Undergraduate degree: Oberlin College, Environmental Studies and Politics/History, 2007

Age: 25

Prior to SNRE: I worked for five years as a communications specialist for a public school district in Portland, Oregon. In my spare time I volunteered for political campaigns, took cooking classes and bicycle maintenance classes, and bicycle-camped to the coast.

Why Behavior, Education, & Communication?: Choosing BEC was easy. It offers a people-centered approach to environmentalism. In particular, I appreciate the work of Professors Rachel Kaplan and Ray De Young. Their research shows how the public can—given the right information and conditions— act as environmental stewards. People aren’t the “problem”; they are the solution.

The best part of SNRE so far: Even within the BEC track there are a variety of interests. Some people are more interested in behavior or education or communications. So the program provides a nice community of somewhat like-minded students who can still learn from each other.

After graduation: My ideal job would involve crafting research-driven communications aimed at protecting the environment. Rather than simply inform people about environmental issues, I want to inspire and facilitate meaningful behavior change. My goal is to work with government or nonprofits on a range of environmental issues.