We are currently in the middle of another great summer with City Semester Pittsburgh, with six Penn State students living and learning about sustainability in the region. This semester, we have students from four different colleges, including the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Eberly College of Science, College of Arts and Architecture, and College of Agricultural Sciences. Each week, students meet at the Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center, near downtown, for a class on Urban Sustainability and then spend the rest of the week interning with a local community partner. Let’s check in with one of the students!
Name: Kate Miller
College: Eberly College of Science
Major: Data Science and Statistics
Expected Graduation: 2027
City Semester Internship: Breathe Project
What is your role and what are your general responsibilities during this internship?
My role with the Breathe Project is to analyze data coming from Purple Air monitors in the Pittsburgh area in addition to aiding in communications tasks for the project. I also do work with a variety of campaigns and projects that the Breathe Project is involved in.
What does your day-to-day look like?
My day-to-day is usually filled with at least one meeting with Breathe Project members or the Breathe Collaborative (partners of the Breathe Project). Additional time is spent utilizing GIS software and Excel to perform data analysis or working on any out-standing tasks I may have for the week.
What has been the most interesting/your favorite part of the program so far?
The most interesting part of my internship so far has been having the opportunity to meet members of various sustainability-oriented organizations in Pittsburgh. My favorite part of the program overall has been attending field trips for the Earth 412 class and having the opportunity to get to know my classmates better.
What were your first impressions of Pittsburgh?
I grew up in the Pittsburgh area, so I didn’t necessarily have a first impression, but I always enjoy coming through the Fort Pitt tunnel and having that view of the city.
Aside from the beauty of the city, I appreciate how the city continues to become more sustainable and recognizes the need for change to help the environment. As someone who has lived in Pittsburgh for a while, it has been a positive educational experience for me to see the city grow and develop in sustainable practices over time.
What’s your favorite sustainability hack?
My favorite sustainability hack is walking instead of driving or using public transportation to reduce my carbon footprint. As a Penn State student, I do my fair share of walking, and it is mainly thanks to Penn State that I have now incorporated walking into my daily routine here in Pittsburgh.