Skills & Experience

Background

Dynamic, gregarious sustainability leader, group facilitator, and project developer with practical and research experience. Proven ability to plan, implement, and assess innovative sustainability projects both independently and with interdisciplinary groups. Strong interest in stakeholder engagement and articulating complex issues to a range of audiences. Collaborates effectively with diverse roles and personalities. Known among colleagues for networking abilities and a graceful, accessible presentation style. Avid hiker, kayaker, skier, snowshoer, and general outdoors enthusiast.

Education

Master of Environmental Management, Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham, NC, Concentration: Energy and the Environment, May 2012

Masters Project: Building an Energy Efficiency Supply Curve: A Case Study of Rubenstein Hall

Relevant coursework: Energy Systems Modeling, Professional Communications, Energy & the Environment in Existing Homes, Environmental Program Management, Current Issues in Energy Policy, Energy Technology, Environmental Life Cycle Assessment, Energy Efficient Homes, Sustainable Business Strategy, Applied Data Analysis, Resource & Environmental Economics, Sustainable Cities & Urban Design, Electric Power Markets

B.A. Environmental Studies, Davidson College, cum laude, Davidson, NC, May 2008

Professional Experience

Contract Editor, American Journal Experts, Durham, NC (remote). Aug. 2012 - present

· Help international researchers to eliminate language barriers and get their work published in the best journals in the world through high quality English editing.

· Provide scientific proofreading for international researchers to eliminate language barriers and aid publication.

Energy Management Intern, Duke Carbon Offsets Initiative, Durham, NC. Aug. 2011 – June 2012

· Investigated tools and techniques for generating carbon offsets through residential programs.

· Designed pilot project to measure carbon reductions from residential energy efficiency upgrades. Developed procedure to measure ability of program to produce carbon offsets at a reasonable cost.

Energy Analyst, Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellowship, Town of Cary, NC. May – July 2011

· Identified outliers in electricity bills of seven fire stations. Liaised with engineers to resolve issues.

· Uncovered $41,000 in annual energy savings through lighting retrofits and other capital improvement projects. Leveraged ROI-based analysis to support implementation of projects.

· Crafted cohesive plan for energy efficiency upgrades to enhance fire station performance, environmental quality, and occupant comfort. Led RFP process for selection of contractor.

· Engaged firefighters at the Town of Cary, NC, in planning for energy efficiency upgrades. Improved awareness about greenhouse gas emissions.

Inaugural Sustainability Fellow, Davidson College, Davidson, NC. June 2008 – June 2010

· Pioneered sustainability program by facilitating alignment of campus-wide sustainability strategy, advocating for energy efficiency, promoting resource efficiency, and implementing energy, water, and waste reduction programs.

· Assessed and reported greenhouse gas emissions. Publicized results to raise environmental awareness on campus.

· Spearheaded Year of Sustainability, achieving over $50,000 in savings (FY ’09) by employing projects to reduce energy, food waste, paper, and plastic use. Set measurable goals in all four areas. Created/developed tools and educational resources to encourage participation across campus.

· Articulated goals and objectives of 10-year Climate Action Plan to the Board of Trustees including social, economic, and environmental benefits. Successfully received unanimous endorsement.

· Managed team of 30 students, faculty, staff to draft Climate Action Plan, a strategic plan outlining Davidson’s path to carbon neutrality by 2050. Included specific project plans and interim targets.

· Communicated technical sustainability issues to a variety of audiences through training sessions, presentations, articles, and educational materials.

· Worked with college president to identify key areas of concern, address questions from external and internal sources, and communicate progress on sustainability initiatives with alumni, faculty, staff, and students.

· Designed, operated, and evaluated Green Grant program, providing funds for small-scale sustainability projects. Empowered students to find practical applications for academic learning, share knowledge with the community, and hone project implementation skills.

Writing & Presentations

NAEM Forum 2011: Lessons of an Emerging Leader, Blog post, Dec. 2011, http://tinyurl.com/7gdla47
Environmental Defense Fund, Blog posts, Summer 2011, http://goo.gl/0jWUB

Climate Action Plan, Davidson College, lead author, May 2010, http://tinyurl.com/7uduxm8

· Managed cross-functional teams to outline strategic plan to reach carbon neutrality.

Sustainability Annual Report, Davidson College, co-authored with Dr. Annie Ingram, Aug. 2009, http://tinyurl.com/6ucgy94

“The Year of Sustainability”, Greening of the Campus VIII Conference, Muncie, IN, Sept. 2009

· Presented methods to facilitate and influence positive change through sustainability programming. 

Activities & Qualifications

Proficient in Microsoft Office, WordPress, Ingeniux. Familiar with R, Trace700 (Trane), GaBi, Blackboard, social media tools.

Davidson College Sustainability Council, Member: July ‘10 – present, Manager: Jan. ‘08 – June ‘10

· Established and directed Sustainability Council, comprised of business leaders and stellar academicians to provide expert counsel on the environmental challenges facing Davidson.

Davidson Farmers Market, Secretary, Board of Directors, Feb. 2009 – June 2010

· Promoted local food, healthy eating, farmland preservation with area farmers through a weekly market.

· Coordinated meetings, maintained records, chaired first fund drive raising 50% more than expected.

Davidson Outdoors, Trip Leader and High/Low Ropes Challenge Course Facilitator: 9/04 – 6/10

·  Guided groups of 8-10 beginners in whitewater kayaking and canoeing. Taught basic strokes, water reading skills, and river safety while emphasizing teamwork and communication.

US Green Building Council, Triangle Chapter, Member: Aug. 2010 – Aug. 2012

· Attended conferences and events to keep abreast of trends in sustainability and green building.