Former ASOSU President Carissa O’Donnell, '24, graduated from Oregon State University with an H.B.S. in environmental economics and policy. Since then, she has earned an M.A. in climate and society from Columbia University's Climate School and now serves as a legislative fellow with the New York State Senate. In this Q&A, Carissa shares what she’s reading, reflects on her time in the Honors College and offers advice for students looking to make a meaningful impact.
Q: What are you reading lately?
No Straight Road Takes You There, by Rebecca Solnit-- I can't recommend it enough!
Q: Can you share a little about what you’re doing now?
After graduating from the Honors College, with my honors thesis bringing Veo Scooters to campus, I moved to Washington D.C for the summer to intern with U.S Congresswoman Val Hoyle. The opportunity to serve a district and community that had given me so much was the opportunity of a lifetime. I then moved to New York City, where I began my master's at Columbia University. I studied the confluence of climate and social systems, how we contribute to, interpret and react to changing climate patterns, and what is required to chart a better path forward. Research I conducted at the Climate School was presented at the first-ever climate overshoot conference in Geneva. I then spent my summer of 2025 as an analyst at Bloomberg NEF assessing the geopolitical implications of transition mineral supply chains, how countries are designing industrial policies and financially committing to supporting their personal mining and manufacturing goals--it was again, the experience of a lifetime. Now I am in Albany, NY working on environmental conservation, climate adaptation and community development efforts in the New York State Senate.
Q: What drew you to your current path? Was there a defining moment or influence?
I was the ASOSU president for the 2023-2024 academic year, and this opportunity led me to meet life-changing mentors and crave impactful and intentional work. This role allowed me to travel to DC and meet the congresswoman I would then intern for; that internship would establish my love for public service and climate policy.
Q: Looking back, what are some of your favorite experiences from your time in the Honors College?
I really enjoyed the alumni events the HC would host in the Slug. It was inspiring to see folks that had been in my position now working in spaces that they are passionate about. It was a moment where I felt like anything was possible.
Q: How did the Honors College help prepare you for where you are now?
The Honors College taught me the value in asking questions, in seeking out answers and in trusting a process. My honors thesis was one of the most difficult tasks I have ever taken on, but I completed it. It was a very important precedent to set for the rest of my life.
Q: What advice would you give current Honors College students as they think about their futures?
Do the things you are passionate about! As soon as you care about school, work, research, etc., the better you will so at it. Your college experience is transformational: it is the opportunity for you to grow your skills as well as understand what makes your heart beat fast. Try all the clubs, share a study space with strangers, ask lots of questions!! Leave knowing you did everything you set out to do and more.
Q: What’s next for you? Any upcoming goals or projects you’re excited about?
I will be working in the Senate for this upcoming legislative session, as well as presenting independent research at the American Public Health Association's annual expo. I was in a band at OSU, and I am now continuing to play music and produce it with the same friends I did while at OSU.
Related Stories
