Program testimonial: Leah Kos

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.

Leah currently works as Communications Manager for the USC Sea Grant