My interest in clean energy was sparked during my freshman year of college in my first year writing-intensive course. My professor, Tim Gustafson, gave us a writing assignment on sustainability. I took this assignment as an opportunity to investigate and compare greenhouse gas emissions produced by electric vs. gas vehicles. I was fascinated by the different tradeoffs and became interested in sustainability. I have studied many climate issues and their effects on health, society, the agricultural industry, and other frameworks throughout my collegiate career. I love learning about the social determinants surrounding these issues. As an intern, I hope to learn more about clean energy and the policy work revolving around it. I am also excited to expand my network and establish meaningful connections that will help me in my future endeavors.
Introducing Olivia Jensen: CEEM's Program Intern
Hi! I'm Olivia
Hello! I am Olivia Jensen, and I am thrilled to be the summer intern for Clean Energy Economy Minnesota. I will be a senior at the University of Minnesota this fall, majoring in Biology, Society, and Environment with a minor in Public Health. I am passionate about climate change and finding innovative ways to improve global health through sustainable practices. I am very interested in approaching climate change as a public health issue. You will hear climate change brought up repeatedly within the public health sector. Changing environmental conditions can cause disruption of food systems, increase water levels, and exacerbate preexisting health conditions. The detrimental effects of climate change on health frightened me when this issue was first brought to my attention during one of my undergraduate courses. I was outraged that there weren’t more actions being taken to combat this problem. Therefore, I decided to take it upon myself to do more to address this impending crisis. I hope to bring my education and knowledge of the topic to strengthen this team. It is imperative to remember that climate change is not a partisan issue. It affects everyone around the globe, and the action we’re taking now to switch to clean energy is vital for the well-being of every individual. I am excited to learn more and explore the clean energy industry with this fantastic and knowledgeable team.
Why an internship in clean energy?
More about me
I grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, not too far from the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. I love the outdoors, hiking, and exploring new places. I have two energetic German short-haired pointers, Piper and Taya, that love being outside even more than I do. I love to read, draw, and paint in my spare time. I have played volleyball since I was ten years old, and I am currently a member of the University of Minnesota Women’s Club Volleyball team. I love to try new things, so I decided to take up Karate this past semester, receiving my full rank as an orange belt. A little fun fact about me is that I know how to make balloon animals, which turns out to be a great party trick.