BE-Ex welcomes two new staff members to the team: Education & Engagement Associate, Amanda Biscoe, and Educational Resources Associate, Hasan Mohammed!
Amanda Biscoe
Amanda is originally from Austin, Texas, where she learned to care deeply about the environment from an early age. Building on her love of wildlife and green spaces, she attended Texas A&M, where she obtained a Wildlife Biology degree. Following graduation, she worked at a small landscape architecture firm in Austin as an ecology intern, and then transitioned to New York City to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University, where she developed an interest in urban planning and renewable energy.
Amanda has taken on the role of co-lead of Rainforest Partnership’s Gen Z for the Trees youth advocacy initiative and worked as an intern at the American Museum of Natural History’s Center for Biodiversity & Conservation. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys birding walks in Central Park, cooking, reading, and photography.
1. Share your favorite environmental factoid.
The other day, I learned that sharks are technically older than trees, as they emerged in the fossil record around 400 million years ago, whereas the first species to be considered a “tree”existed only 350 million years ago (Smithsonian).
2. What is the last book you read or are currently reading?
Jaws by Peter Benchley & The Climb by Anatoli Boukreev & G Weston Dewalt (About the failed 1996 Mt. Everest expedition).
3. What are some ways you reduce your carbon footprint at home?
I have been prioritizing sustainability by shopping at farmers’ markets, learning about the local flora and fauna in my neighborhood, and taking care of my belongings to avoid needing to buy new things.
Hasan Mohammed
Hasan recently graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from The City College of New York and joined BE-Ex following a Sustainable Buildings Internship with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice.
Hasan has built a strong background in climate policy and resilience research—working on critical minerals policy at the Environmental Defense Fund, supporting political campaigns with the New York League of Conservation Voters, and studying climate governance abroad in Amsterdam.
He enjoys science fiction (Star Trek is a favorite), cycling, hiking, and painting in his free time.
1. Share your favorite environmental factoid.
According to an RMI study, we could actually meet the mineral needs of the green energy transition through six circular solutions, without relying on massive new mines. I love this because it flips the script: mining for clean energy often carries environmental and social justice risks, which runs counter to the whole point of building a better future. By focusing on reuse, recycling, and smarter design, we can power the transition in a way that’s both sustainable and equitable.
2. What is the last book you read or are currently reading?
I like reading multiple books at the same time so currently my rotation is Hyperion by Dan Simmons and Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Correy.
3. What are some ways you reduce your carbon footprint at home?
I keep a vegetable garden in my backyard, which not only cuts grocery costs but also lets me compost food scraps back into the soil, closing the nutrient cycle. I also love shopping secondhand, whether it’s clothes, bikes, or even electronics. There’s no need to keep producing so many new products when so many used ones work just as well (and costless!). For me, reducing waste while saving money is the perfect way to shrink my footprint.