1. What sparked your interest in green initiatives?

Galvan: My involvement with various nonprofits as a freshman and sophomore is what really sparked my interest in the environment. It was working with them on climate change initiatives, such as the California Public Interest Research Group’s (CALPIRG) Campus Climate Challenge, that I realized the monumental challenge we are all faced with, and what the stakes were. It was then that I decided to dedicate my life to this cause.

2. What sorts of things do you do on a daily basis to reduce your impact on the environment?

Galvan: While I am here in Washington, D.C., I use public transportation to get around. Whether I take the metro to work or ride my bicycle around, I do my best to minimize my carbon footprint. I also know that much of the reduction in carbon is due to behavioral change. Simple acts, like remembering to separate recycling from trash, turning off lights, and positively encouraging others to do the same, will make a big difference.

3. What are your responsibilities as the first “green intern” on Capitol Hill?

Galvan: I wear a lot of hats on Capital Hill.  In my mind, the greatest responsibility I have is to learn as much as I can.  I’m lucky to work in an environment that allows me to participate in meetings, hearings, press conferences and (my favorite) panel luncheons.  I’m really grateful for all of these opportunities.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, I work for the “Green the Capitol” office.  I am planning an event for San Diego that will educate Congressional District Office staff on how to be a more sustainable office. 

On Tuesdays and Fridays, I work in Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office with other interns.  I answer phone calls, sort constituent mail, make sure that all of the constituents are heard, and basically immerse myself in the legislative process.  The staff has also given me an opportunity to green their office by incorporating sustainable practices into everyday tasks.

On Thursdays, when I am with the Architect of the Capitol, I assist the House of Representatives Superintendent staff by working on merging presentations, evaluating metering data, and doing a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gap Analysis for House Office Buildings.

Basically, I’m getting kind of a whirlwind tour in the various environmental organizations here on the Hill.

4. What is the best part of being an intern in Washington, D.C.?

Galvan: The best part is the sheer number of intelligent, committed people that I have the opportunity to work with (and learn from) on a daily basis. I’ve been pleasantly surprised that most people are eager to sit down and teach you about their fields; it’s been a really gratifying experience.

5. What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned so far?

Galvan: The most surprising thing I have learned is how open the Capitol Complex is to the public. I am also surprised by how confusing the Capitol Complex can be to navigate (with the underground tunnels and subway systems). It is quite an engineering feat.

6. How did you get involved with green initiatives at UC San Diego?

Galvan: Initially, I volunteered for CALPIRG’s Campus Climate Challenge at UC San Diego to work towards making the university a “climate neutral” campus. After working on that campaign, the intern coordinator told me that UC San Diego’s Assistant Director for Building Commissioning and Sustainability, Dave Weil, was looking to hire an undergraduate engineer to be a part of the Facilities Management team. I thought this would be an opportunity for me to get directly involved in school projects, and luckily that’s what I got to do.

7. Tell me about the sustainability projects you have worked on at UC San Diego.

Galvan: I assisted Dave Weil with determining the placement of solar panels across the campus. I also assisted the Campus Services Complex with green certification for existing buildings. But my most important accomplishment was assisting in the development of a presentation that educated a general audience about the sustainability projects at the university. The presentation was a huge success and was distributed all over campus.

8. What are your future goals?

Galvan: I’d like to become a part of the new “green economy.” I would like to find ways to increase energy efficiency and, hopefully in the future, be a consultant who helps people reduce their impact on the environment.

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