You’ve heard all about their time with the City Semester Pittsburgh program, now catch up with some of our alums and find out what they’ve been up to since they completed the program and how City Semester has impacted their future so far.
Name: Lydia Neuhauser
Year Graduated: 2024
Undergraduate Degree: B.S. in Global and International Studies: Health and Environment focus
Minors: Spanish, Environmental Inquiry, Sustainability Leadership
Graduate Degree: Master of International Affairs: Sustainable Development focus
City Semester Date: Summer 2022
Internship Partner: Audubon Society
Where You Are Now
Lydia is currently Sustainability Coordinator at Centre Region Council of Governments.
What kind of work do you do?
I work on renewable energy projects, from applying for EV infrastructure grants to developing workshops on solar and EVs. I fully created a Community Stewardship Network of volunteers within the Centre Region interested in learning about how to engage with local government. It is a year-long program in which the stewards go through training, tabling events, and creating their own workshops and other educational events within their local community.
What does your day-to-day look like?
I work about 40 hours a week in the COG office with the other planners for the region. I collaborate with many different stakeholders, from solar companies to elected officials. I am constantly meeting new people and joining different projects.
What is your biggest professional accomplishment so far?
My biggest accomplishment is living in Ecuador for a semester and choosing the most isolated internship possible. I challenged myself by living in the Choco Andino jungle in a small town of approximately 200 people, harvesting rare fruits on a farm. It was the most surreal experience in my life, and I would do it a million times again to feel the sense of independence and trust in nature. I think this prepared me for any future challenge, as I was able to navigate 4 months in the Spanish language, completing my graduate school capstone project in Ecuador!
Your Time with City Semester
What was the biggest thing you learned during your time with City Semester?
I learned the importance of educating others about environmental health and stewardship. I did not understand the value that education holds for ensuring the preparedness of sustainability for future generations until my internship with City Semester. I also learned that it is possible to prioritize environmental education for students in urban areas — as Pittsburgh is a perfect example of a successful environmental education program.
Which topic during the urban sustainability class did you enjoy learning about most?
I really enjoyed our field trip day to all of the sustainable buildings. I have gotten really interested in the Living Building Challenge since seeing the Frick Environmental Center, and I hope to find a job within that field to learn more.
How did your internship prepare you for where you are now?
Working every day with students, ages 4–13, is always a fun challenge. I worked as an educator and a day camp counselor for the Audubon Society, teaching kids about nature and facilitating positive outdoor experiences for them. I definitely practiced patience while interacting with the children, which has helped me practice patience while interacting with adults. My experience in Pittsburgh introduced my interest in working on renewable energy projects, which has progressed into the position I am in now.
What advice would you give to a new student just starting with the program?
I approached Pittsburgh with an open mind, and I would highly encourage students to do the same! Definitely ask questions and create your own path — the program is meant for your professional growth. The Audubon Society wasn’t even an option for an internship location at the time, so I called Tom and asked if I could do the program and intern at the Audubon Society, and he said yes with no hesitation! The amount of curiosity and energy you put into the program is the amount you will get out of it.
Living the Sustainable Life
When did sustainability first become important to you?
I first became aware of sustainability when working in the restaurant industry throughout high school. Working in Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, I was overly aware of the amount of waste produced in fast food chains, and it led to my undergraduate and graduate studies in environment!
What’s your favorite sustainability hack/tip?
I am always trying to eliminate my waste, so I always bring my own cutlery, bottles, tumblers, and bags wherever I go. I feel better about washing all of my reusable dishes than throwing away disposables. I never go anywhere without an empty tumbler for a hot tea or drink!
Check out the rest of our Catching up with City Semester Alums series!