By Abbas Nazil
Indiana University Southeast junior Owen Harmon has contributed to advancing environmental sustainability in Indiana through his summer fellowship with the McKinney Climate Fellows program, gaining professional experience while supporting rural communities in climate and energy projects.
Harmon, a geosciences major with a minor in sustainability, spent the summer working full-time to identify funding opportunities for rural initiatives, communicating with community leaders to assess needs, and helping secure resources for projects, including solar installations at local libraries.
The Floyds Knobs native described the experience as his first internship and research opportunity, noting that the fellowship gave him valuable insight into professional work environments and reduced the pressure he once felt about transitioning into the workforce.
He said one of the most rewarding aspects was visiting project sites, speaking with local leaders about their ideas, and learning how small-scale efforts can create long-term positive change in communities.
Harmon emphasized that the program also introduced him to peers from diverse backgrounds, offering opportunities to collaborate on sustainability efforts that aim to build a stronger and more environmentally resilient Indiana.
The McKinney Climate Fellows program, based at Indiana University Bloomington’s Environmental Resilience Institute, connects undergraduate and graduate students with public, private, and nonprofit partners to provide sustainability expertise while preparing fellows for careers in climate and community resilience.
Through this initiative, students like Harmon assist in climate planning, sustainability implementation, and environmental research while communities benefit from innovative and practical solutions.
Harmon credited one of his professors for forwarding him an IU-wide email about the fellowship, which prompted him to apply during the winter and later secure a spot after interviews in the spring.
Reflecting on the summer, he said the most important lesson he learned was that change often begins with individuals or small groups taking action, underscoring the power of grassroots contributions to broader climate solutions.
He added that the fellowship taught him that professionals in the field are approachable and collaborative, easing his concerns about entering a career in sustainability after graduation.
Harmon chose IU Southeast because of its proximity to home, allowing him to remain close to family and friends while pursuing academic interests that align with his passion for nature and environmental protection.
Looking ahead, he plans to become more involved with campus organizations during his junior year and is considering graduate studies in sustainability, local government policy, environmental research, or the parks system.
Harmon encouraged other students to take chances on internship opportunities, even when uncertain about acceptance, noting that his decision to apply to the fellowship provided a transformative experience that shaped his academic and professional goals.
The McKinney Climate Fellows program continues to play a vital role in workforce development by giving Indiana students career-building opportunities while advancing the state’s efforts to address climate challenges and strengthen community resilience.
