alumni Archives - State of the Planet

Sustainable Development Program Hosts First Alumni Career Conversations Panel

A panel of alumni answered a series of questions on topics such as skills used in their careers, important classes to take, and advice for students entering the field. 

by Kayley Beard |April 11, 2023
emily torem photo

My Experience as a Fellow With the New York City Panel on Climate Change

A Climate and Society alum and former fellow with the Health Working Group reflects on what she learned and how it opened the door to future career opportunities.

by Emily Torem |April 10, 2023
rachel patterson headshot

Faculty Spotlight: Rachel Patterson

A faculty advisor in the Environmental Science and Policy program, Patterson shares her professional journey, emphasizing the importance of following your passions rather than staying in a job that doesn’t align with your morals and interests.

by Saj McBurrows |April 6, 2023
madeleine traynor and shangtong li

Climate and Society Alumni Work Together to Build Coastal Resilience

Working in the same think tank but in different roles, two alumni show how the Climate and Society program prepares students for a variety of career paths.

by |March 27, 2023

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
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
three people stand together at conference

Alumni Join Forces to Protect Wildlife at Major Conference in Panama

Three Environmental Science and Policy alumni worked to protect wild fauna and flora threatened by the international trade at a major wildlife conference in November.

by |December 23, 2022

How Electric Vehicle Chargers Can Help Make Cities More Equitable and Resilient

Ensuring equal access to smart charging stations can help tackle transit deserts, local air pollution, and climate resilience in underserved neighborhoods

by Luke Mairo |October 21, 2022

Alumni Spotlight: Jeffrey Fralick, Climate Risk Analyst

After graduating from Columbia’s Sustainability Science program, Jeff took a bit of a detour but eventually ended up at his dream job.

by |July 13, 2022
headline from an opinion piece

Coming This Fall: Opinion Writing Workshop for Alumni

The five-week workshop for alumni of the Climate School and the School of Professional Studies will be taught by science journalist Claudia Dreifus.

by Chloe Siao |June 9, 2022