alumni profiles Archives - State of the Planet

From Pre-med to ESG: It’s Never Too Late for a Career Change

William Hsu, who graduated from the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program in 2019, brings together different fields to advance an equitable and green future.

by Deanna Coleman |March 2, 2023
A smiling girl gives the thumbs-up next to a microphone.

Climate and Society Alumna Suzie Hicks Teaches Climate Science to Kids of All Ages

Suzie Hicks, “The Climate Chick,” talks about how she is using television and film to inspire young learners to form healthy relationships with environmental science and help improve the world around them.

by |February 23, 2023
kimono made with bioearth fabric, seen from multiple angles and in motion

Let Them Wear Dirt: Penmai Chongtoua Turns Soil Into Textiles

An artist and alumna of the Climate and Society program, Chongtoua is exploring a variety of ways to wear earth on our bodies. Her work seeks to shape how we view our relationship with the planet.

by |February 14, 2023
cassidy childs headshot

From Columbia to COP27 in Six Months: Cassidy Childs

Inspired into action by the Tubbs Fire in 2017, this Environmental Science and Policy alum is helping to bring justice and equity issues into environmental policy.

by Deanna Coleman |February 8, 2023
Mahak Agrawal portrait image

Alumni Spotlight: Mahak Agrawal

An alumna of the MPA-ESP program, Mahak elaborates on her time at Columbia, discusses her career path in sustainability, and provides advice to current students.

by Sophie Capshaw-Mack |October 15, 2021

Alumni Spotlight: Julia Koppman Norton, District Supervisor at California Coastal Commission

The Environmental Science and Policy program gave Norton the tools she needed to become a protector of, and advocate for, California’s beaches.

by Taylor Goto |October 14, 2021

Alumni Spotlight: Sustainability Management Alumnus, Mark Wolf – Career and Executive Coach, CEO

The sustainability consultancy CEO came to the SUMA program because he wanted to make an impact.

by Lolo Dederer |September 3, 2021
Kimberley Miner

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Kimberley Miner

MPA-ESP alumna Dr. Kimberley Miner has spent her career understanding earth and climate systems to better predict and mitigate the effects of climate change.

by Delaney Wellington |July 27, 2021

At Con Ed, an Alum Promotes Clean Energy

Shaun Hoyte started as mechanic and electrician, but was soon promoted to help manage the utility’s energy-efficiency programs.

by |April 28, 2021
kimberly oremus headshot

Alumni Spotlight: Professor Kimberly Oremus

Her studies at Columbia help her to bridge the divide between the natural sciences and human behavior, so that she can implement more effective sustainability solutions.

by Madeleine Lemos |April 13, 2021