Q&A with McKenzie Jones - Sustainability Intern Highlight

McKenzie Jones is a second-year graduate student at the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, working towards a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Environmental Science with a concentration in Energy and Climate Change Solutions. McKenzie is currently serves at the O'Neill Sustainability Intern, a position supported by the Office of Sustainability and the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. 

Question: What is your role as a sustainability intern?

Answer: I currently work as the O'Neill Sustainability Intern where I get to dip my toes into a variety of aspects of sustainability. I have worked on projects related to energy, conducted a greenhouse gas inventory for the school, completed a waste audit, and talked with a variety of O'Neill staff about how sustainability could function in their roles.

Q: What sparked your interest in sustainability?

A: My interest in the environment was piqued all the way back in my 4th grade science class. I have long known I wanted to do something that would help the planet. What sparked my interest in sustainability specifically is simply the sheer variety of possibility. I have a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering which heavily focuses on water resources and treatment. Water is so important, but I am also interested in energy and carbon and procurement. I love that with sustainability I am not siloed into one critical topic but get to explore and work on them all.

Q: What’s one project or topic you’re especially excited to work on this year?

A: A project I am currently working on is creating a website specifically dedicated to O'Neill's sustainability. My co-intern and I have collected a lot of interesting data and worked on a variety of projects, and this website allows us to showcase our work and improve transparency. We have posts planned to teach people about how buildings actually function and how to interpret utility data. We are hoping the website can serve as a valuable learning tool for O'Neill and the broader campus. 

Q: What’s a skill or strength you’re developing through this internship?

A: The main skill I have gained from this job is looking at problems and solutions in a more nuanced way. Because sustainability is such a broad and changing field, I think it is important to recognize its inherent complexity. A simple solution for some might cause severe challenges for another person. I have learned to ask the right questions and critically analyze problems and solutions from all angles. This internship has made me more aware and considerate of both the bigger picture and the smaller details.

Q: Outside of class and work, what do you enjoy doing?

A: Outside of school and work, I am an avid reader (my goal is to hit at least 30 books this year) and binge-watcher (my current obsession is The Pitt). I love to cook and adventure with my friends. I am also hoping to get back into painting this year, especially once it is a bit warmer and I can do a some plein air.

Q: What’s one small sustainability habit or belief you carry into your everyday life?

A:  While a small habit, I always carry a reusable water bottle with me. I also keep my reusable grocery bags in the trunk of my car in case I ever have an impromptu grocery trip and need to grab one quick!