Camila Auvray, Graduate Student in Graduate Program of Global Thought at GSAS

Which program/department are you in?

Graduate Program of Global Thought at GSAS.

Which country (or countries) do you come from?

France / Brazil / Italy.

How long have you been in the U.S.?

I’ve been in and out of the United States for the past 8 years. After living in France, Brazil and serving in the Israeli Military in 2014, I moved to Burlington, Vermont to pursue an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Anthropology at the University of Vermont. 

After I graduated in 2018, I moved to Miami to work in international development. After a few road trips across the US and a season working in a bison ranch, I went back to Paris for 2 years, before attending Columbia in 2021.

Tell us how your past experiences led you to Columbia.

I started working early on in my studies, first in international development in research, project management, recruitment and business development for Nexans, USAID, the World Bank, the African Development Bank and donor funded projects. After 3 years of experience I decided to move toward start-up development as I wanted to be part of the changes this fast-paced ecosystem was making. 

I’ve quickly found HD Rain, a high-resolution weather data start-up for which I am absolutely passionate to work at. Although graduate school had always been on my mind, I only felt the need to deepen my knowledge in business and international relations after 4 years of professional experience. Since I live by Simone Biles’ saying “I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all,” I applied to Columbia University Global Thought program with a pinch of boldness, a lot of ambition, and dreams…and here I am ! 

Tell us a bit about your projects/studies.

Today, passionate about my job, I wonder how climate data will impact geopolitical alliances and commercial ties. 

Over the years, we have seen technologies created around the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. Whether these technologies aim to offer knowledge on the weather or solve weather uncertainty, little work is currently being done to cross historical data, economic theories and geopolitical strategies. For example, countries which will have access to technologies enabling them to change the weather to their advantage will not hesitate to use them. Dubai did it in the summer 2021, during which they sent planes in the sky to electrify clouds provoking rain. On a larger scale, what if countries start doing so, how will that shape the geopolitical landscapes? Will climate determine political choices and economic ties? 

Anything else you’d like to share about your time in NYC or at Columbia?

I’ve had a very special time since I moved to NYC and joined Columbia. Not only have I met impressive students but also brilliant professors. One tip for upcoming and new students, study a lot but don’t forget to connect with other students and enjoy what NYC has to offer. 

Connect with Camila on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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