Kristen Peterson

Please join me in welcoming Kristen Peterson as the Great Plains Institute’s (GPI) new Sustainable Communities Program Assistant. Kristen will support the work of several projects, including Metro CERT, Minnesota GreenStep Cities, SolSmart, and LoGoPEP.

As Kristen begins her work at GPI, I asked her to share some of her background:

Q: Why are you interested in working on sustainable communities?

A:  I have lived in Minnesota almost all of my life, where I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time swimming, hiking, and exploring natural spaces. I think that this, more than anything, has sparked my interest in the environment and sustainability.

When it was time to choose my college major, I decided to study Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management at the University of Minnesota, where I enjoyed learning about the many factors that influence environmental decisions. I also enjoy speaking French, and I spent a few months studying in the small city of Montpellier while earning my French Studies minor. In addition to improving my language skills, Montpellier’s excellent transit system opened my eyes to the incredible potential of sustainable community planning.

Q: How will your previous experience contribute to your work on sustainable communities?

A: Previously, I have participated in ecological research at the University of Minnesota, and I have also done work on environmental review. For the past year, I have been improving recycling systems, leading employee green teams, and pursuing other sustainability initiatives at Metro Transit. I am now looking forward to focusing on clean energy and learning more about the nonprofit space at GPI.

Q: What are your other interests?

A: When I am away from the office, I love spending my free time rock climbing, cooking, asking questions, traveling, and swimming in as many different lakes and streams as I can find.

 

To get in touch with Kristen, send an email to: [email protected].

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