Elisabeth Rotschedl
Elisabeth Rotschedl is an environmental scientist based in San Diego, California, specializing in geophysics, energy systems, industrial hygiene, and biological sciences. Since September 2024, she has supported both public- and private-sector clients, including NASA, the Department of Defense, the EPA, and global corporations such as Amazon. Her work is concentrated in technically demanding, highly regulated environments, where precision, discretion, and defensible analysis are required. She is currently on assignment at NASA White Sands Test Facility, contributing to active geophysical programs.
Her interest in environmental science was shaped by the 2018 California wildfires, leading her to transition from pre-med into the field with a focus on protecting natural systems. She built an early foundation through federal advocacy and legislative work on Capitol Hill focused on environmental and tribal policy, alongside graduate-level research in marine biology and work with the San Diego City Council.
Elisabeth is committed to advancing scientific literacy and broadening participation in STEM, with a particular interest in encouraging the next generation of women in science. She values intellectual rigor, interdisciplinary thinking, and the protection of natural resources, with an emphasis on connecting technical work to real-world impact. Outside of her professional work, she collects antiquarian books focused on science and history and spends time outdoors hiking and camping.
• Renewable Energy Innovation and Sustainability Credential from Iceland School of Energy
• HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certification
• Iceland School of Energy – Reykjavik University: Renewable Energy Innovation and Sustainability Credential
• San Diego State University – Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and International Economics
• Three Associate’s Degrees
• Association of Environmental Professionals Scholarship, 2024
• Dean R. Strenger Service Award, 2022
• Influential Women 2026
• Association of Energy Engineers
• San Diego Environmental Professionals
• Guest Speaker for Institutions Promoting Young Girls in STEM
• Environmental Caucus South State Chair, California Young Democrats
• Float Decorator, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, 2023
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, sound judgment, and a willingness to take on complexity. I’m comfortable operating across demanding environments and with diverse groups, while maintaining discipline in decision-making—knowing when to say yes and when to say no. I don’t avoid difficulty; I work through it with a focus on long-term outcomes. I also owe much of my growth to strong mentorship and professional relationships, which have sharpened both my perspective and execution.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was to say yes to every opportunity—provided I had the bandwidth—and to prioritize hands-on technical experience. That approach built real capability and developed judgment that can’t be learned from theory, ultimately shaping how I operate and allowing me to get to where I am today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Start volunteering. It’s one of the most effective ways to build hands-on experience, develop teamwork and leadership in real environments, and establish early credibility. It also creates access—many of the right opportunities come through the relationships and reputation you build along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is the gap in scientific literacy, particularly as environmental issues grow more complex. That gap directly affects how effectively these issues are understood and addressed. At the same time, it presents a meaningful opportunity—to engage more directly with the public, translate technical work into clear, accessible insight, and strengthen trust in science where it matters most.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, intellectual curiosity, and accountability. I value work that is technically sound and defensible, paired with a commitment to deepening my expertise across disciplines. I hold a high standard for execution and responsibility—both in outcomes and in how I show up for the people and environments I’m entrusted with.