Cloquet alum takes on big issues in D.C.

When the school year is done and the seniors' final year comes to a close, Carlton County grads are released into the world to travel far and wide to educate themselves, explore new opportunities, and make the world a better place.

One 2003 Cloquet graduate took the opportunity to help the world and now stands on the congressional battleground to tackle climate change and our own human behaviors.

Alexander Maki left Cloquet to acquire an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in philosophy and psychology. Maki realized during his last year as an undergraduate that he could use psychology to understand what made people volunteer and help others.

Maki threw himself into the topic when he became a member of AmeriCorps, where he helped those with mental problems, such as depression or schizophrenia, find and secure jobs in the Minneapolis area. "It was nice to see psychology being used for a nonprofit to benefit others." Maki said.

After his time in AmeriCorps, Maki went back to school to get a doctorate degree in social psychology from the University of Minnesota.

With degree in hand, Maki began his three years of post-doctoral research with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. His research focused mainly on people's perceptions of climate change and on how to change people's behavioral patterns using interventions. Over time, Maki's research became more and more focused on changing people's behaviors to help stop climate change. While researching, Maki realized that he wanted to do more and applied for a fellowship through the American Psychological Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Through his fellowship, Maki has been using his skills and research to help U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar address Congress about the environment and climate change. As a science and technology policy fellow, Maki uses his background in social psychology to learn about the different ways people react to policies related to climate and the environment.

"First of all, I am here to give a scientific perspective on topics that relate to the environment," Maki said. He uses his education and training to address people's perceptions about climate change and the bills meant to stop it. The senator's office asks Maki to help keep them not only updated on Minnesotans' concerns, but to help them address and prioritize them.

Maki's other duties include writing memos for the senator and advising her on climate-related issues during meetings and hearings. Maki also has to stay on top of the latest in climate research. For example, when a new climate report is released, Maki incorporates the information into existing reports for Klobuchar's office.

Maki took to the big stage in Washington by helping to draft a speech for Klobuchar regarding the fourth national climate report and climate change's effects on Americans' health, national security and economy.

"It is really impressive to see how hard the office and the senator work to address Minnesota issues," he said. "It's been a very meaningful thing to be a part of."