Christian Velez

Christian Velez is a Bronx native who graduated from The City College of New York and Macaulay Honors College in May 2026. He was one of the Colin Powell Schools 2026 Salutatorians and earned a dual degree in Political Science (BA) and Science Learning & Public Engagement (BS), with minors in Legal Studies, International Studies, and English. Christian is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Sustainability Management at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies.

During Christian’s time at City College, he was a fellow in the Honors Program in Legal Studies, where the law firm McDermott Will & Emery sponsored him as a Nominated Scholar. Christian was also a Colin Powell Climate Policy Fellow, which led to an internship with the Natural Resources Defense Council, where he worked on climate policy for India. Fellowships aside, he was once vice-president of the Legal Studies Law Club and co-president of the Science Learning & Public Engagement club.

Christian’s currently interning at the American Museum of Natural History as a research intern. He wishes to use his time at Columbia to continue conducting research at Lamont-Doherty and further expand his knowledge of climate finance, policy, law, and science. Christian plans to attend law school after graduating from Columbia and pursue a career in environmental law in hopes of protecting communities most susceptible to climate change and environmental inequity.