Valerie Shao

Prior to accepting this incredible opportunity and within the past few years, I was fortunate enough to experience college life, work life, and even a little bit of “van” life. I graduated from Cornell University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and went to work for the US Geological Survey soon after as a hydrologist. I was working on many of New York’s water systems, sampling and analyzing its overall quality and condition, as well as investigating the effects of green infrastructure on storm water runoff in an urban setting. While my work was stimulating and in line with what I studied in University, I decided to take some time off from my career in the fall of 2018 to pursue my passion for rock climbing. Over the past 10 months, I traveled all over the United States as well as to many international countries (Mexico, Spain, Greece, Taiwan, and Singapore) in order to climb and experience new places, broaden my cultural awareness, and develop as an individual. I am really excited to share these experiences and my insights with the students at TCA!