Meet the For ClimateTech Summer Interns
Mikayla Bader
Creative Content Intern
Mikayla Bader is the For ClimateTech Creative Content Intern this summer where she is supporting the design and creation of graphics, images, and style of our branded content. Originally from Saratoga Springs, NY, she moved to Rochester, NY, to study illustration at RIT where she is a rising senior, minoring in psychology in addition to seeking an immersion in women and gender Studies. For fun Mikayla loves to go on runs, see live music, explore local trails, and find new restaurants to try.
Why do you want to work in climate tech?
“I was drawn to working in climate due to how much time I spend in nature. I have found a lot of peace and solace by going on runs and hikes and wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Protecting this space and finding ways to ensure its existence in the future for not only me, but generations to come is of extreme importance. The climate technology I am most excited about is CCUS, or Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Technologies. I think this is a promising solution for a way in which we may be able to capture CO2 emissions, and utilize this resource by converting it into something that can be useful for industrial products. My favorite leader in the climate space is Kate Marvel.She is a climate scientist who researches and educates people on the climate situation we are currently facing and entering into in coming years.”
Summer Reading
My favorite book currently is The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup, a fictional crime suspense novel published in 2018.
Summer Streaming
I love listening to the Dissect podcast, created by Cole Cuchna, which analyzes contemporary music in depth.
Check out more of Mikayla’s art at MikaylaBader.com.
Summer Reading
The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity by Toby Ord
Summer Streaming
Youtube Documentaries like Stop eating chocolate (Youtube)
Top Artists for the Summer:
Rammstein
Lipps
Mariam Kamerji
V4C Operations Intern
Mariam Kamerji is the Venture for ClimateTech (V4C) Operations Intern for the summer where she will be supporting the V4C team in planning and coordinating the For ClimateTech Summit and Global Innovation Challenge. Mariam is a rising junior at Columbia University where she studies economics with a minor in sustainability. She is a first-generation college student and is a part of Columbia’s Women’s Business Society, as well as the Columbia Build-Lab. Mariam is excited to gain some firsthand professional experience and the lessons that come with it during her internship. In addition to this position, Mariam is working to create her own app, which serves as a more sustainable electronic commerce platform. For fun, Mariam enjoys going to Dave & Buster’s and watching scary documentaries on YouTube.
Why do you want to work in climate tech?
“I feel that climate change poses an existential threat to mankind and I want to be a part of the solution. I hope to be a founder one day, and I love brainstorming sustainable solutions to address climate change.”
Katie Lederman
Editorial Intern
Katie Lederman is the For ClimateTech Editorial Intern at NextCorps, where she will work in the marketing department to write content and handle day-to-day brand maintenance. Katie is a rising junior at George Washington University (GW) in the School of Business pursuing a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a minor in psychological and brain sciences. While at GW, she also plays attack on the Division 1 women’s lacrosse team.
Born and raised in Rochester NY, Katie graduated from Brighton High School in 2020. Despite the fact that she was unable to attend graduation due to Covid-19, she has deep ties in the Brighton community. Katie coached younger lacrosse players through Brighton’s Youth Program for the majority of her high school career. While she was heavily involved in athletics at Brighton, she also was a member of Brighton’s co-ed acapella group for her high school career.
Why do you want to work in climate tech?
“As a child, I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. I was infatuated with sharks and anything related to the ocean. My dream was short-lived though, after learning I had a fear of open water plus I didn’t thrive in math and science classes. My passion for marine biology was fueled by my love of documentaries (especially National Geographic) and literature. Through For ClimateTech, I’m realizing that I can help save coral reefs and protect our oceans by supporting climate solutions with my writing and marketing skills.
I care about climate because we have a short amount of time left to reverse climate change before it is too late. Climate change has an impact on practically every element of our lives. Looking ahead, I want to be certain that the Earth will be a secure environment for future generations.”
Summer Reading
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Summer Streaming
Stranger Things
Selling Sunset
Prehistoric Planet
Top 3 Artists for the Summer:
Amy Winehouse
Justin Bieber
Jack Johnson