Staff Spotlight: Chandler Precht, Program Supervisor
by
Judy Jamal|September 9, 2021
Chandler finished her bachelors degree at Columbia in 2018.
The Staff Spotlight series features Earth Institute staff members from throughout the Morningside, Lamont and the Irving Medical Center campuses. The series is meant to highlight the important work our employee do to keep the Earth Institute running smoothly and to support our objective of directing the world onto more sustainable courses. These interviews talk about team member professions, their interest in our institute, and insights that may be helpful and relatable for the rest people.
This months spotlight is on Chandler Precht, program manager in the Office of Academic and Research Programs. A 2018 Columbia graduate– and existing student in the MS Sustainability Science program– Chandlers perspective as both a student and employee assists her work as a mentor for future sustainability leaders at Columbia..
How did you connect with us?
I started as an intern for the Undergraduate Sustainable Development Program in 2015. I continued working as an intern for The Earth Institute up until I finished from Columbia (undergrad) in 2018. Upon graduation, I went into environmental consulting, however something kept pulling me back to higher education. While operating in consulting and finishing my MS in Sustainability Science, I expanded my expert network and constructed fantastic relationships with much of the people I only knew in passing as an intern, and now was getting to know as a prospective staff member. I wound up talking to in 2020 with the Office of Academic and Research Programs and the rest is history!
What aspects of your job are exciting?
I am so thrilled by the prospect of recruiting the next generation of sustainability practitioners. In the very same vein, it is so crucial to me to work to get our sustainability programs (MPA in Environmental Science and Policy, MS in Sustainability Management, and MS in Sustainability Science) the presence they are worthy of, particularly amongst prospective students of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and other underserved communities. I am presently working with Augurian to make sure that we are efficiently tracking digital advertising to drive potential applicants to enlist in our programs.
Aside from the recruitment element of my role, I am elated to see how our alumni apply their education to their expert pursuits. Despite whether Im connecting with potential trainees or alumni, Im continuously surrounded by individuals that care deeply about the environment and are eager to make change in this world.
As a former Earth Institute intern, Chandler enjoyed working for supervisors who aspired to alter the world.
Does your background aid with your current obligations?
As a trainee in the MS in Sustainability Science program, I am on track for checking that box this semester. Being a trainee in such an unique program truly provides me an insider point of view on the kinds of trainees we are trying to hire and how to represent this program, among other graduate programs affiliated with the Earth Institute. My enthusiasm for sustainability and ecological education, and my ability to interact that enjoyment, has actually been enhanced through my graduate program.
What functions of Hogan & & Morningside stand out for you?
Theres something so special about Columbias school. It really is a sanctuary in the middle of a busy city. Morningside Heights seems like home and Im so grateful my professional and academic courses have actually led me here time and time once again.
Existed a difference as you transitioned from intern to full-time work here?
As an intern, I was working for managers that aspired to alter the world– not simply from an environment perspective, however for their students too. Now, Im in that position, mentoring interns who admire me and other staff at the Earth Institute.
Chandlers feline Squirt has been a great colleague throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
What do you believe the brand-new typical will appear like?
I do think vaccination status and mask-mandates are here to stay, which is vital from a public health perspective. I am eager to get back to work in-person and have more human interactions in my everyday, however safety is of utmost significance, so Ill defer to health assistance from the CDC and Columbia Health.
How do you spend your extra time?
Household is a big part of my life, and although I dont see my family often considering that they are in Miami, I do have a sister in New Jersey that I make a point to see at least as soon as a month.
In her spare time, Chandler enjoys going on outdoor adventures.
COVID-19 has been a challenging time to do whatever I would generally do in the best city in the world (NYC), but I have actually discovered comfort in home exercises and outdoor adventures. The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is a beautiful, tranquil place to take pleasure in– specifically if you have an interest in preserving and safeguarding the natural world.
In the exact same vein, it is so crucial to me to work to get our sustainability programs (MPA in Environmental Science and Policy, MS in Sustainability Management, and MS in Sustainability Science) the exposure they should have, specifically among prospective students of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and other underserved communities. I am currently working with Augurian to make sure that we are successfully tracking digital advertising to drive prospective candidates to enroll in our programs.
As a trainee in the MS in Sustainability Science program, I am on track for examining that box this semester. Being a trainee in such a novel program actually provides me an insider viewpoint on the kinds of students we are trying to recruit and how to represent this program, among other graduate programs affiliated with the Earth Institute. My passion for sustainability and environmental education, and my capability to communicate that enjoyment, has actually been enhanced through my graduate program.