Faculty Spotlight: Chandler Precht
Chandler Precht is associate director of the Sustainability Program at the Columbia Climate Institute and co-director of the MSc in Sustainability Management ProgramA native of Florida, her passion for sustainability dates back to her childhood in Miami.
She began working at the Earth Institute in 2015 as an intern studying environmental science at Barnard College. After graduating in 2018, Precht worked in environmental consulting.However, she still found herself drawn to higher education and completed her studies Master of Science in Sustainability during his tenure as a consultant.
As an alumnus of the Master of Science in Sustainability program and a longtime admirer of Florida’s natural environment, Precht brings invaluable perspective—a keen understanding of the graduate experience and a relentless commitment to research—to her classroom roles and associate director position Enthusiasm for sustainability.
What initially motivated you to pursue the field of sustainability?
My earliest memories include the sand, the salty air, the sound of waves lapping on the shore, and the distinct scent of original Coppertone sunscreen. Growing up in Miami, where the beach and ocean were my playground, shaped my appreciation of the natural world. It doesn’t hurt that I grew up with a world-renowned marine scientist and coral reef expert whom I affectionately call “Papa.” This environment fuels my creativity, my natural curiosity and inherent passion for sustainability in pursuing a career in STEM.
I paint these childhood times in lighthearted, positive light, because I was a climate optimist — most of the time — and believed we would solve the climate crisis. However, my continued drive and commitment to disaster planning stems from the adversity my family and I have experienced first-hand—from the devastation we faced after Hurricane Andrew, to the closure of schools due to unprecedented flooding and unsafe road conditions, to the To unexpected evacuations across the country after Hurricane Wilma… just to name a few.
In addition to these experiences, I have witnessed the gradual destruction of the natural environment that once inspired my love of science. I have an emotional connection to nature and when I realized how personal these issues were to me, I never looked back. I am committed to living a sustainable life – no matter how imperfect – to leave a better planet for future generations so that one day they can appreciate even a small part of the beauty that I once experienced.
What attracted you to the graduate program in sustainable development?
I was drawn to these projects because I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded people who shared the same passion and drive for protecting the natural world. However, enthusiasm alone is not enough. We need to thoroughly understand the global impacts of climate change and environmental hazards, and then use that data-driven information to communicate practical applications in management and leadership roles. The beauty of the Sustainability Management (SUMA) and Sustainability Science programs is that students learn these different concepts through the coursework and then apply them in their career pursuits.
What course are you currently teaching?
I am currently teaching a section in the Integrative Capstone Workshop, supervising a team of 10 student advisors in the SUMA program, and working with our client, the Coral Restoration Foundation. Deliverables will provide a tool to enhance environmental education and inspire voters to protect coral reefs and build resilience to climate change.
When you got this opportunity, what were you most excited about?
First and foremost, I am excited about the prospect of being in a classroom with the best and brightest.except with The next generation of sustainability practitioners and environmentalists, this capstone project and client was attractive given my South Florida upbringing and background in integrated research centered on marine ecosystems and the role global climate change plays in their degradation and susceptibility to disease. I am particularly eager to enhance educational programs about coral reefs and nature, especially in underserved communities, that spark curiosity and excitement among young people – how I was first drawn to this field.
What changes would you like to see in the future in the field of sustainability?
Equity needs to be at the center of every conversation around sustainability – full stop. There is an integral link between climate change and social justice, which is critical to achieving sustainability.
What advice do you have for students?
Sustainability isn’t just about your degree, or any industry you’re in, so don’t feel uncomfortable – let people and ideas put you to the test! You wouldn’t be developing or advancing the field of sustainability if you weren’t being challenged and coming up with new ideas. Likewise, be bold about presenting your climate science ideas because you have many tools that you didn’t have before – quality education, networks and platforms.
