Blythe Braun was drawn to the Whitman-Maxwell M.S. in Sustainable Organizations and Policy (MSOP) because it offered a truly interdisciplinary education centered on a field she saw rapidly evolving.

“Sustainability is a rapidly growing field with significant potential for real-world impact—especially in areas I was already interested in, such as renewable energy and rare earth minerals,” says Braun. “What stood out to me most was the program’s emphasis on both business and policy—two disciplines that are inherently intertwined in shaping how organizations scale and respond to global challenges.”

A Foundation in Leadership and Data

After graduating with a B.S. in Communications & Rhetorical Studies from Syracuse’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), Braun felt staying at the university for her Master’s degree was the right choice. The program has equipped her with industry-relevant skills, ranging from greenhouse gas accounting and sustainable reporting to policy and data analysis.

Braun has been particularly impressed by the integration of AI into the curriculum. “Through Whitman, I’ve learned how to leverage AI platforms to build and evaluate business models, while Maxwell has strengthened my ability to critically assess policy and governance,” she explains.

This disciplined approach is second nature to Braun. As a Division I student-athlete on the Syracuse Soccer team, she spent years balancing high-level athletics with rigorous academics. “Soccer shaped how I approach teamwork and performance under pressure,” she says. “It reinforced the importance of discipline and resilience—qualities that influence how I show up both academically and professionally.”

Translating Research Into Global Impact

A cornerstone of Braun’s experience has been her work as a Research Fellow at the Dynamic Sustainability Lab, specifically on the Advancement of the U.S. Bioeconomy team.

Her work involves high-level data analysis supporting the USDA’s 2025 Annual Bioindicators Report. In parallel, her team collaborates with BiOrbic, Ireland’s national bioeconomy research center, to build a comprehensive database of stakeholders across both regions. This partnership aims to develop a Transatlantic Consortium for the Bioeconomy to strengthen international knowledge-sharing.

“The work sits at the intersection of sustainability, economic development and international collaboration,” Braun notes. This May, she will travel to Ireland to present this research at the All-Island Bioeconomy Summit. “Engaging directly with international policymakers and industry leaders reflects the applied, global focus that initially drew me to this program.”

Future Outlook: Returns + Impact

Braun’s academic experience under professors like Paul Momtaz (Whitman) and Jay Golden (Maxwell) has solidified her interest in management and consulting roles within the private sector. She is particularly focused on the energy sector and roles where sustainability is embedded into core operations rather than treated as a separate function.

She points to a philosophy shared by Mr. Pontarelli, founder of the Pontarelli Speaker Series, as her guiding light: the idea of balancing “Returns + Impact.” “That framing has had a lasting influence on how I intend to approach my future career,” Braun says. “I want to build successful, competitive businesses while also creating meaningful environmental and social outcomes.”

For more information on Syracuse University’s master’s degree in sustainable organizations and policy, visit our website.