Two-time Penn State World Campus graduate Kelli Volkomer is using her Penn State education to make a difference in sustainability while investing in the future leaders of climate action.
Volkomer’s journey in sustainability began in 2012 with her desire to create a better world for her children. She enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Energy and Sustainability Policy, which is offered online in partnership with the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
Shortly after earning her bachelor’s degree in 2017, Volkomer began working in the energy industry. She later decided to go back to school for a master’s degree to advance her knowledge in the field; she earned her master’s in renewable energy and sustainability systems in 2024. She even implemented a project from one of her master’s courses at her job.
Based in south-central Pennsylvania, Volkomer continues to work in the energy industry and is helping to prepare the next generation of industry leaders as an adjunct lecturer with the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, teaching in the program that changed her life. Volkomer was recognized with the 2024 John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering Merit Award for her work in the graduate program.
Volkomer reflected on her experience as an online learner and shares how she’s making a difference for future generations.
Where did your interest in sustainability originate?
I was a stay-at-home mom for nearly a decade and found my passion in wanting to make a better place for my kids. I got really interested in sustainability and decided to pursue that as a career.
Why was Penn State World Campus the right choice for both of your degrees?
Penn State World Campus was kind of a no-brainer for me. I knew that it gave me the flexibility I needed. Having been through the energy and sustainability policy program, I knew I was going to get a quality education. During my undergraduate program, I got to dip my foot into conducting greenhouse gas emissions inventories through the Local Climate Action Program and continue that type of work during my master’s program capstone. I really liked it, and that was the biggest thing I wanted to learn for my company. We wanted to do a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, and knowing that opportunity was there was another reason I chose Penn State World Campus. Like any undergraduate program, ESP is more of a broad understanding of the subject. Then with the master’s level, you get to do more deep dives and project-based work — it’s like taking it to the next level.
What is one highlight of this experience for you?
A highlight would be participating in the Local Climate Action Program (LCAP). I did that from fall 2023 to spring 2024 and worked with Lower Macungie Township, a municipality in Pennsylvania. I produced a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and then completed other climate action–related projects. It was first-hand experience of what I wanted to learn and a unique opportunity for anyone to have. Then I got to work with Penn State Hershey Medical Center and the Penn State College of Medicine to produce their first greenhouse gas emissions inventory. I worked on that from summer to fall 2024. It’s incredible to have a hand in launching that. I’ve been able to use these experiences in my position by producing my company’s baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
What projects have you worked on since graduation?
I am still working for Shipley Energy and was the project manager for our newly installed solar array. This project was something I developed for one of my graduate courses (EME 801) and ended up getting to pitch to management and oversee its installation.
I also have been working with Penn State’s Local Climate Action Program as an adjunct instructor since spring 2025. I provide technical support to our students, especially when they encounter data challenges and need additional help working through them. I review all of the inventories for accuracy prior to sending them to our external partner for final verification. I’m also the faculty lead supporting our student team working with the City of Erie, Pennsylvania, this spring. I hope that this work with LCAP will continue.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about going back to school?
Definitely do it. You can go at your own pace — even just one course at a time. Shortly after I started the first semester of my master’s program, I had this “oh my gosh, what did I do” moment. I reached out to my adviser, and she helped put things into perspective. All I needed to do was allow myself that adjustment period. You might feel overwhelmed at the start, and that’s OK. It takes a while, and it does get easier as you establish your routines. Your advisers, your instructors, and your peers all want you to succeed.
This Q&A spotlight is part of “40k alumni: 40 stories celebrating 40,000 graduates,” a series marking the milestone of more than 40,000 Penn Staters earning their degrees online through Penn State World Campus.