Roots in Science

I started undergraduate at Marist College in New York as a double major in Chemistry and Psychology, with the initial intention of becoming an FBI Special Agent. I wanted to save the world from bad people. Not to be melodramatic, but I ended up working to save it in a different way. I found my way into environmental chemistry and dropped my psychology major to a minor, staying in the field of environmental science. I earned an ACS-certified BS degree in Chemistry.

In graduate school at the University of New Hampshire, I invented an instrument that (using only sound) could detect methane bubbles being released from melting permafrost. I used this invention to kick off an international research program to look at methane release from our climate change impacted sub-arctic regions. I earned my MSc in Earth Science with a concentration in Geochemical Systems.

During my time in academia, I was USGS, NASA, and NSF funded for my climate change research and work in quantifying carbon emissions. I take this deep knowledge of carbon emissions, combined with knowledge of GHG accounting according to the GHG Protocol, to bring a depth of knowledge in climate change topics to broad-spectrum sustainability and ESG program leadership.

Technological Aptitude

I’ve always been interested in technology. I grew up with a father who had multiple engineering degrees and had robotics parts scattered throughout the house. I taught myself how to solder electronics, and learned how to program in a few languages. The latter helped me most in my time as a climate researcher as I programmed my own data analysis tools, and then later as I began my environmental career as an environmental data manager. I built my own computer, which I am currently using to type this sentence and create this web page.

It’s this technophile nature that has helped me to not only bring environmental conscientiousness to the technology industry, but also apply technology to ESG policy. The potential for harnessing crowdfunding, blockchain, innovation in green technology, and applications of artificial intelligence to corporate ESG and sustainability programs is immense. I’m enthusiastic about staying in this space for years to come, and helping along this cutting edge of such a critical issue.

Most recently, I have led my team to develop an ESG Intelligence function. The goal of this is to use analytics on external ESG data, similar to how external agencies analyze companies' own data. Much of the corporate ESG function's effort to date has been in collating and reporting on performance data, which is then reported externally and turned into scores and sentiment information by third parties. This is a wealth of information, which is typically disorganized and fractured due to variation in agencies' methodology. My team is developing an approach to normalize this information and make external ESG scores and sentiments into useful, actionable infiormation.

Compelling Communication

One of the most important functions as a human is communication. We could be the most brilliant person in the room, but if we cannot effectively communicate with our peers or audience then our full potential could go unrealized. Businesses, nonprofits, NGOs, and governments have entire teams devoted to this function as it’s crucial to communicate correctly if the organization’s goals are to be achieved.

I have been able to leverage my affinity for interacting with people to hone my communication skillset over the past decade. One prime example of my approach to communication comes from my work with K-12 teachers as a regular speaker for environmental science classrooms. These collaborations were frequently to enrich behavior-level classrooms in underprivileged communities. Working closely with teachers and the personal aides of students, I managed to create compelling and engaging learning activities for students who would have typically disrupted their classes. There is nothing quite as inspirational as making a connection with your audience, taking their hand and walking together toward a common realization.

I take this same approach to my professional communications. It’s essential to not only know what your own message is, but to understand where your audience is coming from and what pre-existing level of understanding they have. A good communicator will tailor their language and approach depending on their audience. I’ve had the opportunity to capitalize on this skill by creating campaigns and presentations to business people, NGOs, the general public, and nonprofit organizations. I pride myself on being able to find common ground and forge partnerships across industries and functions.

A unique and powerful venn diagram

Living at the intersection of communications, business, and technology is an enriching and powerful position. I have told colleagues and peers that I best describe my function as bridging the gap between science and society. Rightfully or not, scientists have a reputation for not being the most social or communicative people - at least not outside of peers in their fields. I take pride in translating science and technological guidance for varied audiences.