Student Spotlight: Cassandra Savel (M.S. ’25)

Meet Cassandra Savel, a graduate student in the two-semester Energy Science, Technology, and Policy (ESTP) program. She earned her undergraduate degree in Sustainability from Arizona State University, where she developed a strong foundation in environmental science.

Prior to attending CMU, Cassandra worked as a Project Manager in Los Angeles, contributing to a California state government clean technology incentive project, where she gained valuable experience in the intersection of technology, public policy, and sustainability.

Cassandra chose to pursue the ESTP program at CMU due to its well-established curriculum focusing on energy systems, the flexibility to enroll in courses across the College of Engineering and the Heinz College of Public Policy, and the scholarship she received to support her studies. CMU’s reputation as a top-tier institution at the forefront of innovation in technology, energy, and engineering was a major draw.

The affordability of living in Pittsburgh and the opportunity to complete a master’s degree in one year also aligned perfectly with her professional and financial goals. Throughout her time at Carnegie Mellon, Cassandra has been deeply involved in both academic and extracurricular activities. Academically, she particularly enjoyed several impactful courses, including Energy Demand & Utilization, Advancing the Low Carbon Transition in Industry, Climate Change Adaptation for Infrastructure, and U.S. Energy and Climate Policy.

One highlight of her academic experience was participating in the EPP course Advancing the Low-Carbon Transition in Industry, where she and her classmates visited a U.S. Steel factory and explored the cutting-edge topic of steel decarbonization. Another standout course for her was Climate Change Adaptation for Infrastructure with Professor Fetiye Ozis, which combined elements of environmental science with engineering-based solutions to address climate challenges.

In addition to her coursework, Cassandra has actively engaged with the campus community. She is a member of the Spanish and Latin Student Association (SALSA), where she connects with fellow students who share a passion for culture and community building. She has also participated in numerous events organized by the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, regularly attending seminars that feature leaders in energy research and policy. Some of her most memorable experiences include attending the MIT Climate and Energy Hackathon, participating in the GSA Spring Soirée, and celebrating the holidays with her ESTP cohort.

Cassandra particularly values the program's collaborative nature. Working on group projects with classmates and witnessing her own academic and professional growth, and seeing herself succeed even amidst a challenging course load, has been incredibly rewarding. The supportive environment at CMU, combined with the rigor of the program, has strengthened her confidence and skills in tackling complex energy and sustainability challenges.

Looking ahead, Cassandra is excited about the next chapter in her journey. With her diverse background in sustainability, project management, and energy systems, she is well-positioned to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the energy sector.