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.
Testimonials
Leah Kos, Climate Change & Society Alumni
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. The effective blend of technical and applied courses, along with the invaluable capstone project, are unique characteristics that set this program aside from others. With a meteorology background grounded in technical science, the CCS program was critical in developing and expanding my climate science communication and outreach skills. I am especially grateful for my capstone opportunity where I worked with the City of Nags Head to help reduce overwash vulnerability to their transportation sector, as the knowledge and firsthand experience working with stakeholders was critical in preparing me for my former position as the Climate Assessment Specialist for the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program (SCIPP). SCIPP is a NOAA Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) team, and works to increase resiliency and preparedness to weather and climate extremes across the South Central United States. My work focused on the assessment of stakeholder risk and vulnerability to these events, and how the use of climate hazard data can better meet the needs of users in decision making and adaptation efforts. The CCS program provided me with the right skills and experiences to excel in my career and I often apply the knowledge and lessons learned in my work.
Lisa currently works as Communications Manager for the USC Sea Grant
2024 Graduates
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
Kirsten currently works as an Assistant Environmental Scientist for Burns & McDonnell
Hayden Hill
Background: BS in Sustainable Development and Environmental Studies at Appalachian State University
ACE: The Boundaries of Climate Change Communication Explored Through Movement
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)
Kiele is currently a Project Intern at the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies
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
Alayna currently works for 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
Lacey currently works as a Community Engagement Specialist for NC State University
2023 Graduates
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
Claire Jackson
Background: BS in Business at Franklin and Marshall College
ACE: North Carolina State University: Planning for Climate Resilience
Claire currently works as a 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
Addie currently works as the 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
Sara is currently works as a 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
Oppong currently works as a Principal Advisor for the TMH group and is the 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
Carl currently works as a 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
Emily is currently a Social Studies teacher at FernLeaf Community Charter School in Asheville, NC
2022 Graduates
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
Jarod currently works as 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
Max currently works as a 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
Grace currently works as a Material Planner for Strata Solar
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
Mirren currently works as Program Assistant II for the Town of Cary, and is also a Recreation Activities Specialist for the Town of Garner, and an 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
Veronika currently works as a 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
Nicholas currently works as a 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
Emma currently works as a Development Operations Coordinator at the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York City
2021 Graduates
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
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
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
Kimberly currently works as a 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
Daniel currently works as an 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
Andrew currently works as a Natural Resource Administrator for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments
2020 Graduates
Jane Allen
Background: Environmental & Sustainability Studies from the University of Northern Colorado
ACE: State Capacity to Implement FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs
Jane currently works as the 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
Jared currently works as a 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
David currently works as a 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
Madison currently works as a Resilience Specialist for Arcadis
Phillip Martin
Background: Science Technology and Society BS from NC State
ACE: Shifts in Perspectives on Biogenic Carbon Accounting
Phillip currently works as a 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
Casey currently works as an Environmental Analyst for Circle K.
2019 Graduates
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
Robert currently works as 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
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
Lydia currently works as the 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
Jonathan currently works as a 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
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
Ashlyn currently works as the 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
Daniel currently works as a Transportation Planner at the NC Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Crystal Yelverton
Crystal currently works for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
2018 Graduates
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
Veronica currently works as a 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
Kyla currently works as a 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 Graduates
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
