This year, the Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern University (ISEN) welcomed an ambitious and diverse cohort of students for the 10-month Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) program. ISEN recently spoke with MSES student Donovan Kuan to learn more about his motivations for pursuing a degree in energy and sustainability.
ISEN: What is your background?
Kuan: My main background is in the oil and gas industry; I have a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Houston, and after college, I worked for two major service companies as a drilling and hydraulic fracturing field engineer. Then, I worked for a solar installation startup company where I was the project manager responsible for the procurement and construction of projects within the company.
ISEN: Why are you interested in studying energy and sustainability at Northwestern?
Kuan: I am interested in studying energy and sustainability because I want to help people to live in a better environment—especially in low-income neighborhoods—and to educate people on what they can do every day to combat global warming. To do those, I believe the MSES program will prepare me to understand how environmental policymakers are creating policies, and how educators in the government sector are pushing to educate the public on the importance of global warming, in order for me to achieve what I want to do as a professional.
ISEN: What are you most looking forward to about the Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) program at Northwestern?
Kuan: I am most looking forward to three things: building my professional network with faculty members and my classmates, learning more knowledge in the energy and sustainability field, and landing a great job during the school year or after graduation!
ISEN: What are your career aspirations?
Kuan: I'm looking to use my skills and expertise to make environmental impacts in the community. I truly admire what some of the former EPA Administrators have done in their careers by helping the communities to live in a better environment through air and water policies, and I definitely would like to follow the EPA Administrator's footsteps to continue helping people to live in a better place. Within the next 10 years, I hope to work in a governmental position where I will help creating and executing environmental policies.
