Sarah Braun stands in front of a poster for Trash to Treasure

Student’s co-op experience confirms career path

“Everyone has something to teach you, and even complete strangers will be more receptive to questions than you expect.” It’s one piece of advice that Sarah Braun has for high school students. Braun was recently named a recipient of the Muckenhoupt Scholarship, a scholarship given to a student who, “will use their training in science to benefit the environment of the earth and the life upon it.”

Braun has learned a lot from strangers over the past few years through her experiences on co-op, as a volunteer, and as a student. The a biology and geology major and the president of the Northeastern University Concert Band (she plays the French horn), and a member of Trash2Treasure, a student organization designed to teach students the proper way to dispose of, recycle, or reuse items they no longer want. Through this group, Braun says she’s been able to engage the community in conservation efforts. “I love to see how environmental efforts turn into a win for students and local charities,” she said.

Braun had a co-op at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center where she worked to make clean heating and cooling technologies, such as air-source and ground-source heat pumps. She says it was that co-op that confirmed for her that she wanted to work in the clean energy field. She’s also volunteered for the Mystic River Watershed Association, Rose F. Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, and Mountains to Sound Greenway in Washington.

“Working with these organizations has helped me understand the challenges that nonprofits face, as well as the significant positive impact that conservation and restoration can have on a community,” Braun said.

After graduation in May 2017, Braun plans to pursue a career in clean energy, waste reduction, or related environmental efforts.

“I’d like to contribute to concrete programs that reduce energy consumption while improving regional quality of life,” she said.

College of Science