Find bio information and research from past App State COP participants below.
COP 29
App State's delegation to COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan traveled November 9-17, 2024.
Xander Brown
Degree Program: MA in Political Science - Environmental Politics and Policy Analysis; MS in Applied Data Analytics
“Environmental policy creation combines public administration, sustainable development strategies, and data analysis to effectively address climate challenges while tackling the inequalities and social consequences they present. Every corner of the world has slightly different issues, solutions, and perspectives and I look forward to experiencing the diverse approaches at COP29 as the delegates look to find common ground to turn plans into policy.”
Alessandra Griffa
Degree Program: BSBA in Finance and Banking
“Understanding the policies behind the actions being taken is the first step to making a difference. COP allows us the opportunity to understand how world leaders perceive issues affecting our environment as well as the methods they are using to help our future. I am eager to explore all the different variables involved in making an impact”
Grace Knapp
Degree Program: BA in Global Studies and double-minor in Spanish and Political Science
“With climate change now a pressing concern, it demands an adequate and thorough response. Expanding my knowledge and gaining a deep understanding of the international policies driving climate action are essential steps toward advancing global climate education. I aim to gain insights into how both the private and public sectors implement sustainable changes, and I am eager to see how this class will influence my perspective on collaborative sustainable-political action”
Kennedi Ratcliffe
Degree Program:
BA Economics and BS Political Science; Minor in German
“The intersection between economics and environmental policy is becoming more prominent as we work towards ensuring a sustainable world for future generations. Understanding how international leaders make decisions in regard to environmental issues is an important step to increasing international cooperation on these issues. I am interested in observing how COP addresses the creation and implementation of environmental policies that ultimately help support climate adaptation and a prosperous future for all.”
Nick Roberto
Degree Program: MBA Interdisciplinary Business
“As we are all stakeholders in the global climate, it is important to understand the policies and institutional frameworks at hand. These act as the stepping stones on the path towards climate mitigation and adaptation. I am interested in the development of resilient energy infrastructure and adaptations in water, food, health, and ecosystems.”
Nicole Tran
Degree Program: BS in Political Science - International & Comparative Politics; Minor in Leadership Studies
“As we work towards global climate solutions, it is crucial that the voices of marginalized and vulnerable communities are prioritized. I am interested in seeing COP address the integration of social equity into climate negotiations. Ensuring that climate policies are fair and inclusive will not only enhance their effectiveness, but also foster a sustainable future for all.”
Sarah Widderich
Degree Program: MA in Political Science- Environmental Politics and Policy Analysis
COP provides a unique environment in which a large majority of the important actors in environmental policy and decision making are in one place. This large range of global perspectives and differing opinions will allow me to see firsthand the detailed negotiations that must take place in order to pass climate targets. I am interested to see how these international agreements will affect the decision making of national and local leaders.
COP 28
App State's delegation to COP 28 in Dubai occurred November 30 - December 6, 2023.
Mia Altieri
Degree Program: MA Political Science - Environmental Politics and Policy Analysis
“Policy at all levels of government must increasingly adopt and integrate climate focused perspectives. I want to learn how global environmental discussions impact local, state, and national policy approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation. In particular, I’m interested in how we can develop cooperative environmental strategies in all aspects of the political sphere.”
Bella Carpenter
Degree Program: BS Sustainable Development; Minor in Sustainable Business
“Expanding my knowledge of sustainability to an international perspective is at the forefront of what I hope to gain along with taking my studies to a new level of application. With the realm of global climate policy becoming relevant in all industries, I hope to observe different aspects of regulation and emerging innovations to help foster a stronger sense of how they will play a role in my future, both personally and professionally.”
David Cooperberg
Degree Program: BSBA Management; Minor in Accounting
"Many folks have an opinion on climate change, but there are many gaps in the comprehension and clarity on what is being done to address the issue. Given this educational opportunity I hope to achieve a deeper level of understanding, and educate others on the importance of the UNFCCC for a healthier planet."
Grace Gliwa
Degree Program: MBA Interdisciplinary Business; MS Applied Data Analytics
“The passion behind climate change and the implications of UNFCCC have fueled my excitement for this opportunity. Understanding where policy meets implementation, as well as the financial needs of such, will improve my ability to apply sustainable practices to businesses, towns, and my own personal life alike.”
Gabe Montalbano
Degree Program: BSBA Economics; Minor in Behavioral Economics
“A key part of solving the climate crisis is fully comprehending the motivations powering leaders in the public and private sectors. COP 28 is a space where those are laid flat on the table through negotiations, a truly valuable process to witness firsthand. I hope to deeply grasp all factors that are continuing the climate crisis and use that knowledge to shape my future leadership decisions.”
Daniel Rose
Degree Program: MS Appropriate Technology
“Although I enjoy the technical aspect of environmental sustainability, it has always been clear that the integration of these systems is highly dependent on the policies that guide them. This opportunity will allow me to gain a more holistic view of global sustainability initiatives, which will further my understanding of how to establish similar policies for cities, businesses, and other establishments.”
COP 27
The 27th COP took place in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from November 7 - 18, 2022. The App State delegation attended during the first week. 2022 Syllabus | Website
Jonathan Buckley
Degree Program: BA Economics
Area of Expertise: Urban Planning
"Understanding the functions and processes going into global climate events such as this would give me great insight into the international cooperation, agreements, and disagreements the nations of the world have with one-another."
Rachel Crabb
Degree Program: BS Sustainable Development
Area of Expertise: Environmental Law & Policy
"I would love to gain a better understanding of the pathways that policies take during events such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and how those policies are changed and shaped along the way until they become an agreed upon goal, such as what happened during the 2015 COP in Paris."
Chelsea Gulliver
Degree Program: MBA (Sustainable Business)
Area of Expertise: Mitigation & Adaptation
"The best chance that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have to influence global change is through collective action at the United Nations."
Luke Halodik
Degree Program: MBA (Economics)
Area of Expertise: Fisheries Management
"I want to learn how climate change is being managed on a global scale and the efforts and negotiations that countries are proposing and how they could affect our future."a
Matthew Mair
Degree Program: BA Economics, BS Political Science
Area of Expertise: Environmental Policy
"I hope to combine my economic background with my knowledge of political science to create meaningful change in the world in terms of climate policy."
Grace Waugh
Degree Program: BS Sustainable Technology
Area of Expertise: Renewable Energy
"By participating in this course, I will be able to engage with peers of different backgrounds and disciplines, enriching my understanding through their experiential contributions and creative ideas and further preparing me for my future as an environmental authority on the international stage."