Environmental Science | Selected Student Profiles

What is your academic/professional background prior to coming to AU?
I completed undergraduate training at UW-Milwaukee in biological sciences, then spent five years working as a wildlife and marine biologist for the NPS, USFS, and NOAA. I transitioned to the healthcare industry and worked as a surgical sales consultant for five years.

Why did you choose AU, and the MS in environmental science in particular?
Dr. Stephen Macavoy's research on the nutrient dynamics and organic material sources in the Anacostia River.

Have you worked on any specific research projects that you would like to highlight?
I currently work with Dr. Macavoy looking into the source of nutrients and minerals in the Anacostia River. We are trying to identify what controls the geochemistry in the river and what the sources of organic nitrogen and carbon might be.

Can you describe what you are working on at your current internship/job?
I’m currently working with the District Department of the Environment in the Remedial and Site Response Division. Duties include working within an interdisciplinary team to identify, evaluate, and implement remedial actions in the Anacostia River.

What is your academic/professional background prior to coming to AU?
I have an undergraduate degree in environmental studies and political science from Marietta College. I also completed a Spanish minor and a leadership certificate.

Why did you choose AU, and the MS in environmental science in particular?
I chose AU's MS environmental science program for its well-roundedness and flexibility to focus on what I want to focus on.

Can you describe what you are working on at your current internship/job?
I am looking for a full time job, but in the meantime, I've a volunteer coordinator for the D.C. Environmental Film Festival.

 

What is your academic/professional background prior to coming to AU?
I received a bachelor of arts degree in broadcast communications and psychology with a specialization in physiological psychology from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. Before coming to AU, I spent two years working for the National Cancer Institute as a Cancer Information Specialist.

Why did you choose AU, and the MS in environmental science in particular?
I chose AU because of its international impact in the environmental field. The ENVS program was particularly appealing because it focuses on melding science and policy. This was of interest to me because I am pursuing a career in environmental policy-making and I feel having a science background will best support this goal.

Have you worked on any specific research projects that you would like to highlight?
One especially interesting project I worked on was through my internship with Pesticide Action Network North America. There, I researched the impact of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and its metabolite 2,4-Dichlorophenolon (DCP) on pollinators. DCP is toxic to bees and with the imminent deregulation of 2,4-D resistant crops, has great potential to interfere with ecosystem processes.

Can you describe what you are working on at your current internship/job?
Currently I am researching and developing implementation plans for various environmental protection programs and public health interventions.