Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Kimberley Miner
Kimberley Miner PhD
Kimberley Miner PhD Is an alumnus Environmental Science and Policy Public Administration Master’s Program. Her career has been devoted to understanding the earth and climate system to better predict and mitigate the effects of climate change.This dedication and enthusiasm made her a scientific system engineer for a new satellite project NASA. this project, Earth System Observatory (ESO), will generate data to improve our understanding of climate, hydrology, land surface changes, natural disasters, atmosphere, etc. The satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2027, and we are eager to see its impact on a more resilient and sustainable earth.
In the following article, Dr. Miner discusses her career, how MPA-ESP courses have prepared her, and advice for current students.
You have recently been promoted to NASA’s scientific systems engineer. Can you tell us more about your role? How long have you worked at NASA?
I graduated from the MPA project and worked Lamont-Dougherty Obtained a PhD in Earth Science. After getting my PhD, I was hired to work for the Department of Defense in Washington, DC, and I just started working at NASA more than a year ago.
At NASA, I am a climate scientist who studies changes in the Arctic and recently became a scientific systems engineer for a new satellite project. This project will generate the most accurate and detailed information ever on earth. The mission is international, with many connected satellites, and it will be a huge breakthrough in our understanding of the earth and climate change.
Career development is very important to our students, and I think they will be interested in understanding your path to the present. How did you find your current position? Which resources/methods do you think are most useful?
Mentoring has always been an important part of my career trajectory, at Columbia University Sarah Johnson, Atlerna-Rahm, Jeff Sachs Casey Callahan really helped me choose my direction. I will always appreciate their ideas and inspiration.
In your current position, what do you like best? What do you think is the most challenging?
I decided to continue my PhD. After ESP, because I like to be on land and want to be a professional explorer. Since then, I have been to Poland, Europe and the mountains. Everest does research.My research is included in New York Times, Washington post, GQ, and Sports Illustrated-It’s just a privilege, but it’s always fun! Since COVID, I have traveled far fewer times, but I have more time to write down our findings-this is always helpful-and we will have more interesting research soon.
Are you able to utilize any skills/knowledge in the MPA-ESP program in your daily activities?
The presentation and scientific communication skills I learned from ESP have been invaluable in my career. I work with engineers, policymakers, and scientists from different disciplines, and being able to communicate across silos has made these initiatives successful.
Do you have any other projects you have participated in that you want to share?
I am an AAAS If/Then ambassador, which focuses on highlighting outstanding women in STEM to inspire young girls. Through this program, I have the opportunity to talk about my work on various platforms (including CBS) and encourage young people to think about STEM careers.
What advice do you have for students currently participating in the program?
My advice to students is to contact teachers and professionals related to the project that inspires you. This is how I got my first job from ESP-I also learned a lot from their life experience.
Delaney Wellington is an intern in the Office of Academic and Research Projects and is currently an undergraduate student in Environment and Sustainability at Barnard College.
This Alumni spotlight The series includes interviews with Earth Institute alumni to learn about their career paths, how they became interested in the Earth Institute’s projects, and any suggestions useful to current and future students.
