Name : Lily McRee
Department/Position : Global Sourcing Unit/ Survey and Validation Team
Area of Expertise/Assigned Duties：Research and document creation (e.g., PDD’s, baseline reports, grant proposals)
University : Waseda University
Major/Studies : Political Science
Reason for Joining Green Carbon : Wanted to participate in research and documentation in a professional environment (whereas previous experience was research in an academic context); Positive referral from a peer
Career Background : From the United States, where I graduated high school and began my undergraduate degree at North Carolina State University, eventually transition to Waseda University as a full time student
Hobbies/How I Spend My Days Off : Going to the beach, collecting trinkets, eating cake, thrifting
Student Activities/Organizations : Member of the Waseda Economic and Finance Forum (WEFF)
Social media : www.linkedin.com/in/lily-mcree-489437274
Q. Please give us a brief introduction of yourself, including your career history.
My name is Lily McRee, and I am a 4th year Political Science student at Waseda University. I am from North Carolina in the US, and originally began my undergraduate degree there at North Carolina State University.
However, after reevaluating both my professional, academic, and personal goals, I made the big decision to switch focus and to move abroad to pursue my degree in Japan. This shift has allowed me to broaden my worldview, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of international politics through a uniquely global lens.
During my time as a student at both North Carolina State University and Waseda University, I have had the valuable opportunity to work as a research assistant on a range of interdisciplinary projects. At NC State, I contributed to veterinary science studies focused on developing treatments for Histomonas meleagridis, a parasitic disease affecting poultry.
At Waseda, my research has been more aligned with my current academic focus, involving the analysis of AI-generated counter-narratives in response to prominent claims about the Russia-Ukraine War. As such, joining Green Carbon was a deviation from my previous academia-centered experiences, though I have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in research and documentation within a professional context.
Academic and professional experience aside, I personally enjoy taking trips to the beach, collecting cute trinkets, exploring new cafes with my friends, and going thrifting for new clothes. Life in Tokyo is very dynamic and fast compared to where I grew up, so there are always new things to explore, learn, and do here!
Q. What made you want to work at Green Carbon?
I was introduced to Green Carbon through a friend who had a very positive experience working here and highly recommended it.
After learning more about the company’s mission and the kind of work being done, I was immediately drawn to the opportunity to be part of an organization actively contributing to climate solutions. It felt like a meaningful way to apply my research skills to real-world environmental challenges, and I was excited by the chance to grow professionally while supporting a cause I care about.
Q. What kind of work are you involved in? Please tell us about your job responsibilities.
As a member of the Overseas Survey and Validation Team, my primary responsibilities have been the drafting of documentation needed for project validation and accreditation. This includes things like PDD’s and Baseline Reports. More specifically, my typical process includes research and review of relevant academic journals in order to identify key information, and then subsequent review and synthesis of this information as it pertains to the project at hand.
More recently, my role has expanded to include research and preparation for grant proposals. This involves identifying suitable funding opportunities, understanding grant criteria, and developing well-structured proposals that effectively communicate the project’s goals, methodology, and anticipated impact.
Q. What has been the most rewarding part of working at Green Carbon?
The most rewarding part of working at Green Carbon has been the opportunity to contribute to impactful environmental projects while developing practical skills beyond my academic background. Coming from a research-focused university environment, it’s been especially fulfilling to apply those analytical and writing skills in a professional setting, while knowing that the documentation and proposals I help create directly support meaningful sustainability initiatives.
It’s also been rewarding to collaborate with a passionate, knowledgeable team working toward a shared environmental mission.
Q. What challenges have you faced so far?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been the availability and accessibility of information. Since many of our projects are based in countries where reliable data is limited or only available in local languages, conducting thorough background research can be time-consuming and sometimes difficult.
Another significant challenge was getting used to the different validation bodies, such as Verra and Gold Standard, and understanding the specific methodologies and documentation standards required under each. These systems are highly technical and nuanced, so becoming comfortable with them took time and patience.
That said, overcoming these challenges has helped me become more resourceful, detail-oriented, and confident in navigating complex research and regulatory environments.
Q. Finally, please give a message to those who want to work at GreenCarbon.
For those considering a position with Green Carbon, I would highly recommend it due to the dynamic and intellectually engaging nature of the work. Specifically, it involves a strong focus on research, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly.
It is a very rewarding job, in the sense that you have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that support sustainability and environmental goals, while also being able to see the tangible product of your work.
There are many opportunities to contribute at Green Carbon Inc. in many different ways, so I would encourage anyone interested in environmentalism to give it a try.