Name: Lori Elam
Current Position: Associate Director of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) at Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Current Industry: Pharmaceutical
Track (1 or 2 year): 2-year

“Simply applying to the program was a gift I was able to give myself; a bet I was willing to take on a person I believe in. So many women get in their own way when it comes to success. I’m grateful to still be growing, and I’m invested in saving the world.”

What sparked your interest in sustainability, and how do you define it personally?

Protecting the planet has been a tenant of mine for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I’d poke around in the mud playing with bugs, climb trees with my brother, recycle aluminum cans in my neighborhood, and dream of how I could keep the Earth green as a job when I grew up. I still hold that vision of a greener world although many in the field can feel jaded given the many obstacles ahead. Humanity is at the fulcrum of my definition of sustainability. As a Christian, I believe we are called to love others more than ourselves and to be a good steward of our environment where so many forms of life exist. Preventing irreversible damage to our world while leaving no one behind are the aspirations I hold close to my heart. It’s going to require a collective effort and it’s going to take sacrifice.

What motivated you to choose USC’s Online Master of Sustainability Management program, and what were your initial goals?

I’ve worked in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry for nearly 25 years now. I started working in Quality Control, and after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, I had the opportunity to step into a role in EHS. I consider my career a vocation, a term that seems a bit rare these days. I work collaboratively with talented and innovative teams to drive best-in-class programs that support local ecosystems, employee health, safety, and mental well-being. As opportunities to support climate action programs have come my way, I’ve felt ill-equipped to bring value and know-how to managing sustainability programs on the timeline and scale necessary to move the needle. My search for extended education was pretty specific and the Dornsife MSM program aligned with what I was looking for.

Can you describe your journey in the MSM program so far? What has surprised you (if anything) about any aspect of the program?

My experience getting back into academic life was a bit jarring. I struggled in the beginning with writing APA-style papers and formulating succinct thoughts in my first assignments. I received my B.S. in Microbiology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and had a tough time as a student-athlete during my time there. Although I would not change my undergrad experience, I do feel like I have something to prove to myself in getting the most out of my academic experience. Despite already working in industry, I feel there is so much more on the line now pursuing this second degree. Under the Paris Agreement, countries have aligned to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and stay below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels. Those are the degrees that truly matter and a pursuit that I believe equates to life or death. I think what’s surprised me the most so far is all the resounding data that shows us that we can meet this goal—we can actually do this!

Photo courtesy of Lori Elam

How has your experience been as an online student?

I’m so grateful for this online program and the intimate learning I’ve experienced so far. Like so many USC grad students, we’re balancing more than seems humanly possible, yet day by day, we get through it. I have two sons, Trent and Wes, in high school this year, and a husband, Matt, who gets more done in a day than anyone else I know. Time is a very precious resource and the online MSM program allows me to pursue in-depth coursework while being at home with my boys.

What stands out about your classes so far?

What stands out is the psychologically safe environments Professor Petryshyn and Professor Jepson have provided. Our class is diverse and there’s a lot to cover over a short time, yet they’ve provided an atmosphere where I’ve not been worried about asking a question or providing a vulnerable personal perspective.

Have you been able to apply any concepts from your classes to your current role?

I was able to apply a class learning recently during a site visit with Takeda’s Hematology sales team. I had some fascinating discussions regarding stakeholder rights, specifically about the needs of the patients we serve in the rare disease market and issues impacting the supply chain network. I would not have been able to engage with these colleagues had I not learned these concepts through the MSM program.

How do you envision using your MSM degree in your future career?

I’m fortunate that my current employer, Takeda, has a tuition reimbursement program that affords me the opportunity to pursue this degree. I’m able to apply my learning to my current role as an Environment, Health, and Safety leader.  My vision for applying my MSM degree goes far beyond my next job position. I’m confident that this path supports a greater calling for my life.

How has the program helped you grow personally and professionally?

One might approach the midpoint of one’s life and feel like it’s time to start winding down. Hopefully, others feel like there’s so much left to do. Simply applying to the program was a gift I was able to give myself; a bet I was willing to take on a person I believe in. So many women get in their own way when it comes to success. I’m grateful to still be growing, and I’m invested in saving the world.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MSM program?

Believe in yourself. The coursework is challenging and there are plenty of opportunities for self-doubt, but that doubt doesn’t do anyone any good. Work hard, because the work ahead is harder.

Learn more about the Online Master of Sustainability Management program.