I interned with the Climate Imaginarium, a young creative nonprofit focused on climate‑change awareness through artistic expression. The Imaginarium’s hub on Governors Island hosted events that brought volunteers, scholars, and activists together to advance sustainable progress. As a community liaison, I supported event logistics, curated and installed climate artwork, and helped foster a welcoming space. I enjoyed meeting visitors and sharing the organization’s work while they explored Governors Island.

My graduate training in science education aligned with my work at the Imaginarium. This year the organization hosted Columbia Climate School students on a capstone project. I assisted students in building a schedule and served as a key communicator between faculty and Imaginarium staff. I also hosted a course session with the students, drawing on my teaching strategies. This experience affirmed my ability to collaborate with graduate students and apply educational expertise to climate engagement.

A major challenge was navigating communication issues inherent in working with a young organization. My experience in climate education gave me confidence in translating scholarship to real‑life settings, but this knowledge can be overlooked when organizational goals take precedence. Over the summer, I learned to communicate directly when improvements were needed while listening to organizational leaders. By summer’s end I gained a better understanding of how to navigate challenging situations.

This experience was filled with growth. I am grateful for the opportunity because it strengthened my ability to work with others in a climate space filled with diverse voices and backgrounds. I am confident that many people want to engage in positive climate efforts, and I now have an improved skill set to help. I look forward to maintaining the connections I made and continuing to contribute to climate education and community initiatives.