{"id":1336,"date":"2023-11-20T07:24:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-20T07:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-usc-dornsife.pantheonsite.io\/wrigley\/?p=1336"},"modified":"2024-07-18T22:16:27","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T22:16:27","slug":"environmental-studies-sustainable-future-at-usc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/2023\/11\/20\/environmental-studies-sustainable-future-at-usc\/","title":{"rendered":"From the Classroom to the Field: Charting a Sustainable Future at USC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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From the Classroom to the Field: Charting a Sustainable Future at USC<\/h1>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n By<\/span>Nicole Summerfield<\/strong>\n \n November 20, 2023<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Throughout my journey in\u00a0environmental studies<\/a>\u00a0at USC, I\u2019ve realized how every step in this path has been an essential part of my growth and passion for sustainability. Reflecting on my experiences, I find myself eager to share how they\u2019ve shaped my commitment to environmental sustainability in a corporate setting.<\/p>\n

My academic journey began with a strong interest in environmental studies. When applying to colleges, I was drawn to the Wrigley Institute for Environment & Sustainability\u2013 it\u2019s what made USC stand out among the rest. I later realized this choice was more than an academic decision; it was the start of an experience that would shape my future, giving me hands-on experience and introducing me to a supportive community like I had never before experienced.<\/p>\n

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Left to right: Me with former California State Senator Fran Pavley, Wrigley Marine Science Center Director Dr. John Heidelberg, and classmate Gabe Romero during Maymester 2022. Gabe and I had the privilege of being selected as student ambassadors to welcome Sen. Pavley to Catalina Island and introduce her to our peers. (Nick Neumann\/USC Wrigley Institute)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The peak of my environmental education was the two Maymester courses that truly redefined my academic and personal outlook. In 2022, under Dr. Victoria Campbell-Arvai\u2019s and Dr. Monalisa Chatterjee\u2019s guidance, this course wasn\u2019t just about learning from textbooks; it was an immersive experience in real-world social science research. We tackled critical subjects like nature conservation and perceptions of waste management, stepping beyond the classroom into active learning. In 2023, Dr. David Ginsburg led the classroom into an underwater world of experiments, testing water flows, Vibrio abundance, and kelp growth.<\/p>\n

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A highlight of these Maymesters was the opportunity to engage with real-world environmental challenges and heroes. Our interactions with environmental leaders, such as former California State Senator Fran Pavley and Elizabeth Bagley from Project Drawdown, provided valuable insights into the legislative, business, and scientific aspects of environmental conservation. The experience was also about forging connections, learning through hands-on experiences like night snorkeling, and witnessing the magic of bioluminescence \u2013 moments that deeply ingrained in me the beauty and importance of preserving our natural world.<\/p>\n

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As I progress, completing my M.A. in Environmental Studies, I see a future where my education and experiences at USC serve as a strong foundation for my career in corporate sustainability. My goal is to contribute to practical, impactful, and sustainable solutions that resonate with a broad audience.<\/p>\n

This journey has been a combination of learning, growth, and realizations. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities and support I\u2019ve received at USC, which have shaped my perspective on environmental advocacy. As I continue on this path, I am excited about the possibilities and the impact I aspire to make.<\/p>\n

Nicole Summerfield<\/p>\n

University of Southern California, Class of 2023<\/p>\n

B.A. and M.A., Environmental Studies<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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