Staff Spotlight: Chandler Precht, Project Manager
Chandler completed his undergraduate degree at Columbia University in 2018.
this Staff focus The series features Earth Institute staff from Morningside, Lamont and Irvine Medical Center campuses.This series aims to highlight the important work done by our staff to keep the Earth Institute running smoothly and support us mission Lead the world on a more sustainable path. These interviews discussed the occupations of the staff, their interest in our research, and insights that might be relevant and useful to the rest of us.
The focus of this month is Chandler Precht, Project Manager of the Office of Academic and Research Projects. As a 2018 Columbia University graduate and a current student of the Master of Science in Sustainable Development program, Chandler’s perspective as a student and staff helped her become a mentor to Colombia’s future sustainability leaders.
How did you contact us?
I started as an intern Undergraduate Sustainable Development Plan In 2015, I continued my internship at the Earth Institute until I graduated from Columbia University (undergraduate) in 2018. After graduating, I entered the field of environmental consulting, but some things have been pulling me back to higher education.When consulting and completing my work Master of Sustainable Science, I expanded my professional network and established good relationships with many people I met only as an intern, but now I am starting to meet as a prospective employee. I finally accepted an interview with the Office of Academic and Research Projects in 2020, and the rest is history!
What aspects of your work are exciting?
I am very excited about the prospect of recruiting the next generation of sustainability practitioners. Similarly, working hard to achieve our sustainability plan is very important to me (MPA Environmental Science and Policy, Master of Sustainability Management, with Master of Sustainable Science) The popularity they deserve, especially among potential students in BIOC (Black, Aboriginal, Colored) and other underserved communities. I’m currently working with Augustian to ensure that we effectively track digital advertising to drive potential applicants to sign up for our program.
In addition to the recruitment aspect of my role, I am very happy to see how our alumni apply their education to their career pursuits. No matter if I interact with future students or alumni, there are always many people around me who care about the environment and are eager to change the world.
As a former intern at the Earth Institute, Chandler likes to work for managers who are eager to change the world.
Does your background help you in your current duties?
The qualification for my current job is a graduate degree, especially in fields related to sustainable development. As a student of the Master of Sustainable Science program, I hope to check the box this semester. As a student of such a new project, I really have an internal perspective on the type of students we are trying to recruit and how to represent this project and other graduate projects affiliated with the Earth Institute. Through my graduate program, my passion for sustainability and environmental education and my ability to express this excitement have been improved. I believe that my degree has enriched and improved my job-related skills, and I also feel that my perspective as a student is strengthening my recruitment efforts.It’s great to use my STEM background to organize wonderful webinars on various sustainability topics with some of the world’s leading experts, including A study on coastal sustainability. For the second year in a row, I am also assisting Dr. Steve Cohen with his part Sustainability Management Course.
What features of Hogan & Morningside impressed you?
The Columbia University campus has something special. It is really an oasis in the bustling city. Morningside Heights feels like home, and I am grateful that my professional and educational path has led me here time and time again.
Is there any difference when you transition from an internship to a full-time job here?
As an intern, I work for managers who are eager to change the world—not only from a climate perspective, but also for their students. Now, in that position, I am mentoring interns who respect me and the rest of the Earth Institute staff.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Chandler’s cat, Squirt, has been a good colleague.
What do you think the new normal will look like?
Unfortunately, I don’t know that there will always be “normal”. I do think that the status of vaccination and mask requirements will continue to exist, which is essential from a public health point of view. I am eager to go back to work in person and engage in more interpersonal communication in daily life, but safety is the most important, so I will follow the health guidance of CDC and Columbia Health. However, I will really miss my cat Squirt as a colleague!
How do you spend your spare time?
Family is an important part of my life. Although I don’t see my family often because they are in Miami, I have a sister in New Jersey, and I have to visit it at least once a month.
In his spare time, Chandler enjoys outdoor adventures.
COVID-19 is a challenging time. I usually do everything in the best city in the world (NYC), but I find comfort in home exercises and outdoor adventures. The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is a beautiful, peaceful place to enjoy—especially if you are interested in protecting and protecting the natural world. Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History are on my doorstep, making this city more exotic than just a concrete jungle. At home, my Peloton is a great way to exercise, not just an indoor bike, because I can take many other courses, such as meditation-which is very much needed after a full day of Zoom. Besides, I’m either listening to Taylor Swift or playing fetch with my cat!
