Sofia Sarracino

What would be your dream job and how did EMS put you closer to this goal?

I would love to work as a Sustainability Coordinator at the state/local level or as a Chief Sustainability Officer for an institution. Through EMS, I’ve joined the Local Climate Action Program (LCAP), where I work alongside two awesome students and the City of Harrisburg’s Sustainability Coordinator. Last semester, we produced a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the City. We’re now currently drafting the state capital’s first climate action plan! I’ve also gotten to experience sustainability work for non-government entities through my work on the Student Sustainability Advisory Council! 
 
What student organizations and activities are you involved in?

I’m a Student Sustainability Advisory Council member on the Zero Waste committee, Local Climate Action Program member, Global Brigades Water and Sanitation Health treasurer, an EMS Ambassador, Sustainable Building Guidelines intern with Penn State and EMSAGE Laureate. 

What student organizations and activities are you involved in?

Aside from EMS Ambassadors, I am also part of the Student Sustainability Advisory Council, an EMSAGE practitioner, a member of the Penn State Global Brigades WASH Team, a member of the Food Recovery Network, an Arboretum volunteer, a Schreyer Honors Scholar and a Sustainability Scholar. 

What is the best class you’ve taken at Penn State and why?

My favorite class I’ve taken at Penn State is Geography 340! This class was co-taught by Dr. Wright and Dr. Whear, who created the course last semester for the new sustainability major in the Department of Geography! Over the course of the semester, we were able to visit the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority and a local wastewater treatment plant. The class centers around op-ed writing and drafting a Sustainable Action Plan Proposal for an important sustainability issue. It was always fun learning from both professors, participating in writing workshops and devising actionable solutions for pressing sustainability issues!

What opportunities has Penn State provided for you so far?

Through Penn State, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the LCAP and help develop sustainable building guidelines for the Commonwealth as Sustainable Building Guidelines Intern for Penn State and the Department of Environmental Protection. I’ve also had the chance to study and volunteer abroad in Greece, Belize and Ghana!