Loann Marquant is graduating from Harvard Kennedy School in May 2025 with his Master of Public Policy (MPP) focusing on climate science and policy. During his time at Harvard, Loann became involved in campus sustainability initiatives and programs, including the Office for Sustainability’s Council for Student Sustainability Leaders (CSSL) and the HKS Sustainability Leadership Council. Learn more about Loann’s experience at Harvard.
How are you involved in working with the Office for Sustainability?
“Since the beginning of my master’s degree in September 2023, I have been actively involved with Harvard’s Office for Sustainability (OFS), serving as a student representative on the HKS Sustainability Leadership Council, led by the HKS Sustainability Manager Emily Flynn-Pesquera. Earlier this year, I also joined CSSL and was honored to receive an OFS Student Grant to launch a pilot project introducing reusable cutlery on the HKS campus.”
What is your best memory working in sustainability at Harvard?
“One of the most enriching parts of my experience has been discovering the operational side of sustainability at Harvard, from waste management to carbon offsets and clean energy generation. Designing and implementing the “Reusable Cutlery” pilot was especially rewarding, as it allowed me to better grasp constraints when trying to bring tangible change on campus.”
What other sustainability-related experiences did you have on campus or beyond during your time at Harvard?
“Becoming a Teaching Fellow for undergraduate courses was one of my proudest and most meaningful experiences at Harvard. Leading weekly classes with 30 undergraduate students on climate science and policy was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I like to think that I have learned just as much from my students as they have from me.”
What were the most inspiring sustainability topics you learned about at Harvard?
“I decided to join Harvard to explore a broad range of climate policy approaches. I particularly enjoyed researching innovative solutions to ensure clean, firm electricity supply for data centers, especially in the context of surging AI-driven energy demand across the United States and world.”
What are your plans moving forward?
“After graduation, I plan to work on strengthening cooperation between the United States and European Union on climate, energy policy, and clean technology innovation.”
What advice would you give to incoming students related to sustainability and climate (e.g., classes to take, groups to join, etc.)?
“In recent years, Harvard has made transformative strides in its climate offerings, from launching a new institute for climate and sustainability, to expanding climate-focused curricula, grants and professional development opportunities. I encourage incoming students to immerse themselves in this evolving ecosystem and help shape its future.
“The university is genuinely receptive to student initiatives. I particularly recommend engaging with the Harvard Office for Sustainability and the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability to pursue academic research with hands-on climate solutions on campus.
“If I can offer one more piece of advice: take Professor Schrag’s course “Confronting Climate Change: A Foundation in Science, Technology and Policy” (GENED 1094) and Professor Jenks’ course “US Environmental Policy and Policymaking” (ESPP 160), though I may be a little biased!”