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

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

Catherine currently works as an 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

 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

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

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.

2019 Graduates

2018 Graduates

2017 Graduates