Margaret McCluer is a summer intern at UpRoot Design Studio and a rising junior at Santa Clara University studying Environmental Science and Geospatial Analysis. She brings experience in climate research, data analysis, and digital media, with a strong interest in environmental impact. Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, Margaret developed a deep appreciation for the natural environment, which continues to inspire her passion for protecting meaningful places. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and spending time on the water. She hopes to continue her education and pursue a career in environmental nonprofit work. Check out our interview with her below!
1. Why do you love the Earth? I grew up in rural Mississippi with no neighbors and 30 minutes away from a small town. This meant we did not have immediate access to parks or playgrounds, but we did have access to the outdoors. For my siblings and me, weekends consisted of bass fishing in the pond, playing hide-and-seek in the sunflower fields, looking for fairies in the forest, and collecting old turtle shells.
In middle school, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina. Those who have visited the Lowcountry know that creeks and beaches are central to the region's lifestyle. Having made so many beautiful memories in nature is why I love the Earth. It is also why sustainability is so important to me: I want future generations to experience a similar relationship with our planet.
2. How did you get interested in environmental science/geospatial analysis? During my senior year of high school, I took an environmental science course that really sparked my passion. This course not only taught us about the biological side, but also the political and professional aspects of sustainability. My parents have always encouraged me to do what I love and money will follow so I took this advice and ran with it. Currently, I am an Environmental Science major with a Geospatial Analysis minor. Geospatial Analysis is essentially gathering, presenting, and analyzing data based on location. This tool is mostly applicable to urban planning and resource management but can really give you a deeper read on anything Earth related.
3. What are you currently working on that you're excited about? I am currently researching deep ocean microfossils with one of my professors which I am really excited about. The carbon and oxygen isotopes within these microfossils allow us to determine the temperature of the atmosphere 40 million years ago. The samples are from the paleocene-eocene thermal maximum which is the hottest period in geological record. Observing these microfossils will hopefully better inform us on how our current climate patterns will shift as global climates continue to increase.
4. What are you hoping to do with your future plans in environmental nonprofit work? I first plan to continue my education by getting a masters degree as I believe education is one of the most important things in life. After graduate school, I hope to work for a larger nonprofit such as the WWF to make global change or potentially go into government work with the EPA or the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
5. What's your favorite plant or animal? My favorite plant as of late is an Apricot Angel's Trumpet. My university has a beautiful one on campus and walking by it is often the highlight of my day.
6. What's your favorite biome or type of place to be in? Definitely somewhere warm! As a southerner, I do not do well in the cold. I have been loving California's biome as it is so temperate and you have easy access to both beaches and mountains.
7. Got any hiking trails to recommend for the locals? There are a variety of wonderful hikes in the Bay Area. My two favorites are Point Reyes in Marin County and Point Lobos in Monterey. Both are worth a drive if they are out of your way!
