Jeremy is a fifth-year PhD student in the Department of Religious Studies in the School of Arts and Sciences. His dissertation research traces key developments in the field of environmental ethics to show how the methods of moral philosophy are becoming more publicly engaged. It concludes by modeling an "adaptive framework" for transforming public values in response to environmental problems.
Jeremy was a PhD Plus intern at the Franciscan Action Network in Washington, DC, through Summer and Fall of 2019 under the mentorship of Patrick Carolan, the Executive Director of the organization.
What is your post-PhD career aspiration?
I want to work at the intersection of academic research and public policy on environmental issues.
How would you summarize your PhD Plus internship?
I was an intern with the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) and the faith-based coalition Washington Interfaith Staff Community (WISC) on environmental reform. The group focuses on advocacy and education on Capitol Hill and in the wider DMV (D.C., Maryland, & Virginia) area, addressing climate and energy issues such as carbon pricing, just transition, indigenous sovereignty, and wildlife protection. In this context, I participated in grant writing, energy infrastructure initiatives, just transition lobbying efforts, and the 2019 Global Climate Strike. My highlight has been working with an ongoing partnership between faith groups and the Environmental Protection Agency in central Pennsylvania to revitalize the coal region.
What professional skills did you develop during your internship?
I've improved skills in grant writing, collaborative writing, and community organizing. Working with diverse stakeholders to develop a broad-based coalition for social and economic revitalization has helped me develop a new suite of communication and leadership skills.
How has this internship assisted your career preparation?
This internship has helped in my discernment process by exposing me to a range of jobs and responsibilities in situ. Now, I have a much stronger sense of the kinds of roles in different organizations that align with my interests and skillsets. I also gained exposure to a wide variety of environmental issues and efforts, increasing my knowledge-base and giving me concrete examples of what people are doing in different contexts.
What advice would you give peers on utilizing PhD Plus internships for career development?
Look for a role that gives you exposure to a variety of people and organizations rather than a desk job. Developing a network, getting a sense of what people are doing in different organizations and roles, and understanding how institutional processes work is what makes an internship most valuable.
ABOUT PHD PLUS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
PhD Plus provides students with the opportunity to pursue an internship with a University office or external partner. The intent of these internships is to engage and develop students’ professional competencies beyond those typically addressed within their academic training. Our goal is to provide students with substantive exposure to activities that will render them more distinct and versatile on the academic job market while also broadening their career options.