Cadmus Welcomes Summer 2021 Taliesin Namkai-Meche Memorial Interns

In May 2017, Cadmus lost a dear friend and colleague when Taliesin Namkai-Meche, an analyst in our Portland office, tragically lost his life in an act of selfless heroism, defending two young women against a bigoted attack.

Taliesin first joined Cadmus as an intern and came back to work with us full time as part of our Statistics and Economics Team after graduation. With his insatiable curiosity and sharp mind, he connected his daily work to bigger policy questions concerning climate change and the environment.

The Taliesin Namkai-Meche Memorial Internship was established in 2018 to continue Taliesin’s legacy. Each summer, we are pleased to welcome interns who share Taliesin’s intellectual curiosity and passion for social justice. We are delighted to introduce our 2021 interns and honored to give them an opportunity to enrich themselves, the Cadmus community, and our broader communities.

Solum Onwuchekwa

What drives you?

It may sound clichéd but making a change. Since my interest lies in sustainability and I’ve learned that sustainability truly occurs when the balance between the economic, social, and environmental is found, my drive stems from achieving this balance. However, it’s a hard and complex issue that impacts a lot of people’s livelihoods. So, the impact it has on people and the world keeps me going.

What is your academic focus?

I am currently a graduate student at Columbia studying earth and environmental engineering. I am really interested in sustainability, especially as it pertains to energy. I am very fascinated about the ways energy systems can be more sustainable, especially in developing nations, as they are in the best position to implement these changes and practices.

Freeman Gao

What is your academic focus?

I went through the first three years of college not entirely sure of what I wanted to focus my studies on, hoping the broadness of a mechanical engineering degree would work itself out by the time I graduated. Now, after a couple of great co-ops, I know I’d like to focus on clean energy.

What drives you?

I’ve always been passionate about environmental issues, even as a kid, because I spent so much time running around playing in the mud outside. I’m lucky enough to be in pursuit of a degree where I can help make a positive impact on the environment, and that makes me want to be my best.

Petros Belay

Why did you choose to intern with Cadmus?

I wanted to intern with Cadmus mainly for two reasons: Having the opportunity to work on challenging problems with intelligent people and investing my time in a company that cares about the growth of its employees. In my time as an intern at Cadmus thus far, I feel that the company meets these interests.

What is your academic focus?

My academic focus is in economics and data science. I am most passionate about finding the best ways to answer economic questions using data to help others. After gaining more work experience, I plan on returning to academia for my master’s degree in an analytical field.

You never know where your next great leap will take you. Visit cadmus1dev.wpenginepowered.com/careers to explore our open positions for all stages of your career.