What were you doing professionally prior to the CSP program?
Prior to the program I was serving in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer. I was commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2015 and was stationed in San Diego, CA until 2021 prior to starting the program.

Why did you decide to apply to the CSP program?
I developed a strong interest in climate change and environmental issues in the years prior to applying to the program. My interests and passion motivated me to pursue a career shift, but I recognized that I needed a solid education and foundation in climate science and policy first. The CSP program was the perfect fit for me due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, the one-year program length, and the opportunity to study at the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The small cohort size and ability to customize my experience based on my interests and future career aspirations was also appealing to me.

Where are you currently working and what do you do in your role?
I currently work as an Environmental Planner for SWCA Environmental Consultants. I support a range of different types of projects, including climate resilience, environmental planning, and community engagement. Some examples of projects I've worked on include coastal resilience plans, community wildfire protection plans, hazard mitigation plans, community engagement support for solar projects, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document preparation. I enjoy contributing to different projects and working across various project teams at the company to support our clients and their needs.

How did the program prepare you for your current role?
The CSP program's interdisciplinary structure provided me with a solid foundation for my current role as an environmental planner. The core courses and electives that I chose allowed me to gain knowledge in planning basics and apply this knowledge within the lens of climate change through research, course projects, and my Capstone Project. The program also exposed me to a variety of climate-change related resources, networks, and professionals that I utilized throughout the program and still utilize now as a climate professional.

Did you complete any research or internship opportunities during the program?
Yes, I completed an internship with the City of San Diego Planning Department from February-June 2022 while enrolled in the CSP program. I supported environmental planning and climate resilience efforts. The City had just recently approved the Climate Resilient San Diego Plan and appointed its first Chief Resilience Officer, so it was an exciting time to be there and contribute to those efforts!