Catherine Cole

Catherine Cole joined the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science (KIETS) in April 2025 and serves as the Program Coordinator for the Climate Leaders
Program. Ms. Cole brings over a decade of experience in environmental education, having worked with both nonprofit organizations and local government. Catherine is passionate
about inspiring and supporting the next generation of climate leaders through education, empowerment, and collaborative engagement.

In her role with local government, Catherine supported the development of inclusive, accessible green spaces that foster stronger connections between urban communities and the natural environment. Her experience in the nonprofit sector included internships with the Eno River Association in Durham, NC, and the Cape Fear Chapter of the Sierra Club in Wilmington, NC. In these roles, she developed engaging environmental education programs, engaged stakeholders, and collaborated with local, state, and federal government officials.

Her work engaged communities and positively impacted environmental advocacy and public policy. She earned her B.S. in Environmental Science and Conservation from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) in 2019. During her time at UNCW, she studied abroad in Iceland with The Green Program and The University of Reykjavik’s Iceland School of Energy, focusing on sustainable energy, ecotourism, sustainable fisheries, and land stewardship. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis from NC State (2024) and is currently completing her Master of Public Administration (MPA) at NC State, expected in 2026. In her free time, Catherine enjoys spending time with her family and going on adventures with her beloved dog, Hazel.