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 Lorenzo Hernandez to learn more about his motivations for pursuing a degree in energy and sustainability.
ISEN: What is your background?
Hernandez: I am originally from Bogota, Colombia. I have spent the majority of my schooling here in the U.S. and graduated Cum Laude with degrees in Economics and International Business from Appalachian State University. I have worked for the last several years in the Logistics and Supply Chain Fields in some of the world’s largest organizations in their respective fields.
ISEN: Why are you interested in studying energy and sustainability at Northwestern?
Hernandez: As sustainable energy and resource management become ever more critical and top of mind to global stakeholders, I want to ensure that I have the proper academic background that will enable me to positively collaborate with stakeholders and find sustainable solutions to the challenges global communities face. Northwestern is amongst the most recognized and innovative academic institutions in the world, which makes me confident that by pursuing and attaining a degree in Energy and Sustainability at Northwestern, I will be well prepared to be able to make a positive impact on global communities.
ISEN: What are you most looking forward to about the Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) program at Northwestern?
Hernandez: I am most looking forward to listening to and learning from experts and leaders in their respective fields as well as working with my fellow classmates who come from very wide array academic backgrounds. To me this is the most appealing aspect of this program, as I feel I will benefit the most by learning from others with different expertise and backgrounds.
ISEN: What are your career aspirations?
Hernandez: I really want to make a positive impact and help vulnerable global communities that are severely affected by unsustainable business practices as well as climate change. I will be pursuing opportunities in organizations with a global reach and the wherewithal to drive positive and sustainable changes to current operations and policies that provide benefit to as many communities as possible.
