks, and buses in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality. I’m also working with the Colorado Department of Transportation to reduce vehicle-miles-traveled by shifting our transportation investments away from highway widening projects and toward multimodal projects like transit, biking, and walking. Another key strategy to address transportation pollution is land use and we support policies that promote infill mixed-use development in walkable communities with a particular focus on affordable housing near transit, jobs, and other services. Over the past couple of years, SWEEP has ramped up our focus on equity by advancing policies that specifically improve health outcomes for residents of communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution and other socioeconomic inequities. It’s challenging, but also very rewarding, and I’m continually inspired by my colleagues, policymakers, and climate activists pushing for action in Colorado and around the country.

How did you find your current position? Could you speak about your job search process and how it went?

I got really lucky! I entered the MENV program with almost no plan – maybe a vague idea of working in city planning, environmental protection, or solar. One of the prerequisites for the Sustainable Planning and Management track (which has since been renamed) was a Sustainable Transportation course. Initially, I thought this class was a total waste of time, but looking back, it was that one special class that completely changed my direction. Our professor (and future boss), Will Toor, quickly became one of my personal heroes. Will taught us about the connection between transportation, climate, land use, and community, and got me excited about all the possibilities for a future sustainable transportation system. At the time, we thought mass-market autonomous vehicles would arrive no later than 2018 (lol), so our class explored the policy implications of an autonomous, electric, and shared mobility future. Will Toor also assigned me a research project on California’s Senate Bill 375, which created GHG targets for transportation plans – a policy that I’m now developing with CDOT almost 5 years later. I worked on another project in the 3^rd semester of MENV with the Colorado Energy Office to identify locations for Electric Vehicle Fast-Charging Stations around Colorado. Our project team was bold, and we contacted anyone we could find to talk about EVs, charging stations, and transportation more broadly. We asked to present our findings to the Colorado Energy Office staff, and they agreed to host us and continue working on the project, even after I graduated at the end of 2017. After a few months of unemployment anxiety, a job opened at SWEEP, where Will Toor was the Transportation Program Director, and he encouraged me to apply for the position. By then, my portfolio of MENV projects, including my Capstone Project with Rocky Mountain Institute, made me a good candidate for a position in transportation policy. I also discovered that I’m a good fit for a non-profit, where I can advocate for a broad suite of public benefits without being tied to any one solution (most of the time). Like I said, very lucky!

I wish I’d spend more time focused on my project management and facilitation skills. I also used to have a crippling fear of public speaking and MENV mostly shook me out of that, but it took a lot of practice and repetition. I wish I would’ve confronted that earlier in graduate school, where the consequences are almost nothing. Also, Excel.

What is something people may not know about you?

My band, The Cheeks, has played three MENV holiday parties. Easily our rowdiest show of the year!

What advice would you give to current and/or future MENV students?

I’ve had the pleasure of working with several groups of MENV students on semester-long projects and it’s been hugely valuable to me and our organization. I find MENV students to be inspiring and optimistic, and that energy is refreshing, especially when coalitions have been working on the same campaign for multiple years. I encourage MENV students to speak with as many professionals as they can and design real-world projects with local partners. All of the alumni have been in your position, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Alumni Spotlight: Jeremy Stefek

Anonymous — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 17:44:25 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: Jeremy Stefek Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 08/02/2021 - 11:44

Mel Englund

Jeremy is a 2017 MENV graduate who specialized in Renewable and Sustainable Energy. He currently works as a Workforce and Economic Development Researcher at the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. In this alumni spotlight article, Jeremy tells us about his background and current position, as well as shares his advice for current and future MENV students.

What is your academic and professional background?

My career goal is to highlight the socio-economic benefits of renewable energy technologies in support of increasing the deployment of renewable energy technologies to combat climate change. I was able to transition to a career in the renewable energy industry after completing the Masters of the Environment degree in Renewable and Sustainability from CU Boulder. Prior to the MENV program, I worked in soil and groundwater remediation at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the state’s environmental agency. I received my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin.

Where do you work and how would you describe your role?

I am an economic development and workforce researcher at NREL. I lead and support several projects to understand workforce needs and trends, inform state and local communities about economic development opportunities, and reduce deployment barriers for land-based wind, offshore wind, and waterpower technologies. My role requires wearing many hats – analyst, writer, project manager, and engaging stakeholders – with the goal of seeking answers to innovative questions for the U.S. Department of Energy and other partners. To describe one of my most exciting projects right now, I’m leading an effort to develop a workforce roadmap for the U.S. offshore wind industry – understanding the workforce demand, skills, and training requirements as well as identify gaps for achieving a goal of 30 gigawatts of U.S. offshore wind by 2030.

How did you find your current position? Could you speak about your job search process and how it went?

My MENV capstone project was part of the Research Participant Program internship at NREL. I was very fortunate in that my internship transitioned to a full-time job offer after graduation. Today, my research focus still includes economic impacts from wind energy, the focus of my MENV/NREL capstone project.

Were there any hard or soft skills you felt you lacked or wished you were stronger in when you started your career after graduate school?

Yes – data analytics. A big part of my job includes examining small and large datasets, looking for trends and insights. I taught myself some programs after graduation, such as Tableau. However, familiarity and training in coding languages, like Python, would have been helpful for modeling and analysis in my current role.

What is something people may not know about you?

I’ve been a volunteer ranger with the Indian Peak Wilderness Alliance since 2018. I’m slowing working towards a goal of hiking every trail in the James and Indian Peaks Wilderness. If you ever need a trail recommendation, let me know!

What advice would you give to current and/or future MENV students?

Utilize your capstone project to gain as much experience in whatever field/job/specialty you want to work in after graduating from the MENV program. In wind workforce research, we find that the primary reason employers have hiring difficulty is that they feel students don’t have experience – while students state their greatest difficulty in finding a job is having the right experience. Effectively navigating and leveraging the capstone project, and any other internships or experiences while in the MENV program, can really make the job search after graduation easier.

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Alumni Spotlight: Neil Brandt

Anonymous — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 22:06:30 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: Neil Brandt Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 06/28/2021 - 16:06

Mel Englund

Neil is a 2018 MENV graduate who currently works as the Director of Development at WaterWatch of Oregon, a Portland-based non-profit that protects and restores natural streamflows in Oregon rivers. In this alumni spotlight article, Neil tells us about his current position and his job search experience, as well as shares his advice for current and future MENV students.

What is your academic and professional background?

I received my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont before going on to the MENV program where I received my master’s, specializing in Environmental Policy. I’ve worked almost exclusively for nonprofits throughout my career—as a Field Manager with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group in Vermont, a Carbon Sequestration Researcher with The Nature Conservancy in Colorado, and now as the Development Director with WaterWatch of Oregon. I also spent a year in Seattle after graduating from the MENV program working for a consulting firm, where I started and then directed a canvassing office on behalf of Amnesty International for refugee rights advocacy.

Where do you work and how would you describe your role?

I work for a Portland-based statewide nonprofit called WaterWatch of Oregon. Our mission is to protect and restore Oregon’s rivers, which is largely done through policy advocacy and relevant legal avenues. In short, the goal of the organization is to make sure Oregon’s rivers have enough water to support the species and people that rely on them. My role at WaterWatch is Development Director and I’ve been in this position for just over two years. I work closely with our Executive Director to secure funding for WaterWatch in a variety of ways. We have a fairly small team, so my work involves everything from cultivating major donors and managing a statewide membership program to coordinating events and writing grants. The work has provided me with a great perspective on what goes into managing a nonprofit and growing its capacity.

How did you find your current position? Could you speak about your job search process and how it went?

I found my current role on a job board, after leaving my position as Canvass Director in Seattle and spending a month or so job searching full-time. My job search process right out of the MENV program took a few months and many applications, but I found that having a year of relevant experience helped the second time around. Networking and informational interviews did not lead me directly to either role, but they were quite helpful in getting insider perspectives on organizations and locations before applying to open roles.

Were there any hard or soft skills you felt you lacked or wished you were stronger in when you started your career after graduate school?

No specific soft skills come to mind, but I certainly could use a stronger legal background in my current role. I took two law courses at CU during the MENV program and I wish I had taken one in water law too. My policy background from graduate school has been valuable in my role at WaterWatch as well as in my previous role in consulting, but water law is a very specialized area that can be tough to enter without the right education. I think having a stronger legal background would serve me well in my job when I need to translate complex, technical matters that our program staff work on into layperson’s terms for WaterWatch donors and supporters.

What is something people may not know about you?

Well, I’m currently living in a studio apartment with over 200 houseplants, courtesy of my fiancée, Greta. It’s like a jungle in here and I like to hang out with the giant monstera on my work Zoom calls.

What advice would you give to current and/or future MENV students?

Don’t despair when job searching—it takes persistence. Quality over quantity is a good rule of thumb for applying. Also, take advantage of all the opportunities to get involved while you’re at CU! There are so many symposiums and lectures going on that are interesting and can be really good ways to network for a job.

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