University of South Florida

Patel College of Global Sustainability

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Julia Pastorek - EXP Internship in Sustainability & Resilience

Student: Julia Pastorek

Concentration: Sustainable Energy

Introduction:
Julia Pastorek pursued a Master's degree in Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida. As part of the program, she completed a sustainability and resiliency internship with EXP, a global consulting firm specializing in engineering and design - an internship she secured by attended PCGS annual Partnership Expo and Career Fair. This experience allowed Julia to engage in climate-focused projects, working closely with consultants and local governments to develop strategies that align with community goals and address pressing climate challenges.

Location: EXP – Global Consulting Firm

Achievements:

  1. Broward County Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy
    Julia contributed to Broward County’s initiative to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure equitably and sustainably. The project prioritized accessibility for multi-family housing residents and historically disadvantaged communities.

    Key Responsibilities:
    • Analyzed EV adoption trends to identify high-priority areas for infrastructure development.
    • Conducted grant research to secure funding opportunities for expanding EV networks.
    • Assisted in developing community outreach materials to educate residents on the benefits of EV adoption.

  2. City of Cocoa Vulnerability Assessment
    Flooding poses a significant challenge for the City of Cocoa, and Julia played a key role in assessing climate vulnerabilities by engaging directly with residents.

    Key Responsibilities:
    • Conducted community outreach to understand local experiences and concerns regarding climate impacts.
    • Assisted in developing strategies to enhance the city's resiliency against flooding.

  3. Tumwater Climate Element
    Julia contributed to the city’s long-term planning by integrating climate resiliency into policies related to energy, water resources, and transportation.

    Key Responsibilities:
    • Assisted in drafting policies aimed at mitigating future climate risks while addressing current community needs.
    • Helped align municipal policies with long-term sustainability and climate goals.
    • Developed adaptable policies that ensure communities are prepared for evolving environmental challenges.

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Discover how the Patel College of Global Sustainability nurtures a community of bold change-makers that drive meaningful progress towards a more sustainable world. These inspiring student projects unveil the power of sustainability and highlight the revolutionary solutions created to tackle pressing environmental challenges.