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Meet Pablo Salazar
Iceland 2024 – TGP Scholarship
Duke University
Masters of Environmental Management
Graduation Year: 2025
“The emotional depth, connections with like-minded people, and awe-inspiring landscapes all contributed to one of the most enriching experiences of my life.”
About Pablo
My name is Pablo Salazar. I’m an international master’s student at Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment, with a background in chemical engineering from Mexico and four years of professional experience in the energy sector. I was drawn to TGP because of its focus on clean energy solutions and its immersive, experiential learning model. It aligned perfectly with my passion for sustainability and decarbonizing the energy sector.
[When I was awarded a scholarship by The Green Program], I was overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement. It felt like a door had opened to one of my dream destinations—an opportunity not just to explore Iceland, but to grow academically, professionally, and personally. The enrollment process was smooth, but navigating financial and travel logistics as an international student added an extra layer of planning. Thankfully, the TGP team was incredibly supportive, which made everything much easier.
Takeaways and Learning Moments
I expected a strong academic program, but what I experienced went far beyond that. The emotional depth, connections with like-minded people, and awe-inspiring landscapes all contributed to one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
Experiences like TGP provide much-needed exposure, perspective, and validation. For underrepresented students, global experiences affirm that we belong in these important conversations and spaces. They expand our networks, boost our confidence, and ignite ambition. [It shows us] that nature is worth fighting for, that innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand, and that reflection is just as important as action. I also came away with a deep appreciation for the power of community and collaboration.
Learning about Iceland’s geothermal and hydro resources through lectures and site visits was incredible. As someone with experience in the energy sector and nearing the completion of my master’s program, I felt prepared to dive into discussions about energy systems. Yet, the opportunity to visit geothermal and hydro-power plants and witness their operations firsthand was invaluable—turning abstract concepts into tangible realities. This immersive learning deepened my understanding and appreciation of sustainable innovations. What made the journey even more special was sharing it with a passionate and engaged group of peers.
Capstone Project
Our capstone project focused on the end-of-life management of wind turbine blades—an often-overlooked challenge in renewable energy. We approached it by researching innovative reuse and recycling methods.
The biggest challenge was narrowing down a feasible solution in a short timeframe, but by leaning on our diverse team’s strengths, we presented a realistic, scalable strategy that could be adapted to different regions.
Pablo’s advice for new GREENies:
Don’t let perceived barriers stop you—there are more resources than you think. Apply for scholarships early, talk to past participants, and lean on your community for support. Opportunities like TGP are transformative and absolutely worth pursuing.
To Those That Made My Scholarship Possible…
To the generous donors and partners who made this experience possible: thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support opened a door that will forever shape my academic and professional path. I’m deeply grateful. To my fellow adventurers, thank you for sharing your insights, energy, and humor— you made this trip not only enlightening but also unforgettable. I leave Iceland with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism, inspired to continue working towards a brighter, more sustainable world. My time here has solidified my belief that collective action, innovation, and a deep connection to nature are the keys to driving positive change.
