Training for the future.

ASC's public engagement trainees have taken their skills and experience gained at ASC to a range of impactful careers. Through our signature ascBoost program and first-hand experience on a wide range of projects, trainees gain a network of support at ASC and beyond.

All public engagement trainees participate in our signature professional development series, ascBoost. These regular training sessions led by our senior staff give trainees the chance to engage with best practices in the the field, share their learning experience, and further explore the range of projects ASC undertakes. Read on for more on trainees' experiences with ASC and where their work has taken them.

Class of 2024

  • Destiny Falls

    Transportation

    Destiny supported ASC's work in transportation and civic planning. She attained her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

    Learn more about Destiny

  • Laila Patrick

    Digital

    Laila supported ASC’s work on the digital team. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering.

    Learn more about Laila

Class of 2023

  • Mary Locke

    Climate Strategy

    Mary supported ASC’s work in the energy sector. Mary completed a Master’s of Public Health at Columbia University, focusing on epidemiology through the lens of aging.

    Learn more about mary

  • Yang Chi

    Climate Strategy

    Yang supported ASC's work in climate strategy. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics, with a minor in statistics, from Hamilton College.

    Learn more about Yang

  • Jaemie Bennett

    Transportation

    Jaemie supported ASC’s work in transportation and civic planning. Jaemie obtained a master’s degree in Environmental Health Sciences, with a certificate in Climate and Health, from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

    Learn more about Jaemie

  • Valeria Rivas

    Economic Development

    Valeria holds Bachelor’s degree from Baruch College in International Business with a minor in Marketing and a concentration in Media Coverage of politics and policies. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Global Management at ESMT Berlin. Valeria supported ASC’s work on the economic development team.

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Class of 2022

  • Jubayer Ahmed

    Digital

    Jubayer supported ASC's work on the digital team. Jubayer completed a Bachelor's in Computer Science and is currently working with the NYC Department of Health.

    Learn more about Jubayer

  • Gennaro Maria Xavier Balzano

    Climate Strategy

    Gennaro supported ASC’s work in the energy sector. He holds a Master’s Degree in Energy and Environmental Policy from New York University.

    Learn more about Gennaro

  • Deanna Gardner

    Digital

    Deanna supported ASC’s digital team. She holds a BA in General Assembly and currently works as a Full Stack Engineer Intern.

    Learn more about Deanna

  • Patrick Gaughan

    Climate Strategy

    Patrick supported ASC’s energy team. He holds a BS in Environmental Science & Policy and is an EHS Technician at Weill Cornell Medicine.

    Learn more about Patrick

  • Laureen Makar

    Digital

    Lauren supported ASC’s digital team. She holds a MS in Urban Policy & Leadership and is currently working with the NYS Office of General Services.

    Learn more about Laureen

  • Olivia Pfetsch

    Digital

    Olivia supported ASC’s digital team. She holds a BS in Applied Math from Columbia University.

    Learn more about Olivia

  • Jasmine Wibisono

    Climate Strategy

    Jasmine supported ASC’s energy team. She holds an MS in Climate Science and Policy and is currently a sustainability and climate research and policy analyst for the Food and Agriculture Organization.

    Learn more about Jasmine

  • Yawen Zhang

    Climate Strategy

    Yawen supported ASC’s energy team. She holds an MPA in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University.

    Learn more about Yawen

Class of 2021

  • Claire Berg

    Transportation

    Claire supported ASC’s transportation team. She holds an MA in Public Policy from the University of Virginia.

    Learn more about Claire

  • Carlos Martinez-Mejia

    Energy Policy & Grants

    Carlos supported ASC’s climate team. He holds an MS in Epidemiology from Columbia University.

    Learn more about Carlos

  • Shawn Wallbillich

    Climate Strategy

    Shawn supported ASC’s energy team. He holds an MA in Climate Science & Policy from Bard College.

    Learn more about Shawn

  • Kyra Williams

    Digital

    Kyra supported ASC’s digital team. She holds a Master’s in Communications from Johns Hopkins University.

    Learn more about Kyra

Class of 2020 and before

  • Jonathan Gerstein

    Digital
    2020

    Jonathan supported ASC’s digital team. He holds a BA in Political Science and Government and is a research assistant on the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control.

    Learn more about Jonathan

  • Zoe Levitt

    Digital
    2020

    Zoe supported ASC’s digital team. She holds a BS in Marketing & Communication and is currently the supervisor at Little Cupcake Bakeshop.

    Learn more about Zoe

  • Michael Mazzei

    Digital
    2020

    Michael supported ASC’s digital team. He holds an IBBA in Strategic Management & International Business and is currently working as a payment sales analyst at JP Morgan.

    Learn more about Michael

  • John (Jack) Ryan

    Digital
    2019

    John supported ASC’s digital team. He holds a BA from SUNY Oneonta and is currently a senior associate, digital activation at Spark Foundry.

    Learn more about Jack