Name: Hana Kunieda
Department/Position: Global Sourcing Unit, Research
Area of Expertise/Assigned Duties: North American Research Team, Mangrove Management Team, Carbon Credit Market Research Team
University: University of California, San Diego
Major/Studies: Environmental Chemistry, Urban Planning & Development
Reason for Joining Green Carbon: I was interested in learning how Japan can contribute to global environmental issues by working for a company that prioritizes sustainability and global warming countermeasures. This led me to apply for an internship at Green Carbon. I’m also interested in how I can apply the environmental chemistry I studied in the US within a Japanese context and utilize my knowledge on an international level, and I hope to gain experience through this internship.
Career Background: I’m currently a lab assistant at my university. My interest in sustainable urban development deepened through my research on sustainable city design and innovation at the University of California, Berkeley.
Hobbies/How I Spend My Days Off : I’m interested in music and handicrafts. Lately, I’ve been challenging myself to knit sweaters from my own original designs. In terms of music, I play the flute and have been in an orchestra since elementary school. I continue to play in my university’s orchestra and take lessons in LA.
Student Activities/Organizations: I am a member of my university’s Climate Coalition, a student organization for environmental issues.
SNS: www.linkedin.com/in/hanasnyder
Q. Please give a brief self-introduction, including your career background.
Hi, my name is Hana Kunieda. I’m a student at the University of California, San Diego (Class of ’26), majoring in Urban Planning & Development and Environmental Chemistry. Through my research in the lab and my activities with student organizations focused on global warming countermeasures, I’ve developed a deep interest in sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reduction. After graduation, I hope to work for a sustainability-related company where I can contribute to climate change solutions and improve communities through environmental design.
Q. What kind of work are you involved in? Please tell us about your responsibilities.
I am currently involved in North American carbon credit market research, mangrove afforestation project management, and Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) research. On the North American carbon credit market research team, I evaluate the potential for Green Carbon (GC) to expand its business by comparing the carbon credit creation possibilities in Canada with other countries. For the mangrove project, I am mainly in charge of overall project management and creating long-term schedules and timelines. In my research, I explore the potential for new projects for GC, with a particular focus on collaborations with universities.
Q. What was your motivation for wanting to work at Green Carbon?
I wanted to join GC to challenge myself with new experiences in my field of study and broaden my skills while deepening my understanding of climate change solutions. I also believe that by working with student interns from diverse cultural and experiential backgrounds, we can build a more interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues.
Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I find it very rewarding to work on projects that produce tangible results in combating environmental problems. My work at GC allows me to clearly see the greater impact of our efforts. Furthermore, because interns at GC can get involved in projects that align with their interests, I’m always able to work on topics that engage me. This has led to a very fulfilling experience where I can see the outcomes of my work.
Q. What has been a memorable or happy moment for you while working at Green Carbon?
I really enjoyed communicating with the full-time employees and other interns, and I especially loved the time we spent eating lunch together in the office. The approachable atmosphere with the managers and full-time staff was also a great experience; it made it easy to ask for advice and constantly share project progress, which helped us work more efficiently.
Q. Finally, do you have a message for people who want to work at Green Carbon?
I recommend valuing your interests and actively participating in GC projects. You should always be thinking about how the work you’re doing here can be connected to your academic studies and future career.
