Carissa O’Donnell spent his life immersed in the natural environment. Although she was born in South Florida, her family moved to Tiny Larkspur, Colorado, at the age of 9. It was her relationship with nature that took root and to deepen it O’Donnell pursued a bachelor’s degree in environmental economics and policy from Oregon State University. After completing the program within three years, she went to Washington, D.C. to conduct a summer internship in the House, where she witnessed action on environmental policy and legislative processes.
O’Donnell is currently a master’s candidate at Columbia Climate School, where she was appointed as the winner of the 2025 Campbell Award. In the subsequent conversation, O’Donnell maps the road from West Coast Hill to New York City’s concrete canyon.
How do you know that environmental economics and policy are your avenue?
I look back now, especially in high school, how I connect with nature and the environment. It is crucial for me to understand this. Two avenues that my public high school offers are environmental science and environmental research. I took classes on both, and after getting my first test score, I realized that science was not my path. I began to research programs that could take advantage of my interest in policy, social communication and social systems. This led me to go to Oregon State University (OSU). The program facilitated my growth and prepared me for my master’s degree in the climate and social program.
How do you gain experience in environmental policy?
I have been involved in government work and legislative advocacy very early. I participated in the Legislative Scholar Program at OSU and was the last year’s student union president. I like being in a space where I can be a medium of change. This led me to enter the Oregon Legislature and interned in Washington, D.C., meeting with university presidents and community organizers, and advocating for higher education funding and student support. Working on Capitol Hill provides insight into how government works. I learned that everyone goes to the hills and hopes to make a difference through legislation and benefit from the country, which will always be the common ground where something can be built.
What prompted you to pursue a master’s degree at Columbia Climate School?
OSU graduated early in one year was unexpected and I had no plans. I thought, I really liked it here – I have a great community and support system and I am an emerging college band. Will I stay and earn another bachelor’s degree? Or continue looking for a job? I was accepted into the MA program and offered an internship in Washington, D.C. at the same time. I thought I would face choices between internships (by promising employment in DC or during internships taking this graduate program). My mentor encouraged me to do both. That’s the kick I need to take into one of the most influential years of my life.
“The program queue cares deeply about the planet and people. This combination allows me to call some of the most compassionate, driven and inspired people of my dear friends and colleagues now.”
How did you experience in Colombia?
Colombia has many opportunities and well-received professors and mentors, but so does the city. This is the learning and growth I hope to gain from leaving OSU. I’m really grateful for this. My climate school community has become my ecosystem, foundation and support system. The program queue is deeply concerned about the planet and people. This combination allows me to call some of the most compassionate, driven and inspiring people of my dear friends and colleagues now. It gave me a lot of optimism.
Congratulations on your nomination for the Campbell Award! What does that mean to you?
Of course, this is a surprise. I intend to get the most out of the program because it knows it was a year and it was a huge investment for myself. Curiosity and my desire to create change have led me to represent the University Senate Climate School, participating in the Student Leadership Engagement Program and the Student Leadership Advisory Committee. It is a profound honor to win this award.
Are you surprised to live in an urban environment while studying climate issues?
DC is my first time living in the city. Now, learning about climate and society in one of the world’s largest cities requires not only imagination, but also concentration: the city is your classroom, and learning is everywhere. Promoting environmental and climate action in urban environments is more complex, which is the connection between climate and society. Here, every tree and green space must be passed through the social system, belonging to zoning permits and building regulations, and exceeding other interests of the land.
Plus, the city has plenty of opportunities if you allow it. People come to New York, hoping to achieve it on the important stage of anyone who is enthusiastically directed. This curated a city driven by passion. I was able to pursue musical passions and climate policy interests; I slowly learned what it means to practice balance in a city that never falls asleep (literally!).
You graduated a few weeks later – what’s next?
I will take my first step from the public sector and join Bloomberg’s New Energy Finance Division as a Summer Intern Analyst. I will work with analysts to study a project and look at the financial and economic impact of the energy transition. I will also serve as a researcher at Columbia Climate School and its AC4 Research Division (Advanced Collaboration, Conflict and Complexity Alliance), focusing on how over-resourced political and social conflicts interact and how sustainability and climate adaptability are relevant solutions. I hope to stay in New York, but I also apply to serve as a legislative fellow in the New York Senate in Albany and in Washington, D.C. where I hope I will deal with climate requirements in energy or insurance policies.
Finally, where are you going to connect with the city’s green space?
Whenever I get a chance, I play tennis in the Riverbank Park. I also love Riverside Park – this is where I run every morning. I have creatures that I am very used to, so once I find something familiar I will stick with it, this is the story of the transition year I just told you, which is very ironic, but it is true.
