Olivia Choi

Olivia Choi (she/her/hers)
Program: MPA
Concentration: Climate, Energy, and Environment 
Specialization: IO/UNS
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea / Taipei, Taiwan

Olivia Choi ‘26 is a Master of Public Administration candidate at Columbia SIPA, concentrating in Climate, Energy, and Environment with a specialization in International Organization. A recent graduate of UCLA with a B.A. in Political Science, Olivia came directly to SIPA following her undergraduate studies. 

She recently interned with the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health in Malaysia, where she conducted research at the intersection of digital health and climate justice. Her work examines how the data center boom in the Global South can be governed to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, social equity, and inclusive energy access, while minimizing climate, health, and community-level risks.

Outside of class, Olivia enjoys painting, exploring museums and flea markets, thrifting, and biking around the city.

She looks forward to connecting with prospective students and sharing more about her SIPA journey!