SBU Students Joining The New York Climate Exchange Summer Internship Program
Four Stony Brook University students have been selected to participate in the highly competitive New York Climate Exchange Summer Internship Program, joining a cohort of 13 undergraduate students from partner universities across the country. The eight-week program, running from June 23 to August 15, offers students the opportunity to work alongside climate experts and community leaders on pressing environmental challenges.
“This internship represents a significant opportunity for our students to gain hands-on experience in climate action while making meaningful contributions to New York communities,” said Kevin Reed, Stony Brook’s associate provost for climate and sustainability programming, and chief climate scientist at The Exchange. “The selection of four students from Stony Brook highlights our university’s commitment to climate education and leadership.”
The Stony Brook student participants and their placements include:
- Sabrina Cappella, an environmental studies major, who will work with Good Old Lower East Side on environmental justice and resilience planning initiatives.
- Christina Pan, a chemical and molecular engineering major and WISE Honors Program student, who will contribute to research efforts at the Harbor School‘s marine laboratory.
- Lily Horvath-Kis, a sustainability studies major and University Scholars Program participant, who will focus on media outreach and event planning at Solar One.
- Minal Iftikhar, a political science and economics major, who will support climate resilience campaigns at Waterfront Alliance.
“I’m excited about forming meaningful connections with peers who share my dedication and passion for environmental protection,” Horvath-Kis said. “This internship is a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the climate sector while benefiting from mentorship from established professionals in the field. I look forward to applying my academic knowledge to real-world environmental challenges and developing the practical skills that will serve as a foundation for my future career in sustainability.”
The full-time internship combines practical work experience with educational programming and professional development opportunities. From Monday through Thursday, interns will work with their assigned community partners on specific projects under the supervision of both host organization mentors and New York Climate Exchange leadership.
Fridays will bring the entire intern cohort together for climate-related educational sessions, professional skills development, community service and field trips. This cohort model creates opportunities for peer learning and collaboration across disciplines.
“The combination of specialized placement work and cohort learning activities creates a comprehensive experience that prepares students for careers in climate action,” said Catherine Sherman, assistant dean of the University Honors Programs at Stony Brook. “The networking opportunities alone are invaluable, but the practical skills development makes this program truly exceptional.”
The diversity of academic backgrounds among the Stony Brook participants — from engineering to political science to environmental studies — reflects the program’s emphasis on tackling climate challenges from multiple perspectives.
Pan emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches: “I am most excited for this summer to see the ways different people with different expertise work on climate solutions; I see a responsibility as an aspiring engineer to work to serve the environment and ensure that people have access to clean resources.
”The Exchange will be a great way to get out of a laboratory setting and into the real world, seeing the ways engineering and research are implemented and accepted in society.”
Iftikhar’s placement at Waterfront Alliance connects her political science and economics studies with practical applications: “Too often, environmentalism is viewed solely through a scientific lens—centered around technical solutions to fight the climate crisis. But for me, environmentalism is so much broader. It’s about understanding how the climate crisis leads to mass displacement, deepens health and economic disparities, and disproportionately affects marginalized communities.”
“My passion lies in both prevention and response — addressing root causes while also supporting those already impacted. I’m eager to gain the knowledge and skills needed to better serve my community and be part of real, long-term solutions.”
Beyond the immediate project work, the program aims to foster the next generation of climate leaders through a capstone project that interns will complete in groups, drawing on their diverse backgrounds and summer experiences.
Under the guidance of The Exchange, students are expected to benefit from professional mentorship throughout the program.
“This experience represents more than just a summer job — it’s an investment in students who will be shaping climate policy and solutions for decades to come,” Reed added. “The hands-on nature of the program, combined with the cohort model, creates a transformative learning environment.”