Recent Alumni
Megan Quinn has always been passionate about environmental and social justice issues, so the 2004 graduate knew she wanted to work for an organization where she could make a difference. As a diplomacy and foreign affairs major, Megan was interested in working for a non-profit organization and landed a job as outreach director for Community Solutions, a Yellow Springs, Ohio, organization that addresses energy and climate issues.
All about oil
A prominent issue at Community Solutions is the use of fossil fuels and preparing for “peak oil,” when global oil demand will begin to outstrip supply, leading to shortages and rising prices. Megan gave her senior honors thesis presentation on peak oil, and she is part of a growing movement to make U.S. energy more sustainable and to develop more sustainable lifestyles.
Speaking out
Megan has written several articles for publication and has spoken at conferences across the country and the world for her cause. “The main aspect of my work is outreach communication with individual and community groups. It’s a very grassroots movement.”
Role model
As one of the few women and younger people speaking publicly on the issues of energy and climate, Megan is making strides in a field usually dominated by men. “It’s a very rewarding job,” she said. “I’m engaged with activists and organizers and educators who are really trying to create a better world.”
Advice to young grads
“Follow your heart and your passion. It might be looked down upon or frightening to work for a non-profit, or to do work that might not bring immediate material rewards, but in the long run it will be more satisfying to work for a cause that you believe in.”
Megan in front of Hamilton Hall leading a group of Miami students in a disucssion of peak oil in 2006.
Megan Quinn Bachman 