Skip to main content
Climate Change & Society at NC State University

Alumni

Our Climate Change & Society alumni have moved on to a variety of careers. Their paths have led them to work in communications, education, government, scientific and policy tracks, among others. Some examples include NOAA RISA, Mecklenburg County, Forest Service, Sierra Club, University of Connecticut. Others have chosen to remain in their current careers with enhanced knowledge about climate change and society.

A number of our students have also chosen to continue post-graduate studies at NC State as well as other institutions, such as University of Connecticut.

Our graduates can succeed as:

  • International development team leaders, grant writers and project managers
  • Conservationists
  • Land use and urban planning specialists
  • Food security specialists
  • Water resource managers
  • Public administrators
  • Consultants
  • Civil engineers
  • Energy solutions experts
  • Educators
  • Journalists
  • Outreach managers
  • Entrepreneurs who have identified new opportunities associated with climate change
  • Professionals attempting to mainstream climate adaptation into their organization’s processes
  • And more!

Testimonial: Leah Kos, CCS alumna

“NC State’s one-year MS in Climate Change & Society is a highly rewarding program, providing students with the tools and experiences needed to succeed in the field of climate science.”

Read more

Graduates

2024

  • Kirsten Gard
    • Background: BS in Geography and Environmental Resources from Southern Illinois University
    • ACE: Inequitable Impacts of Extreme Urban Heat: Analyzing the Lasting Effects of Redlining on Urban Heat Islands and Environmental Justice in Durham, North Carolina
    • Current position: Kirsten currently works as an Assistant Environmental Scientist for Burns & McDonnell
  • Rehana Hassan
    • Background: BS in Environmental Science from from Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University Quetta, Pakistan
    • ACE: A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Status and Role of Mangroves in Climate Resilience and Community Services for Coastal Sustainability in Pakistan.
  • Hayden Hill
    • Background: BS in Sustainable Development and Environmental Studies at Appalachian State University
    • ACE: The Boundaries of Climate Change Communication Explored Through Movement
  • Lily Johnson
    • Background: BS English and Political Science and a certificate in Business and Technical Communication from East Carolina University
    • ACE: Mapping Change: Analyzing and Communicating Environmental, Economic, and Cultural Dynamics in Down East, North Carolina
  • Kiele Goins
    • Background: BS in Environmental Studies from UNC-Asheville and an MS in Geoscience from the University of South Carolina
    • ACE: Soil Moisture as Climate Change Indicator: Using Precipitation and Soil Moisture to determine the impact of recent climate change in the NC Appalachian Mountains (USA)
    • Current position: Project Intern at the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies
  • Uzma Miraj
    • Background: BS in Environmental Sciences from Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
    • ACE: Using Glacial Catchment Hypsometry to Estimate Future Ice Mass Changes to Glaciers of the Hunza Valley, Pakistan under Worst-Case Greenhouse Gas Emission Scenarios
    • Uzma is currently a PhD student at North Carolina State University’s Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Alayna Moore
    • Background: BS in Biology at Barton College
    • ACE: ESRI’s StoryMap program to create a visual resource for the Southeast Chapter of the 5th National Climate Assessment
    • Current position: Americorps
  • Lacey Brown
    • Background: BS in Communication Studies and Public Relations at Appalachian State University
    • ACE: 2024 Statewide Survey of Environmental Health Topics in North Carolina–How Residents of the State View Climate Change and Implications for Statewide Communication Efforts
    • Current position: Community Engagement Specialist for NC State University
  • Meharwar Uppal
    • Background: BS in Environmental Science from Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
    • ACE: Heat Vulnerability for Raleigh, NC

2023

  • Catherine Edbrooke
    • Background: BS in Marine Sciences with a concentration in Biological Oceanography and minors in Spanish and Biology at NC State
    • ACE: The Effectiveness Of Arima And Sarimax Models In Predicting Sea Level Rise, hosted by Dr. Clayton Greenberg, University of Pennsylvania, AI Mentor, InspiritAI Innovators
    • Current position: Engagement Organizer for the North Carolina Democratic Party
  • Claire Jackson
    • Background: BS in Business at Franklin and Marshall College
    • ACE: North Carolina State University: Planning for Climate Resilience
    • Current position: Senior Advisory Analyst for Abrigo
  • Vanadeep Kaluvagunta
    • Background: Physics BS, MS and PhD from Sri Venkateswara University and an MS in Meteorology from Bircham International University
    • ACE: Feasibility of Employing Condensation Nuclei, Cloud Seeding Techniques, and Hydroxyl Molecule’s Atmospheric Oxidation Property to Mitigate the Concentration and Negative Impacts of Wildfire Smoke and Particulate Matter in Ambient Air
  • Sarah Thomas
    • Background: BS in Nursing from the University of Scranton
    • ACE: Climate Change and Human Health, hosted by Duke Urgent Care Holly Springs
    • Sarah is currently working on another degree at the University of Gibraltar
  • Addie Thornton
    • Background: BS in Natural Resource Policy and Administration from NC State University
    • ACE: Military Resilience Clinic and Consortium: Advancing Department of Defense Landscape-Scale Climate Adaptation and Resilience Capacity
    • Current position: Project Director at the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS)
  • Sara Jarvis Earle
    • Background: BS in Environmental Sustainability and Public Health from Meredith College
    • ACE: The Increase in Wildfire Hazards and the Health Effects of Wildfire Plumes on Public Health as Related to Climate Change, hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency
    • Current position: Biological Science Technician at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service
  • Oppong Hemeng
    • Background: Political Science and Government BS from the University of Houston and an MS in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management from the University of Florida
    • ACE: Evaluate the environmental impacts of the aviation industry to develop a sustainability strategic plan for a private aviation start- up company Jet It, hosted by Jet It
    • Current position: Principal Advisor for the TMH group and Senior Climate Coordinator for the City of Dallas
  • Carl Parker
    • Background:  Broadcast meteorologist since 1991, BS In Geosciences from Mississippi State University
    • ACE: Applying the Principles of Effective Science Communication in Developing a Climate Change Presentation for General Audiences, hosted by Dr. Jay Levine of NC State University y
    • Current position: Storm Specialist/Climate Specialist at the Weather Channel
  • Emily Shaw
    • Background: BS in History and Teaching License for grades 6 through 12 from UNC-Asheville
    • ACE: Improving Communication & Engagement for the University Sustainability Office, hosted by the NC State Sustainability Office
    • Current position: Social Studies teacher at FernLeaf Community Charter School in Asheville, NC

2022

  • Jarod Bailey
    • Background: Biology BS from Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis
    • ACE: A Review: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Endocrine Health Implications in a Changing Climate
    • Current position: Physical Scientist in the U.S. EPA Office of Air and Radiation
  • Max Cawley
    • Background: Environmental Science BS from Guilford College
    • ACE: Imagine Durham: A Collaboration on Climate, Equity, and Humanities Engagement Between the Museum of Life and Science and Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC
    • Current position: Program Manager for Public Engagement with Science at the Museum of Life and Science
  • Grace Egly
    • Background: Environmental Science BS with a minor in landscape architecture from NC State University.
    • ACE: Viability Analysis of Renewable Energy Sources to Decarbonize North Carolina
    • Current position: Material Planner for Strata Solar
  • Kristen Fontana
    • Background: Natural Resources Policy and Administration BS with a minor in Environmental Science from NC State University
    • ACE: Understanding Various Perceptions of Climate Change to Pursue Effective Climate Action
    • Kristen was a recipient of our Women in STEM Scholarship. She currently works as a University Program Specialist for the NC State Global One Health Academy
  • Stephanie Kelly
    • Background: Landscape and Architecture BLA from NC State University
    • ACE: Valuation of ecosystem services in NC coastal blue carbon ecosystems
    • Stephanie was a Global Change Fellow with the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center 2021-2022, a recipient of a Masters in Landscape Architecture alongside her CCS MS and currently works as a freelance Independent Consultant, PLA
  • Mirren Hill
    • Background: Geosciences BA (cum laude) from UNC-Wilmington
    • ACE: Livestock’s Negative Impacts on Climate and the Future of Consuming Meat
    • Current position: Program Assistant II for the Town of Cary; Recreation Activities Specialist for the Town of Garner; and Outdoor Camp Counselor for Piedmont Wildlife Center
  • Veronika Maynard-Simon
    • Background: Germanic Languages and Literatures BA with a concentration in Central European Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill.
    • ACE: Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Environments Through Nature-Based Solutions in the North Carolina Triangle Region
    • Current position: Multifamily & Commercial Energy Efficiency Team Coordinator at Southern Energy Management 
  • Brittany Salmons
    • Background: History BA from NC State University
    • ACE: Process Model for Identifying Frontline Communities in the Carolinas to Aid in Equitable Adaptation to Climate Change
    • Brittany was a recipient of our Women in STEM Scholarship. She currently works as a Communications Associate for the National Audubon Society
  • Nicholas Shanahan
    • Background: Sustainable Development BS with a minor in Geography from Appalachian State University
    • ACE: Ignored No Longer: The Opportunities and Challenges of In-migration to Central Appalachia in Response to the Climate Crises with mentor Invest Appalachia
    • Current position: Outreach and Engagement Specialist at North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies
  • Emma Zawacki
    • Background: Communications BA with a minor in psychology from the College of New Jersey
    • ACE: “I Will Not Tolerate This Injustice!”: Uncovering Pro-environmental Moral Grandstanding’s Effect on Bystanders’ Behavioral Intentions
    • Current position: Development Operations Coordinator at the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York City

2021

  • Susanne Cooper
    • Background: English Language and Literature BA from William and Mary, an M Ed in Counseling from the University of Virginia.
    • ACE: Climate Change Impact and Communication: Raising Awareness in Wake County
    • Current position: Susanne Currently works as an Academic Editor for Research Square
  • Nicole Esch
    • Background: Double majors in Biology and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill
    • ACE: Incorporating Citizen Science and Science Curricula into Christmount Assembly and Fern Way Farm School
    • Nicole was a recipient of our Women in STEM scholarship and currently works as a Research Specialist in the Plant and Microbial Biology Department at NC State University.
  • Ryan Eldridge
    • Background: History from NC State University
    • ACE: Assessing Climate Vulnerability and the Promotion of Priority Tree Assets within Morrisville, North Carolina’s Urban Forest
    • Current position: Ryan currently works as a Transportation Planner for Durham County, NC
  • Kimberly Kirkhart
    • Background: Finance BS from UNC-Charlotte
    • ACE: Financially Sustainable Rural Water Systems
    • Current position: Financial Analyst at Environment Resources Management (ERM)
  • Daniel Pantaleo
    • Background: Public Health BS from the University at Buffalo
    • ACE: Daily Minimum Temperatures Using NCDetect Data
    • Current position: Environmental Technician at Smith Gardner, Inc.
  • Andrew Webb
    • Background: Physics BS from Valparaiso University
    • ACE: GIS Mapping of Potential Geological Sequestration Areas Capable of receiving Class VI Permits in the Appalachian Basin
    • Current position: Natural Resource Administrator for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments

2020

  • Jane Allen
    • Background: Environmental & Sustainability Studies from the University of Northern Colorado
    • ACE: State Capacity to Implement FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs
    • Current position: Assistant Director of Climate & Energy Resilience at The Alliance Center in Denver, CO.
  • Jared Belvin
    • Background: Meteorology from Virginia Tech
    • ACE: Disaster Risk Reduction and Communication
    • Current position: Sales Group Leader at Total Quality Logistics
  • David Glas
    • Background: Psychology BS from the University of North Carolina Wilmington
    • ACE: Exploring the Antecedents of Ideological and Mental Resistance to Climate Action
    • Current position: Climate Resilience Analyst for Climate Resilience Data Development and Analysis at EPA Office of Research and Development
  • Madison Teeter
    • Background: Political Science BS from NC State
    • ACE: Improving Communication Strategies for Conveying Flood Risk
    • Current position: Resilience Specialist for Arcadis
  • Phillip Martin
    • Background: Science Technology and Society BS from NC State
    • ACE: Shifts in Perspectives on Biogenic Carbon Accounting
    • Current position: County Executive Director Trainee at the USDA Farm Service Agency for Harnett County, NC.
  • Casey (Nelson) Kirby
    • Background: English BA from UNC-Chapel Hill and Science Technology and Society BS from NC State. During my time at NC State
    • ACE: The Paradox of Climate Change Communication: A Case Study in Framing Natural Disasters
    • Current position: Environmental Analyst for Circle K.

2019

  • Albana Berisha
    • Background: Environmental and Agricultural Management BS from the International Business College Mitrovica, Mediterranean Organic Agriculture MS from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari
    • ACE: Risk Analysis for importations of Fruit flies (Family: Tephritidae) through non-commercial commodities examined from Port of Entry and Field Detection data in the United States.
    • Albana was our first Fulbright Scholar and currently works as a Geovisualization Analyst for the NOTUS energy Unternehmensgruppe.
  • Robert Bennett
    • Background: Political Science and minor in Environmental Science from NC State University
    • ACE: North Carolina Environmental Advisory Boards
    • Current position: Technical Specialist for NARUC.
  • Aaron Burkhart
    • Background: Environmental Technologies and Management BS and MS in Environmental Impact Assessment from NC State University
    • ACE: The Conflict of Climate Change Communication: Understanding of Climate Change Denialism through Identity, Culture, and Emotion, hosted by Robert Bruck, Professor Emeritus at NC State University
    • Current position: Aaron currently works as the SVP of Business and Project Development at Dorman Energy Services.
  • Lydia Campbell
    • Background: Anthropological Sciences from The Ohio State University
    • ACE: Decision-Making under Changing Climate Conditions: Comparing Crops to Solar PV in North Carolina’s Central Coastal Plain, hosted by Dr. Christopher Galik, professor of NC State’s Department of Public Administration
    • Current position: Project Director at Equiti Foods
  • Jonathan Chan
    • Background: GIS and Cartography from Michigan State University
    • ACE: A New Climate Action Planning Process for North Carolina State University, hosted by the NC State Office of Sustainability
    • Current position: Senior Project Officer for CDP.
  • Fatu Blama
    • Background: Geology from the University of Liberia
    • ACE: Engaging Local Farmers Based On North Carolina Climate Report And Clean Energy Plan, hosted by NOAA
    • Current position: Fatu currently works as a SQL Server and Oracle Database Administrator for WSIPC.
  • Ashlyn Shore
    • Background: Psychology and Environmental Science from NC State
    • ACE: Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Tribal Resources WebApp and Webpage, hosted by the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center
    • Current position: Communications Coordinator for the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center + Fernleaf.
  • Daniel Spruill
    • Background: Science and Technology Studies from NC State
    • ACE: Office of Sustainability Climate Action Plan research, hosted by the NC State Sustainability Office
    • Current position: Transportation Planner at the NC Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
  • Crystal Yelverton
    • Crystal currently works for the Virginia Department of Transportation.

2018

  • Veronica Fall
    • Background: Meteorology from Valparaiso University; M.S. in Meteorology from the University of Oklahoma
    • ACE: Predicting the harvest date of blackberries using “growing degree day”; hosted by the State Climate Office of North Carolina
    • Current position: Catastrophe Research Analyst at SageSure
  • Kyla Bloyer
    • Background: Communications from North Carolina State University
    • ACE: Effective strategies in favor of coastal resiliency and against the threat of sea level rise and rising groundwater table and its implications for public health and safety in Nag’s Head, NC; hosted by the NC Sea Grant
    • Current position: Communications Manager at the American Society for Adaptation Professionals
  • George Murdisson
    • Background: American Studies, University of Alabama
    • ACE: Oral histories project focusing on drought and extreme weather in the Caribbean, hosted by the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center
    • Current position: Sales Lead for Google Fiber.

2017

  • Cara Geiger
    • Background: Meteorology and Ocean Sciences & Coastal Studies from Millersville University of Pennsylvania.
    • ACE: Sensitivity of livestock heat stress to climate change and variability; hosted by the State Climate Office of North Carolina
    • Current position: Operations Officer, Storm Surge Unit, National Hurricane Center
  • Kara Piarulli
    • Background: meteorology from Millersville University
    • ACE: Climate and weather data lesson that students at the high school level; hosted by NOAA NCEI,  Asheville NC
    • Current position: Pipeline Associate for Science Based Targets Initiative.
  • Christian Erickson
    • Background: Geosciences from Denison University
    • ACE: Invasive species and climate change; hosted by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
    • Current position: Emergency Preparedness Officer for FEMA.
  • Eric Wright
    • Background: Civil Engineering
    • ACE: Blackberry Production and Climate Variability; hosted by the State Climate Office of North Carolina
    • Current position: Senior Research Analyst for S&P Global