Portrait d’étudiant EnvIM option Asia

1. Who are you Elsie ?

Initially, I pursued studies in engineering and hold a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Notre Dame University, Lebanon. I had the opportunity to study several topics within the field including fiber optics, electromagnetics, industrial electrification, power electronics and digital integrated circuits. While my background is quite technical and heavily related to engineering, I always had in mind to work in sustainability and the initial field that came to mind was renewable energy and most notably, solar energy.

First, I had the opportunity to take part in an apprenticeship in Energy Consultancy, through which I was able to get acquainted with the concepts of energy efficiency for buildings, indoor air quality and energy audits. This was the initial step I had taken in the direction of the world of energy management. After that, I had the opportunity to work as an Electrical Engineer, specializing in solar PV design and installations in a company in Lebanon.

However, I always felt that I was only skimming the surface of what I could actually achieve and get informed about, and there was generally much more to learn in terms of environmental issues, sustainability and energy transition, especially being from a country such as Lebanon where there was and still is the culmination of a various number of detrimental environmental crises. Water scarcity, food security, destruction of ecosystems and natural habitats, depletion of natural resources and sources of energy are major issues that should be made more aware, not only for the benefit of mankind but for the millions of species inhabiting the earth. Being environmentally conscious is a responsibility for governments, companies and individuals for the sake of not only adapting to climate change efficiently but also being able to put in place mitigation strategies.

2. To what extent are you involved ?

I always believed that it is my responsibility as a functioning member of society to contribute in any way I can to its betterment and improvement.

I had several opportunities to come across various topics relating to sustainable development and the need for active resolutions to issues directly under the umbrella of the 17 sustainable development goals through my various involvements as a Chair and member of the organizing team of several Model United Nations conferences both locally (in Lebanon) and internationally. These conferences highlighted the importance of collaborative work and active contribution to innovative solutions related to real-life conflicts on different socio-economic and environmental levels. It was a wonderful way for the youth to truly roleplay as government officials and representatives and participate in debates, deliver speeches, and write resolutions as if they were themselves members of a UN body or committee. It was an amazing experience for me to be organizing these conferences with like minded individuals.

I also had the opportunity to be part of several volunteering initiatives for preserving the environment as a member in Rotaract Sahel Metn, Lebanon. I had the chance to organize beach clean-ups, and take part in several awareness webinars related to the importance of recycling, waste management, energy management, etc. among other activities related to professional and personal development.

3. Why did you choose the Envim postmaster ?

I think at some point I realized I was too focused on renewable energy which is only one aspect in terms of energy and environmental management and so joining the Post-Master EnvIM was the chance for me to see more than just the tip of the iceberg.

The chance to be able to actually make a change through my education and participation in the program thrilled me, as well as the prospect of actively researching and learning about different modules of different subjects relating to water management, air quality and pollution, circular economy, urban planning, agroecology, …

Furthermore, being able to take these classes from two very prestigious universities with world-renowned reputations and high quality education was an added criteria to why I chose this program specifically.

I was also very excited (and may I say very lucky later on) to meet people from different backgrounds discovering the same modules and having active enriching discussions on these important environmental issues.

4. What are your professional goals and career project ?

I want to be able to keep on learning more and absorbing all the knowledge I can in the field of environmental management, in order to become a reputable individual with the proper set of skills and information related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, circular economy, biodiversity, energy transition, and sustainable resources. This multidisciplinary and multilevel approach could help me in developing new concepts in the field and become a valuable asset for NGOs, companies and even governments.