Class of 2016: Julianna Fischer

I'm currently in my third year here at Western majoring in Environmental Policy and minoring in both Energy Policy and Economics. Energy has become my main focus as I have come to understand it is ingrained in every aspect of day-to-day life and at the base of many issues I am passionate about. When I began analyzing the environmental issues we are facing today I came to realize many of the pieces of knowledge are already out there, they just need connecting. I see studying policy as a means of obtaining an interdisciplinary understanding of issues that are generally analyzed independently. I believe in the power of communication across disciplines to foster new understandings about the energy dependence we have become accustomed to and how to resolve climate change, a crisis that is among the main motivation in my studies. They say it takes a village to raise a child, similarly, I believe it takes many passionate individuals across disciplines to solve our current energy and environmental problems. The energy policy minor has opened this interest for me, and has aided in opening the door to many other opportunities as well.

For me, being active in my campus and community about the issues I care about has been the most effective way to be a part of the solution. During the summer I will be traveling to Germany where I will be studying renewable energy policy and development. I hope to understand the successes Germany has had with their energy transition and to return home ready to implement these strategies in my community. I am currently interning with RE Sources for Sustainable Communities – a non-profit environmental education organization here in Bellingham. In this position I am an active voice opposing the proposed Cherry Point Coal Terminal and an advocate for oil by rail safety legislation. As an intern and as a member of Students for Renewable Energy, I work to help this community take steps to transition to a clean and sustainable energy system. I am applying the knowledge and understandings I have obtained through my energy classes here at Western, my growing knowledge and experience is vital to the impact I hope to make in the world.

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