Oliver Harfield ’17

Oliver is wrapping up the final year of a Master of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. Much of his studies focus on the intersection of global development and the energy transition. Over the summer, he worked at DFC (US Government's development bank) supporting the build-out of the organization's energy strategy. Prior to graduate school, he worked in economic consulting in DC and at a logistics startup in Jakarta. When not working, he is doing all he can to get outside - hiking, cycling, skiing, diving. Having had a wonderful time as part of the Graham community in undergrad, he is excited to continue to be involved. Why Oliver is interested in joining the Scholars Alumni Council:

Kendra Kleber ’23

Kendra Kleber is a 2023 Michigan Engineering graduate, with a Computer Science major, Mathematics minor, and completed the Program in Sustainable Engineering. In her time as a Graham Scholar she conducted a research survey in order to identify strategies to equitably increase the Washtenaw County Home Toxic Center usage. She is now in DC working as an Research & Development Scientist at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. For fun, Kendra enjoys exploring the city’s museums and restaurants along with reading and playing kickball. 

Patrick Lau ’14

Patrick, a 2014 Graham Scholar, is an Environmental Policy Analyst at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. His primary focus revolves around developing systems to implement the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons, potent greenhouse gases. Patrick has a wealth of experience spanning partnership and regulatory programs, including methane partnership initiatives and research grant programs. He holds a BS in Political Science and PitE from Michigan, as well as an MS in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University. 

KT Michaelson ’12

KT is a 2012 Graham Scholar and is currently a senior manager of climate strategy at Starbucks. KT has over a decade of experience leading corporate sustainability programs ranging from environmental impact measurement to strategy and communications. Prior to Starbucks, she was a managing director at a boutique consulting firm, FrameworkESG. KT earned her master's degree in carbon management from the University of Edinburgh and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

Joe Murray ’16

Joe Murray grew up in Traverse City, MI before starting a transformative journey with U-M in 2012 that continues to this day. As a student, he held leadership positions with Circle K and FeelGood, and he served as the Graham Institute's Education Assistant during his time as a Graham Scholar.

He started working in the College of LSA's Advancement office after graduation in 2016, first as a College Connections Coordinator. Two years of traveling around the country, interviewing LSA alumni about their experiences, and sharing feedback with campus leaders inspired him to continue paying forward the opportunities that U-M had provided him. Since 2018, he has served on the college's major gifts fundraising team, partnering with donors to align their philanthropic goals with the needs of the college. After a decade in Ann Arbor, he moved to San Diego in 2022 to continue work with LSA alumni on the west coast. 

Andrea Paine ’16

Andrea Paine was a 2016 Scholar who graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA in Public Policy as well as in 2022 with a MS in Environmental Planning and Policy. Andrea works on water restoration and advocacy across the Great Lakes basin, first as a Program Associate for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and since 2018 as a Program Coordinator at the Huron River Watershed Council. Andrea originally hails from Manistee, Michigan and now lives in Ann Arbor. 

Hannah Sherman ’16

Hannah Sherman is a 2016 Scholar, and graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Earth and Environmental Science. Hannah was active in on-campus sustainability efforts during her time at Michigan, including starting a student organization that redesigned the recycling program at The Big House, and serving as the undergraduate representative on the President’s Committee on Waste Reduction. During her time as a Graham Scholar, Hannah completed fieldwork in Nepal, conducting water quality and contamination source analysis research within the Solukhumbu Valley. Her findings were published in the Mountain Research Development Journal. Hannah is currently the Sustainability Manager at Rothy’s, a footwear company focused on using recycled materials. Prior to Rothy’s, Hannah worked at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger / Calvin Klein), and World Wildlife Fund. Hannah is an Ann Arbor native, and currently lives in San Francisco, CA.

Kara Steshetz ’20

Kara Steshetz is a 2020 Graham Scholar who graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering and PitE Environment minor. Kara currently works as a Product Development Engineer for Procter & Gamble in their Menstrual Care business championing for innovation that is better for the consumer and planet. During her time as a Graham Scholar, Kara studied the intersection of sustainability and business in both Iceland and Switzerland. Kara is originally from Southern California and currently resides in Cincinnati. 

Ayako Tischler ’20

Ayako Tischler graduated in 2020 with degrees in Economics and Environmental Studies, and was also in the Residential College. During her time as a Graham Scholar, she completed fieldwork in Japan and assisted the City of Ann Arbor with a Green Housing Initiative Pilot. Ayako currently works at Moonshot Missions, a nonprofit providing technical assistance to rural, tribal, and underserved water utilities across the United States. Outside of work, she is passionate about finding community with Asian Americans in the environmental movement. She hails from the Great Lakes State and currently resides in Washington, D.C.