Sara Luber

About Me

Hi, I’m Sara!

I’m a creative, hands-on communicator who loves to bake, sew, run, and read. My dream job lives at the intersection of environmental communications and data analytics—I’m passionate about making complex information accessible and engaging through visual and written storytelling. With a strong interest in environmental justice, I care deeply about the connection between human health and the environment.

Right now, I work as an Executive Assistant at the EPA, where I’ve developed a knack for balancing administrative precision with creative problem-solving. I’m looking for a role that blends that organizational strength with bold, editorial storytelling—ideally in the clean energy or climate sector, where I can help shape content that brings big ideas to life.

Outside of work, you’ll probably find me reading a novel, elbows-deep in a sewing project, or driving way too far for a concert!

Resume

Education

North Carolina State University, B.A. Political Science

Graduated May 2023. Completed a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in American Politics and a minor in Environmental Science. Coursework included American political thought, constitutional law, public policy, international relations, and research methods, alongside interdisciplinary classes in environmental studies and sustainability. Gained strong writing, research, and analytical skills through diverse electives and honors seminars.

📄 View Diploma (PDF)

IBM Professional Certificate – Data Science

Earned in 2024. Completed IBM's 10-course Data Science Professional Certificate covering Python, SQL, data analysis, data visualization, and machine learning fundamentals. Gained hands-on experience through cloud-based labs and assignments, culminating in a real-world capstone project applying the full data science workflow.

📄 View Certificate (PDF)

IBM Professional Certificate – Data Analytics

Earned in 2024. Completed IBM's 9-course Data Analyst Professional Certificate covering Excel, Python, SQL, data analysis, and data visualization. Gained hands-on experience with tools like Jupyter Notebooks and Cognos Analytics through real-world projects, culminating in a capstone that involved analyzing datasets, building dashboards, and presenting insights.

📄 View Certificate (PDF)

Relevant Experience

Executive Assistant – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
November 2024–Present

At the Office of Resource Management (ORM), I streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies, implementing innovative processes, and enhancing workflows to better support the Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) mission. I coordinated cross-functional projects, collaborating with team members and other EPA departments to ensure timely, high-quality delivery. By analyzing organizational data, I provided leadership with actionable recommendations that improved operational effectiveness. Additionally, I efficiently managed executive-level calendars and administrative tasks, aligning daily operations with broader strategic priorities.

Notable Skills: Executive Support, Project Coordination, Process Improvement, Microsoft 365, Interdepartmental Collaboration

Program Operations Admin – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
March 2024 – November 2024 (Contract)

At the EPA’s Scientific Computation and Data Curation Division (SCDCD), I contributed to operational efficiency and sustainability by leveraging data and technology. I created advanced data visualizations in Power BI to support budget and software management decisions and assisted in developing a Postgres and Qlik-based database to streamline data processes. Using advanced Excel skills, I delivered data-driven solutions that enhanced resource management. Additionally, I managed key administrative tasks such as preparing presentations, coordinating software renewals, and organizing Teams channels to support the division’s goals and ensure seamless operations.

Notable Skills: Microsoft Excel, PowerBI, Qlik, SQL, SharePoint, Microsoft PowerPoint, Database Management

Energy Policy Research Assistant – NC Clean Energy Technology Center
2022 Academic Year (Internship)

I conducted in-depth analyses of clean energy incentive programs focused on renewable energy, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient building upgrades. My work involved evaluating state policies and legislative frameworks that impact clean energy adoption and maintaining the accuracy of the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). I also developed research reports and presentations to support clean energy initiatives and effectively communicate findings to key stakeholders.

Notable Skills: Policy Analysis, Program Evaluation, Database Management

Youth Conservation Corps – City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation
Summer of 2021 (Internship)

Worked with the Conservation Corps of North Carolina as part of the Youth Conservation Crew to support environmental stewardship and public land maintenance across Raleigh. Gained hands-on experience in natural resource management through invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and stream cleanup projects. Collaborated with urban foresters, stormwater specialists, and park staff, while also mentoring youth participants and facilitating educational opportunities in bird ecology, community science, and sustainable practices. Contributed to environmental art initiatives and promoted conservation awareness through creative and service-based projects.

Notable Skills: Invasive Species Management, Environmental Fieldwork, Hands-On Conservation, GIS

Portfolio

Python

Analyzing Air Quality Trends and Policy Impact

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Environmental Regulations on Pollution Reduction

This project utilizes Python to analyze air quality data over time and assess the impact of environmental policies, such as the Clean Air Act, on pollution levels. By collecting historical air quality data, conducting statistical analysis, and visualizing trends, the project evaluates how different policies have influenced pollution reduction in various regions. The analysis also explores the effectiveness of these policies in improving public health, providing actionable insights for future policy improvements and enforcement strategies.

PowerBI

Environmental Justice & Climate Burden

Visualizing Environmental Risks, Resource Access, and Policy Disparities using EPA EJSCREEN & Justice40 Data

This Power BI project visualizes environmental justice and climate burden across communities using data from the EPA’s EJSCREEN and the Justice40 Initiative. It highlights which neighborhoods—based on income, race, and location—face the greatest environmental risks and overlays this with access to critical resources like healthcare, green space, and clean water. The dashboard also tracks federal investment to show where policy funding meets or falls short of Justice40 targets, helping identify gaps in enforcement and equity.

Stata

Who Supports Climate Change Policy?

Analyzing Public Opinion by Demographics and Political Ideology

Goal: To investigate which demographic and political factors influence support for federal climate change policies — such as carbon taxes, green jobs programs, or environmental regulation.

Data Sources:

Pew Research Center (e.g., climate change attitudes)
General Social Survey (GSS) – has environmental modules
ANES – includes questions on environmental policy attitudes
Yale Climate Opinion Maps – downloadable at the county level (can merge with demographic data)

Writing Samples

The Technician

NC State Student Newspaper

I contributed political opinion articles to The Technician during my time at NC State. Here are a few selected pieces:

Misc. Projects

My First Website (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

This website is my first project using HTML, CSS, & JavaScript. Built from scratch, it showcases my skills and creativity. You can view the full source code on GitHub.

Sara Sews!

I showcase my quilted, embroidered, and sewn creations at local craft fairs throughout the NC Triangle!

Contact

Let's connect! You can reach me through any of the following:

sarafluber@gmail.com

(443) 547-2317

Raleigh, NC (open to relocation)

Environmental Communicator