STUDENT COMMUNITY
The M.S. in Sustainability Science program’s students represent a cross-section of the industries and organizations currently incorporating sustainable initiatives into their day-to-day operations as well as those who are looking to make a career switch. The program’s students are dedicated not only to mastering the theory and science of sustainability, they are passionate about putting their education into practice.
Student Groups
Student Spotlights
SUSCI student Sarah Brown is transforming her passion for education and environmental sustainability into impactful action, working as a project manager at NYSERDA. In this article, Sarah discusses her transition to the SUSCI program, the transformative power of hands-on experiences like lab research at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and how her teaching background shaped her approach to studying.
Student Spotlight: Sarah Brown Transforms Classroom Experience into Climate Action Through Sustainability Science
11/7/25
Olivia Colton, a Master’s student in Sustainability Science at Columbia University, transitioned from active-duty U.S. Army officer to academia. Inspired by low veteran enrollment, she applied to Columbia. Colton’s military leadership now enhances her roles in student life and the Tree Ring Lab. With a conservation biology background from LSU, she aims for a career in environmental conservation.
Army Veteran and Environmental Advocate: A Sustainability Science Student’s Journey to Columbia
4/19/24
Tyler Zorn was already working in environmental consulting firms before he enrolled in the Master of Science in Sustainability Science (SUSCI) program at Columbia. But even while he found his job worthwhile and necessary, Zorn had a realization: He wanted to focus on preventing environmental degradation rather than stepping in to deal with the aftermath.
As Zorn prepares to graduate from the SUSCI program in the spring, he plans to use the tools and experience gained from his time at Columbia to achieve his aim of working for a climate technology startup that centers sustainability to accomplish ambitious carbon removal goals.
Shifting Gears From Mitigation to Prevention
1/12/24
Born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Fia moved to the U.S. in 2016 to complete her bachelor's in chemistry from the University of Washington. She is specifically interested in data analysis and management with the ultimate goal of helping companies and non-profits adapt to more sustainable practices and engaging in global climate change.
Learning New Scientific Methods and Tools to Monitor Company Climate Impacts
11/2/21
Chandler Precht, a program manager, uniquely blends her roles as a Columbia graduate and current MS Sustainability Science student, facilitating a connection between student aspirations and institutional objectives. She prioritizes recruiting diverse sustainability practitioners and enhancing program visibility, leveraging her background to strengthen recruitment strategies and organize impactful sustainability webinars. Transitioning from intern to mentor, Precht values Columbia's campus as an oasis within NYC's hustle, anticipating a flexible "new normal" post-COVID-19. Despite pandemic challenges, she finds solace in family time, outdoor pursuits, and home workouts. Chandler's journey exemplifies a commitment to sustainability advocacy, embodying the Earth Institute's mission of guiding the world towards more sustainable pathways.
Nurturing Sustainability Leaders: Chandler Precht's Journey at the Earth Institute
9/9/21
