Melissa Pennett

Background

About Melissa Pennett

I grew up in New Jersey, but found myself in the thick of the Swamp as a graduate student at George Washington University, where I soak in the innovation, history, and people while pursuing a degree in Sustainable Urban Planning. I’m currently working on my studies with an anticipated graduation date in the Fall of 2022, and professional career, looking to make relevant connections. My research and career experiences lie at the nexus of planning and sustainability, and I’ve been fortunate to purse relevant opportunities with local governments and nonprofits. My fellowship at the DC Department of Energy and Environment has allowed me to learn, grow and be challenged in various sustainability measures, including leading and implementing; public facing reports (2021 Sustainable DC and Climate Ready DC Progress Report, CDP, 2020 Green Building Report), critical statistical analysis, community engagement, supporting the DC Commission on Climate Change and Resilience, and the GZEP summer youth program, all with a focus on equity and environmental justice. I am passionate about promoting sustainability for ALL people, and improving the built environment with innovative measures. In 2020, I was the recipient of a research grant where I conducted a study on the contamination of curbside recycling in Fairfax City to observe recycling behaviors and subsequent contamination measures. The outcome of this research created targeted education and outreach campaigns, and adjusted actions and goals in the city’s Solid Waste Management Plan. Ultimately, I intend to pursue a career in urban planning with an emphasis on sustainability measures to promote waste reduction, climate change and resiliency, and public health.