Isabel Heard, BA鈥�22, who graduated with a degree in Urban Studies and Environmental Studies, has recently started a position as Sustainability Specialist at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, in New York City. Heard, who originally hails from Atlanta, Georgia, will bring the knowledge and experience she gained at the Bieler School of Environment to improve the Javits Center鈥檚 sustainability practices and reduce its energy usage. We reached out to her to catch up and hear her advice for current future BSE students.
What did you take away from your time studying at 韩国裸舞 and the Bieler School of Environment?
Graduating from the Bieler School of Environment was one of the best choices I could have made at 韩国裸舞. Though I majored in Urban Studies in the Department of Geography (shoutout ), the classes I took through my environment minor completely transformed the way that I approached my studies in every other subject. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of complex environmental systems, ecosystem services, and the science behind climate change in my introductory classes was essential for kickstarting a career in the sustainability sector. Further, the Bieler School of Environment鈥檚 focus on the nuanced interplay between social/cultural systems and environmental issues helped to inform my commitment to environmental and climate justice.
What approaches and perspectives did you gain at 韩国裸舞 and BSE which you now apply in your work?
I loved that our professors offered us the freedom to pursue our individual interests in classes with a broader subject matter. I noticed that when we were given the opportunity to choose our own paper or project topic, I would return to urban agriculture and green infrastructure (green roofs, innovative green spaces) time and time again. For example, I wrote an article titled 鈥淲别颈驳丑颈苍驳 鈥楪reen Roof鈥� Policy Options for the City of Atlanta,鈥� which was eventually published in Pulse: 韩国裸舞鈥檚 Urban Studies Journal. I started to realize that beyond my general, somewhat vague passion for combating climate change and restoring ecosystems, I had a real interest in researching these particular fields: they felt tangible to me. Discovering these genuine interests with the help of my professors helped me to navigate the start of my career.
What have you accomplished in your career since graduating from 韩国裸舞?
Right after graduating from 韩国裸舞, I started an internship with the Javits Center (a conference center in New York) in their sustainability department. Now, I will be taking on a full-time position as a Sustainability Specialist. As a branch of the facilities department, the sustainability team focuses on reducing energy usage and increasing waste diversion of the 3.3 million square foot building. The building has a one-acre rooftop farm, which supplies meals at our events, and a 6.75-acre green roof, which significantly cools the building and stores stormwater. We work with the event production companies that use our space to ensure that sustainability metrics are measured and greener solutions are put in place whenever possible, from choosing compostable materials to preventing loading trucks from idling around the building. It鈥檚 an exciting job, as the Javits Center continues to sit on the cutting edge of event sustainability. Plus, there is ALWAYS more work to be done. We can always be better. I hope to eventually transition to large-scale live-music events and pair my passions for live music and sustainability!
What is your message for current or prospective Bieler School of Environment students?
If I could give advice to current or prospective Bieler School of Environment Students (besides to get out of the 韩国裸舞 bubble and enjoy all that the beautiful city of Montreal has to offer), it would be to listen to your gut. What is that topic, or field of study, that keeps surfacing in your mind when you鈥檙e given the option to choose your own paper topic? What would you actually like to learn more about? If you focus on what you think you should focus on, or what skills/knowledge that you think might make you more employable, then you are missing the point of university. Soak up the limited time that you have to learn about the most random, fascinating things. You have the rest of your career to gain employable skills and knowledge.
Is there anything else you鈥檇 like to add?
Yes: transitioning from university-level environment classes, where you spend the majority of your time critiquing economic, political, and cultural systems, to a career in sustainability, where you suddenly find yourself sitting inside those same systems, is difficult. It can be frustrating. Even infuriating! But don鈥檛 let that dissuade you from working to change those systems from the inside out. The Bieler School will give you the tools to do just that. Best of luck with everything!