Charlotte Zhang

Undergraduate Major/Minor

Environment and Business

Research Interest

My academic interests lie in exploring the sociological dimensions of sustainability development. I am particularly fascinated by the ways in which societal behaviors, cultural norms, and ethical considerations shape environmental outcomes and sustainable practices within communities. This area of study is crucial in our rapidly changing world, as it connects environmental integrity with the social factors that influence how we address environmental challenges.

Thesis Topic

I am interested in examining the disconnect between students' expectations and the actual content of sustainability programs at universities. Specifically, I aim to investigate how this gap may contribute to the dropout rates among first-year students in these programs. By understanding the reasons behind this mismatch, I hope to propose revisions to the first-year curriculum that could align student expectations with the realities of the program, ultimately improving retention rates and student satisfaction.

Supervisor(s)

Professor Simon Appolloni

What interested you in the MES program?

My lifelong curiosity about the environment, sparked in childhood, has driven me to pursue a deeper understanding of sustainability. I am eager to continue my studies in the MES program, where I can contribute to developing more effective educational frameworks and make a meaningful impact on creating a sustainable society.

What aspects of the program do you enjoy? What did you hope to gain/are currently gaining from the program?

I am excited to join the MES program to deepen my understanding of sustainability as a collective societal effort and to develop more professional knowledge in this field. Additionally, I look forward to building a strong network with like-minded peers and experienced faculty, which will be invaluable as I work towards creating impactful solutions for environmental challenges.

Future Aspirations (career, education, etc.)

Sustainability Advisor/Consultant