Where are ESS graduates?
Want to request a change to your profile? Email crystal.chen@utah.edu.
Sam Werstak (ENVST, Food Systems and Community)
Community Engagement Coordinator, Save Our Canyons
Salt Lake City, Utah
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I chose this program because as a local here in Utah, I've seen the events unfold throughout my childhood and I want to be apart of the process that allows future generations to have the pleasure of recreating in this state, the same as I have my whole life."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I work as the community engagement coordinator for Save Our Canyons. A non-profit based in Salt Lake City that is dedicated to protecting the Wasatch Mountains. Day to day, I plan volunteer events with various organizations such as the Salt Lake Ranger District and Salt Lake Public Utilities and plan advocacy tabling events with community partners like RoHa Brewing and Black Diamond. A lot of emails and meeting new folks."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"My advice is to talk to people. I'd like you to make an effort to involve yourself with classmates, professors, and listen to others. Networking has provided me with perspective and opportunity that I would never have gotten if I didn't just say hello. Also, there is a limit to how much doomsday information you can take on at once. It's okay to get overwhelmed. You arent the only one feeling like that, and it can sure be tough to listen to some of the information."
Christian Reisinger (ENVST, Conservation and Land Management emphasis)
Incentives Manager, Utah Office of Energy Develeopment
Salt Lake City, Utah
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I taught middle level science for a few years and realized that I loved teaching the ecology/conservation section of the course. It was rewarding to see the students be able to apply what they learned to solve real-world problems that affect their communities. I had the opportunity to go back to school and met with the ENVST advisor and knew immediately that the program would provide me with the tools needed to break into the environmental and conservation field."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"As an Incentives Manager for the Utah Office of Energy Development, I am in charge of administering several tax credit programs related to energy. My typical day consists of reviewing credit applications, meeting with companies and citizens to answer any questions about our credit programs, and helping develop other incentive programs (like some that were created through the Inflation Reduction Act). I also sometimes work with legislators on statute amendments."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Through your education, you will learn how actions (and inactions) taken by corporations and governments have had a negative effect on our environment and disadvantaged communities. You will feel frustrated at the lack of care and abundance of corruption when trying to address severe problems. When you graduate and start your career, it only gets worse. But don't let this hinder your ambitions! Within whatever organization you find yourself in, you will find people who share the same vision and ideals. Connect and build up communities with these people and stand your ground; because while the fight often feels impossible, it is achievable through collective effort. But for some real usable advice, pay close attention in your environmental policy class and get a GIS certification. "
Zahra Saifee (ENVST & COMM) 
Coalition & Advocacy Coordinator at the Environmental League of Massachusetts
Boston, MA
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"The ENVST program taught me to look at the world through interconnected systems. Climate change is related to and is influenced by other economic and social inequalities. Seeing how everything is connected taught me how to look at the world differently, and find solutions in the overlapping issue areas."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"My day to day changes everyday, and that's what I really like about my job. Some days it's drafting comments for offshore wind policy. Other days, it's a meeting with key stakeholders to pass a policy. And if I'm lucky, I get to go on a boat or two to visit an offshore wind turbine farm!"
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"The envst major can feel very "doom and gloom" at times, so find the parts of the climate movement that inspire you and keep you hopeful. Find what avenues you want to apply sustainability to and build a community around it. Most of all, take the time to connect to the reasons that motivate you to keep pushing for a better future!"
Madeline Sueltz
Conservation Coordinator at Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District
West Jordan, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I know it’s going to sound cliche–but I really did choose the ENVST program because of my love for the outdoors. Understanding how Climate Change is going to affect these places that I love was important to me. "
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I spend my days outside helping homeowners and businesses learn about sustainable
water
management and participate in Utah Water Savers Programs. This includes helping design
landscape plans, identifying plant species, performing landscape audits, understanding
current water policy, and getting down and dirty with irrigation repairs."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Enjoy all of the resources available to you! Have fun, explore different programs,
and get connected. Also remember that you don’t need to feel like saving the world
is up to you and you alone–there is a great big world full of awesome people who all
really care! We are all in this
together!"
Macey Tilk (ENSVT & GEOG)
Water Optimization Planner at the Utah Department of Agriculture
Taylorsville, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I chose the ENVST program because I have had a passion for sustainability for as long as I can remember. This degree gave me a great interdisciplinary education with a core of sustainability which was important to me."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"As a Water Optimization Planner at the Utah Department of Agriculture, I assist producers in obtaining funding for water conservation projects. I love my job! I get to connect with a diverse group of people while learning a ton about water conservation. Every day is different, some days I will be in conferences learning about water conservation efforts and other days I am working on applications and ranking criteria to decide how applications get funded."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Get involved with everything you can! Especially the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, getting paid to do my own research was one of the best experiences I had while at the U. For job searches, apply early (like 3-4 months before you graduate, employers will like that you are thinking ahead!) and practice interviewing with a peer. Try to think ahead about what questions they are going to ask you. Use the key words in the job description during an interview so the interviewer knows you have the specific background they want and that you were paying attention to the job description. You got this!"
Julie Williams (ENVST, Conservation and Land Management)
GIS and Communications Intern, Department of Public Lands
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I chose the ENVST program because I wanted to further my knowledge and skills in a way that I could turn my passion for nature and the environment into a career."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Through the ENVST program I connected with a lot of the wonderful faculty from the City and Metropolitan Planning Department and learned about the MCMP program. I decided that I wanted a career in urban parks and open space planning and for me, getting my Master of City and Metropolitan Planning was the next step towards that career. I am currently halfway through that program. I also work for Salt Lake City Public Lands doing GIS and Community Engagement. I love my position with the city because I get to use my creativity daily to engage people about improving Salt Lake City’s parks and open spaces. It’s a nice balance of office work and field work."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Work as many internships as you can! It will help you figure out what direction you want to take your career in, and it will create connections and open doors for you. If you follow your passion, you’ll eventually end up exactly where you’re meant to be."
Julianne Liu (ENVST)
Environmental Justice Fellow, NASA DEVELOP National Program
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I didn't grow up very connected to the outdoors, despite living in an area with so many recreational opportunities, and I had limited exposure to environmental studies in high school -- except for a vocabulary unit in my French class about the environment. That was my first introduction to climate work, and it guided me to taking (and loving) a climate change class during my second semester at the U. I became a Geography major, but after a few classes and speaking with Ally, I realized I was more interested in the interdisciplinary approach and perspective of the ENVST program. The Environmental Justice class, and other classes which incorporated EJ, were especially important in my journey in ENVST as a woman of color. Even if my community was not directly included in curricula, I was able to start making connections on my own, see myself represented in environmental work for the first time, and ultimately find my place in the overarching fabric."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"NASA DEVELOP partners with organizations to address environmental and public policy issues through the use of satellite-sourced data and imagery, geographic analyses, and other tools. As the Environmental Justice (EJ) Fellow, I coordinate projects with EJ-oriented organizations and manage the teams working on them. Recent projects have focused on the intersections of sociodemographic vulnerability and environmental risk of urban heat island, flooding, and air quality. DEVELOP's EJ initiative was formally created in January 2022, so I have also been creating programming and doing strategic planning to further support the integration of EJ into DEVELOP projects, objectives, and methodology."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Remember your capacity to continue learning and building new skills! Similarly, reflect on how reciprocity translates into the professional world. Skills in the social sciences and humanities often go underappreciated or underestimated in comparison to technical skills, but they are equally important and powerful. It's been a wonderful experience to be able to leverage and share my interdisciplinary background in ENVST while collaborating with and learning from folks with skills in GIS and remote sensing."
Jordan Caldwell (ENSVT) 
Wildlife Ecologist - University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"My career is in wildlife biology, originally I was a Biology major but I found the curriculum to be too mirco for my interests. Environmental and Sustainability Studies offered a more macro view of how the environment functioned. This major also allowed me to tailor my degree towards my specific interests and offered a much broader field of careers after graduation."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"In the face of a rapidly growing Utah population, precious wildlife in the Wasatch Mountain Range is at risk. To better understand anthropomorphic impact in the region we are studying the phenology, migration patterns, distribution and density of the wildlife in the Wasatch Mountains. Therefore, my position involves a lot of time outdoors in this beautiful mountain range. A typical day involves hiking many kilometers in the forests setting up, taking down, and retrieving data from trail cameras set up in the forest that are recording animal presence. After the data has been retrieved I then will sort the data by species, location, time, and date. Ultimately this will help us track the effect that humans are having on wildlife and provide us with more information on how to pursue sustainable development."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Get involved! Now is the time for you to explore your interests. Sign up for activities, get an internship, volunteer with groups and organizations that closely align with your interests. If you can get into a lab do it, if you can conduct an undergraduate research project that's even better! This time of exploration and experimentation is priceless. The connections you will make during your experiences are priceless. All the while keep your future career in mind so that you may tailor your degree towards a career that intrigues you. Also, remember to have fun."
Quinn Graves (ENVST & Geography) 
Edible by Design
Sun Valley, ID
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I selected the ENVST program because it seemed like it would provide me with an interdisciplinary education on topics I truly care about. The field class then exposed me to a small amount of field work and a large community of folks who care about environmental issues. I stayed in the program because it is like a small community that fosters creative endeavors, research, and ideas. I was exposed to classes that challenged my thinking and pushed me to learn in ways that best suited me such as being an undergraduate researcher."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I haven't yet started but I'm hoping it's a lot of work outside and learning about organic gardening and sustainable landscaping."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Get to know your advisors and professors because they are around to support you and foster your learning. This is how I made connections and became involved in research."
Brianna Milot (ENSVT & Geography Minor)
Research Assistant - University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I chose the ENVST program because I have always been passionate about sustainability. I wanted an interdisciplinary major that tied together elements of social and biological sciences to find solutions for current issues."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"My position involves a lot of variability. Although most of my work is in labs or in front of a computer, I have spent some time in the field collecting soil samples. Generally, I conduct analyses on our soil samples, assist in grant writing, and help manage and analyze our data."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Get involved in as many different things as possible in your undergrad, whether it be with internships, clubs, jobs, or volunteering opportunities. It can feel overwhelming to figure out what you want to do after graduation, and getting involved can help make the decision a little easier."
Drew Kennedy (ENSVT & Geography)
Master's Student - University of Utah, Geography
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I have always feared the threat of human influenced climate change. I wanted to understand the processes driving climate change and to understand what I could to do better. Also, I am interested in understanding the power of grassroots organizing and how community ties and events can encourage people to make a change in their day-to-day lives."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"When I go to the Natural History Museum to do my research I am preparing charcoal samples, or pollen samples to count. Or I am cutting the sediment core by a millimeter interval. Other days I am reading academic papers to add to an annotated bibliography to make writing my thesis manuscript easier after the lake sediment cores have been analyzed. When I am not in the lab I’m in class and trying to develop technical skills that will be marketable like GIS or working in R just in case following my Master’s degree I decide to get a job rather than going on to a PhD program."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"I think ENVST students should get involved in doing a UROP as a way of getting their foot in the water of research to help in deciding if they want to go into grad school. Also, I think it’s a really good idea to do a double major or a ENVST major with a minor to expand your horizons and seem more marketable in the job market."
Jordin Hartley (ENSVT & Earth Science Minor)
Master's Student - University of Utah, Geography
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I am interested in using resources efficiently and sustainably (including land use), minimizing waste, and social equality."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"A typical day consists of class, lab time, reading, and homework. When I leave campus after lab work, classes, office hours, etc., I go home and do reading and grading for at least one hour before settling down, fixing dinner and going to bed."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Do a double major or add a minor. Although I found concepts learned in ENVST valuable, when I was taking classes in the program I did not feel as if it was enough to constitute an entire major. Adding a second major or at least a minor will provide a wider array of skills to prepare students for a career or graduate studies."
Nik MacPhee (ENSVT & GIS Certificate)
Natural Resource Specialis - BLM
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I chose ENVST because I wanted to tailor my degree to what my future goals were. Using this degree, I was able to not only take as much wildlife, conservation, environmental science, and biology courses as I could, but I was also able to take classes in ENVST that taught me how to apply that knowledge to better conserve and protect resources within the United States in a way that benefits a multi-use environment. Emphasizing in Land Management, Conservation, and Place allowed me to gain a knowledge of our public lands in a way that has awarded me the capabilities to immerse myself in federal land management as a wildlife technician."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"My day as a Natural Resource Specialist involves surveying land that currently holds a proposal for oil and gas leasing. My job during surveys is to determine the presence of sensitive and endangered species as well as other significant potential impact to the land that could potentially ensue from oil and gas leasing. From these surveys, I help write NEPA documents that determine whether or not the oil and gas lease can take place. I additionally hold lessees accountable for following the onshore orders and other mandates to ensure maximum sustainable management of these lands and activities. My position involves a lot of communication with lessees of multiple uses, the public, and my coworkers in the office."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"If you have an interest in working for the government, check out USA Jobs immediately and go over the course requirements for each position. Make sure you’re graduating with the courses you need to pursue the career that you want! You may also find that there are positions you hadn’t thought of before that may fit your interests as well. Some additional advice is to gain as much experience as possible during your time with the program. Volunteer, do multiple internships, participate in community events. Just having a degree won’t necessarily land you the job. Go above and beyond and show them what you’re made!"
Samantha Helene Thomas (ENSVT & International Studies)
Development Associate - Wildlands Network
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Pat Shea was a guest lecture in a course of mine, and from that moment I knew I had to dedicate my academic pursuits to human and environmental justice."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Working alongside industry leaders to promote conservation and political awareness via marketing campaigns and donor outreach."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Develop your technical skills ASAP."
Georgie Corkery (ENSVT & Urban Ecology)
Conservation Chair – Great Salt Lake Aububon Board
Sustainability Coordinator – Utah Pride Festival
Substitute Teacher – Utah Schools for the Def and Blind
Staff – Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"It made the most sense to learn about such an important and interesting issue, and I wanted to know more about it (because I knew basically nothing about environmentalism)."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I teach in the mornings, work in the office for 4 hours, attending coordination meetings, and go out into the field on a weekly basis to bird or do conservation work."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Get involved in extracurricular activities, sit down with your professors once a semester, and take the hard classes."
Jack Egan (ENSVT & Economics)
Master's Student - University of Utah, Finance
Stio - Community Marketing Manager
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I've been passionate about environmental issues and the goal of promoting sustainability since grade school, so I was naturally drawn to the ENVST program."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"At work, I spend the majority of my time planning and executing community events and programs. A good portion of my time is spent developing and fostering relationships within the outdoor industry, which includes organizations like Protect Our Winters and The Conservation Alliance. In the evenings, I'm in class or working on schoolwork for my grad program."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"You hear it all the time, but get involved! I was a Marketing Intern for the U's Sustainability Office for about two years, and the real-world experience that I gained during that time helped me tremendously in terms of getting additional internships while in undergrad and a job post-graduation. Also, technical/hard-skills matter and they are in high demand by employers, so take the tough classes that will expose you to them. Having a working knowledge in something like Excel, Adobe Illustrator, or SQL can go a long way."
Peter Jensen (ENSVT, Sociology Minor)
Legal Fellow (environmental lawyer) at Cascadia Wildlands
Eugene, OR
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I grew up in Millcreek, Utah exploring and playing in the Wasatch and Uinta mountains—trail running, snowboarding, and biking—and have always loved learning about nature and from it. I explored several other majors before realizing how much more enjoyable and rewarding school and my future career would likely be if I just prioritized learning everything I could about what I love and always had."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"As an environmental lawyer, most days I am evaluating agency actions to implement forest management plans, habitat modifications, and timber sales in the Pacific Northwest; taking a deep dive into scientific literature on forest ecosystems, wildfire, endangered species and their habitat; or drafting new lawsuits or motions in current ones seeking orders to stop the logging of old growth forests, protect endangered species (like Northern Spotted Owls, Grey Wolves, Marbled Murrelet, Salmon) and their habitat, and/or require agencies to take a harder look at a project's impacts to watersheds, ecosystems, and climate."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"The ENVST program is great because it is so interdisciplinary. As you take classes across disciplines, pay close attention to what you like, what you excel at, and where you and your unique mind and personality might best apply yourself and your interests. There are infinite ways to apply what you are learning and continue to stoke passion for protecting the earth. Use your time to figure out where you can best do that and be happiest doing it while staying true to your environmental values and passions."
Always happy to chat about environmental law, the program, or just life. Feel free to reach out to me at peter@cascwild.org.
Alex Veilleux (ENSVT & Political Science)
Policy Associate at HEAL Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I selected the ENVST program after volunteering with Save Our Canyons tabling at farmers markets and conducting trailhead surveys for a few years. I knew I wanted to work in environmental advocacy and had made friends with the folks that interned at the organization, all of whom were enrolled in the ENVST program."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I'm a Policy Associate at HEAL Utah. Which means I'm basically an environmental lobbyist and policy analyst with a sprinkling of grassroots organizer. It's my dream job. During the legislative session I'm up there in a suit and tie for long hours working to pass sound environmental legislation and block bad policy, but the next day I could be at a community event in a tee shirt and sandals helping the public organize around an environmental issue. It's a great gig.
I cover a lot of their clean air and climate work which means my day to day is never really the same but to give you a review of the past few weeks: facilitating a weekly meeting with environmental groups discussing Great Salt Lake issues, chatted with legislators at the Clean Air Caucus to discuss the recent audit of the Office of Energy Development, traveled to Denver to meet with the EPA about implementing pollution control technology on coal fired power plants in Southern Utah, developed an action alert with our team to submit comment to the Division of Air Quality to reign in ozone pollution and subsequently provided technical guidance at a community event for comment submission, writing technical comments for submission against the Division of Air Quality's Intent to Approve Granite Construction's Parley's Canyon Mine on the grounds of air quality. I wear a lot of different hats and the work is constantly evolving which keeps it fresh."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"I'd say networking is huge. I know some folks will roll their eyes at that but I definitely worked my butt off to get to know just about everyone I could in the local environmental advocacy space and it paid off. I always try to mention that we are super lucky that we're all pursuing a career in something we're very passionate about so networking should be a breeze. Go have fun with like minded people. Developing connections doesn't have to happen at some stuffy cocktail hour, we're blessed to be on a career path with folks who appreciate the earth and environment so find an activity that can take that in mind. I've made so many work connections and really just lifelong friends going for a hike or hanging out at the park.
A lot of what we deal with is also pretty inherently mentally taxing. Make sure you're taking care of your mental health. It's college so whatever, have fun and go party but don't overdo it, it can creep up on you. The U has resources, utilize them.
I'm also always happy to field career questions or chat about whatever at alex@healutah.org"
Warren Beecroft (ENSVT & Geography)
Master's Student - Uppsala University, Sustainable Development
Sustainablity Advisor - Sustain in Time
Uppsala, Sweden
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Humans are having a catastrophic impact on the environment."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I work with companies and industry groups to implement transformative sustainablity and principles of circular economy/design into buisness. We are also developing a web platform called Sustain Online which Will so the same for small and medium sized businesses that would normally be priced out of sustainablity consulting."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Read Degrowth by Giorgos Kallis, Read Down to Earth by Bruno Latour, Read things that make you engaged with the problems you see around you. Design solutions, don't just analyze problems. Read more."
Lexi Kaili' (ENSVT)
Master's Student - University of Utah, Public Administration
Senior Associate (Communications Fellow) at the Sorenson Impact Center
Bennion Scholars Leadership Team Board Secretary, Fish for Garbage
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I wanted to understand the complexities of consumer-based decisions on the environment and what individual/collective action can actually make a difference to reduce the trajectory toward destruction."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"At Sorenson Impact, I help with all things marketing and communications. That entails Forbes film production, social media, website development/SEO, proposals, agendas, writing articles and blogs.
As a graduate student in the Public Administration program, I am researching the effects of mentoring for underrepresented, financial-need, and first-generation undergraduate students. I am also fascinated by understanding how cross-sector collaboration can address social, environmental and economic issues. I helped the organization, Fish for Garbage, gain nonprofit status and am working to develop a strategic plan and an education curriculum to take into the classroom that addresses the harmful effects of plastic waste as pollution."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Talk to experts and leaders in fields that you are interested in sooner than later, attend Global Change & Sustainability Center and Hinckley Institute discussions/lectures, get involved on campus (the U has endless centers and institutes such as Sorenson Impact Center or Sustainability Resource Center), ask professors for opportunities that support your interests/passion, participate in UROP, go on a study abroad/Hinckley internship/Bennion Center Alt Break (just do all three - there are many scholarship opportunities), stay in touch with professors (or staff) that inspire you - those relationships are invaluable."
Carlie (Teague) Murphy (ENSVT, Geography, & Urban Ecology) 
Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator - Tahoe Resource Conservation District
Chair of Lake Tahoe's Fire Public Information Team
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Studying the environment has always been an interest of mine. It took one class for me to realize that the ENVST program suited my interests and I knew it would set me up for various career paths in line with my passion for the environment. Through the help of numerous advisers and following my interests, I was able to graduate with three separate bachelor's degrees (Environmental & Sustainability Studies, Geography, and Urban Ecology) in four years."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Most of my time is spent doing community outreach and education around preparing for wildfire. Given that the Fire Adapted Communities Program is a community based program, I'm often times providing outreach at farmers markets, free community concerts on the beach, neighborhood block parties, and other community events. When I'm not at events I'm organizing volunteers, planning educational workshops, managing advertising campaigns and social media platforms, and brainstorming creative ways to reach a broader audience."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Take classes that interest you and not those you feel you 'need' to take. The program will provide you with the knowledge and skills to enter into many different careers from outreach to research and everything in between so follow your interests and get involved!"
Jai Hamid Bashir (ENSVT, Gender Studies, & English)
MFA Candidate - Columbia University, Poetry
New York City, NY
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I was invested in using my undergraduate experience to explore the intimacy between more-than-human and human ecologies. I wanted to study what is happening to this planet and what are some praxis-oriented solutions to help curb ecological uncertainty."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I attend lectures, seminars and workshops all orbiting around poetic methodology and poetry making."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Take risks. Think in an interdisciplinary manner. Think about your responsibility as a citizen of this planet. Be present with the passions you are curious about and nurtured by. It is okay to feel frustrated. Have hope. We don't need perfection from environmentalists, we need millions of imperfect environmentalists. Please take any and every class you can with Brett Clark."
Jenna Matsumura (ENSVT)
Outreach Coordinator, Women's Enrollment Initiative
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"The interdisciplinary focus of ENVST drew me into the program and then kept me dedicated to it, even though other majors came and went. I really fell in love with ENVST when I started learning about environmental injustice and how marginalized peoples have had to battle for basic food, water, air, and land usage rights."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"My desire to have a positive impact on communities lead me to work in higher education. As a higher ed professional, I support students in their personal development. This often times means talking about how their environment affects them, what impact they want to make on their community and ways that injustice shape their own lives."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Explore! Not just our gorgeous landscapes, but what academia has to offer. Environment and sustainability are very broad industries that can take you anywhere you want to go."
Cassandra Oliveira (ENVST & Geography)
Field Botany Intern - BLM
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I was always very interested and motivated to learn about the environment and find ways to be a steward. The ENVST program seemed like a great place for me to further my understanding and connect with like-minded students. I loved my time spent in the program and learned so much about how to engage with others about environmental issues and learn more about the world around me."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"An average day includes field work in remote areas of northern Utah where I collect botanical data on annual production, plant community composition and soil stability values. This information helps to inform about the overall health and production of sites and the proportion of invasive and native species."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Take classes that interest you, whether or not they are in your major because university is the time to explore new areas!"
Justin Weiss (ENSVT)
Safety Specialist - Hazardous Waste Management - ARUP Laboratory, University of Utah Research Park
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I have always been interested in a natural resource career. Work under the DNR here in Utah, or at the federal level with the BLM."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Reviewing and keeping up to date on regulatory requirements from OSHA, EPA, CLSI, CLIA, and CAP. Maintain all hazardous waste from accumulation to disposal. I also teach training courses relating to safety."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Focus on the specifics of the program in which you are interested in. Either political/social and or scientific sides of environmental science. It will give you a better hand in the career path."
Nytashia Allbritton (ENVST)
Hydrological Technician - United States Forest Service
Payette National Forest, ID
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I chose this program because I knew it would fulfill my soul by doing environmental conservation."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Every day is different. However, I help protect watersheds in the forest. This is done by planting, surveying, collecting data & educating the public."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Start volunteering now. The classes that have a service component should be taken seriously because you get credit for them and it really helps on a resume."
John Boulanger (ENSVT)
Science Teacher - Chelsea Opportunity Academy
M.Ed candidate - Boston University
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I enjoyed the ability to focus on reducing human impacts on the planet while in a setting that blended together both science and humanities studies."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I work with students and help them explore biology, chemistry, and Earth Science."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Take the internship process seriously and find a place where you can grow and learn. The skills and connections you make there can help you find a job after school ends. It can also help give you guidance on what careers you may enjoy and the ones you'll hate."
Tracy Lewis (ENSVT)
Teacher - Clever Octopus
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"To find a way to enact change in my community and create ways to move toward a more sustainable future."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Using sustainable materials and creativity to teach kids about the importance of reuse."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Follow what you’re passionate about and the rest will fall into place."
Kristopher Watson (ENSVT & Geography)
Program Manager - State Entomologist
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I like the natural environment and work protecting our natural resources and industries from invasive insects."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Helping to support and protect the social, environmental and economic integrity of the great state of Utah."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Your education is important, but don’t underestimate the value of any experience you can gather along the way."
Wendy Dodd (ENSVT)
Administrative Assistant - ARUP Laboratories
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"It's so important to understand how we affect our environment, and vice versa."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I facilitate business operations in the Laboratory Informatics Department."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Start thinking from the beginning, about how you can specialize and focus your skills. If I were to start again, I would focus on environmental justice, and economics in relation to environmental sustainability."
Alya Hussain (ENSVT & Psychology)
Research assistant - University of Utah, Biology Department
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I took the intro course and found it interesting."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I work in a structural biology lab. A lot of assays, tissue culture, and microscopy, but also teaching and learning, reading, writing, and occasionally presenting."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"It is so great that you are pursuing something interesting!"
Amie Cox (ENSVT)
School Programs Manager - Red Butte Garden
Master's Student - Science Education
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Because I knew I wanted a career that would contribute to the greater good. I desired to direct my education to a field where i'd feel fulfilled and be a part of solutions in our community, and in social policy."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Depends on the time of year! I oversee three programs at Red Butte Garden which serve ~25,000 students throughout the state. We provide free informal science outreach throughout the state with legislative funding. I found my current position while finishing my last semester of ENVST and it led to a full time position that I absolutely love!"
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"The program has come so far since I participated. Pick a focus, be on the lookout for opportunities throughout your last year, and don't be afraid to approach someone already in the field you're interested in for advice!"
Sam Taylor (ENSVT & Geography)
Lead Watershed Scientist – Salt Lake County
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Growing up the outdoors were always the place I could go to relax whether it be family trips or an afternoon in the mountains. ENVST was one of the few programs that recognized this space as an, often fragile, resource."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"There are a lot of seasonal changes to an average day, but I always have a mix of outside and inside work. Usually days are spent waist deep in the water looking at river channel stability or collecting macroinvertebrate samples, other days are spent cleaning and processing all the field data we collect."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Find a field or program you’re truly interested in and talk to folks who have been there for a while. See what they were doing when they were in your place and ask if you’re moving in the same direction."
Todd Lehman (ENSVT)
Development Coordinator - Wildlife Protection Solutions
Co-owner - Clear Intentions Glass Recycling
Denver, CO
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Because its coursework included many of the things I care about, such as saving the planet, as well as access to many other real-world skills-building courses."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Very very busy, filled with a litany of tasks ranging from marketing glass recycling efforts to scheduling anti-poaching/virtual reality filming trips to Africa and Indonesia."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Definitely take courses related to non-profit or business financing and development."
Victoria Simmons (ENSVT & Geography)
Master's Student - Geography
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Its a program where I could learn about ways to help my understanding of the environment and how I can make it a better place for the future."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Make time for writing, always."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"My advice would be to explore jobs while in the program, talk to as many people as you can, and try to find things that bring you joy because climate change science can be pretty depressing."
Assistant Attorney General - Natural Resources Division of the Utah Attorney General’s Office
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I enjoyed the multidisciplinary approach to understanding the environment and how society deals with it."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"During law school I focused on natural resource and environmental law issues. This summer I will be studying full-time for the bar. Once I’m at the AG’s office I will represent various Divisions and Boards in the Utah Division of Natural Resources."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Start networking and attending events in the community early in your time in the program. Also consider focusing on a particular area of study and gear your classes and internships towards this area."
Samantha Heusser (ENSVT)
Sr. Environmental Compliance Coordinator- Dominion Energy
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"After changing my major two or three times, my passion for wildlife protection and sustainability ultimately led me to the ENVST program. Once I learned about environmental justice from the introductory course (and witnessed the expert-knowledge of program staff), I was hooked. The ability to choose classes based on my areas of interest (policy, science, biology, humanities, writing, etc.) was also a positive factor."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Fast-paced, with new and fulfilling challenges every day. A mix between office work and field work."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Always take an internship (even if unpaid), it will help get your foot in the door amidst an ultra-competitive job market. Try to get an internship that aligns with your career interests and interview people working in the field to get a better idea of what your interests are."
Sabah Ul-Hasan (ENSVT, Biology, & Chemistry)
PhD in Quantitative & Systems Biology at UC Merced
Postdoc-Instructor at The Scripps Research Institute
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I selected the ENVST program because it offered a different, interdisciplinary perspective to life sciences I hadn't yet experienced in my Biology major. I still remember the valuable discussions had in environmental philosophy, landscape art, and wildlife management to this day."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"These days I spend a lot of time running various analyses and writing up papers for research articles. I will be more focused on computation and databases the end of this year."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"I think many more students in the hard sciences should consider taking on ENVST as a major, and likewise ENVST majors consider taking on a hard science major (or at least exposing themselves to more courses in these fields). I continue to apply the lessons learned from courses in the program net-zero waste my internship to this day -- both in my personal life and job. This program opened up my world view in a way I find to be beneficial to both myself and those around me."
Chris Haight '10 (ENSVT)
Watershed Scientist - Salt Lake County
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I love the outdoors and thought that this program would be a great stepping stone to begin a career in an environmental field after my military career."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Everyday is different depending on what project i am working on. one day I could be in the office analyzing data or drawing plans for a project on AutoCAD. The next day I can be out taking E.coli samples in our watershed and then the next day I can be out gathering data through field surveys."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Enjoy school, and be smart with your student loans. When it comes time to find a job or internship send out an email to as many people/groups/Non-profits as you can, even if it does not land you a position with them that resume might end up in the right persons hand through someone else. That is how I got where I am today. Good Luck and have fun and enjoy college!!"
Shane Stroud '10 (ENSVT & English)
Assistant Utah Attorney General
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Excellent coursework. Good clinical/internship offerings and opportunities. I believed it would give me a good foundation for post-grad studies."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Typical duties of civil litigators: depositions, court appearances, brief writing, client counseling, etc."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Select challenging coursework as well as coursework outside your major course of study, avail yourself of the various clinical and internship opportunities, connect with your classmates. One warning: the coursework in the ENVST program can lean humanities heavy. A student wanting to do so can avoid science/math coursework and still graduate with a BS. That can be dangerous for students who want to move into a science-focused career or post-grad program. For those that might want those career options, students would be wise to augment their ENVST coursework with more math and science than the program requires."
Matt Young '07 (ENSVT)
Habitat Restoration Biologist/Fisheries Biologist II
Twisp, Washington
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Engaging professors, and the opportunity to pursue a career in a field where my work can have a positive impact on our natural world."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I work with engineers and hydrologists to design in-stream habitat restoration projects to benefit ESA listed Salmonids. Additionally, I plan and implement studies to evaluate the effect restoration projects have on threatened species."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Landing your first job will be the most difficult. Volunteer, scrounge, and beg to get any experience you can. After that, if you do good work, word will spread and things will get easier."
Sarah Liljefelt '06 (ENSVT)
Water Rights Attorney
Portland, Oregon
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Interest in environmental/natural resources career."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Assisting water users, such as farmers, ranchers, food processors, special districts, and municipalities, utilize their water use rights to support their businesses."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Say yes to opportunities that come your way that align with your interests. Reach out to folks in your community to create a support and career web."
Brent Harrison Bardo '05 (ENSVT)
Principal - Harmony School of Enrichment
Houston, TX
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"A love of the Earth, a love of people, a love of education."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Not boring. I love working with teachers and students to create a public education that is connected to the environment and the community."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Gain lots of work experience, whether paid or volunteer. Use your college education to support and guide your work experience, rather than the other way around."
Elise Ersoy '04 (ENSVT)
Senior Staff, Renewable Energy & Integration Research
Board Member of the Leakey Foundation
Sacramento, CA
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I wanted to bridge the gap between environmental science and policy. This was a multi-disciplinary major that allowed for that education."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I am able to make decisions and recommendations that directly effect renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in K-12 schools. I have also managed the energy forecast which is the basis for whether or not power plants are built in California, and am now working on renewable energy integration to reach California's aggressive renewable energy mandates."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Consider going abroad for graduate school. You can often get FAFSA loans, it is often less expensive, and you will gain a new perspective."
Michelle Martineau '03 (ENSVT)
Administrative Director - Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Because I wanted to incorporate my love of science with my passion for conservation and environmentalism. This seemed like the perfect fit."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I handle all human resource related issues for the organization, deal with bookkeeping and accounting issues, and general office management."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Keep an open mind when it comes to a career path. I didn't expect to be in HR with an Environmental Studies degree, but found my home at SUWA, surrounded by equally passionate, like-minded people who care about Utah's wilderness and preserving it for generations. You never know when you'll stumble upon your dream job. It took me 10 years after graduating to find it, but I love what I do and find immense fulfillment with the work I do."
Kellie Reese '02 (ENSVT)
Sr Principle Supply Chain Procurement Specialist
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"Originally I wanted to be a marine biologist and this was a step in that direction. Understanding and sharing the awareness of our choices and the impacts they can make not only to us but with all living things."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Each day brings a new challenge. Reviewing products from ratings and safety to ensure we are choosing the best products."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Work Hard and Stay Passionate."
Marry Taylor Stewart '02 (ENSVT)
NEPA Planner - USDA Forest Service
Salt Lake City, UT
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"The program was quite new at the time but it offered many interdisciplinary options that appealed to me as a hardcore environmentalist."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"Currently serves as the subject matter expert for eMNEPA (electronic management of NEPA) and provides technical oversight and expertise in operations, customer support, and application development. Delivers eMNEPA training and support to Forest Service field units nationwide. Provides a variety of national services, support, and products for the efficient and effective implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)."
Hilarie Engle '01 (ENSVT & History)
Executive Director - Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Boise, ID
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I chose the ENVST program because I wanted to have a positive impact on the special places we get to call home. It is important for us to preserve and protect these areas before they are gone."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I get to travel the state working to preserve and protect Idaho's most valuable resources. We primarily work with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game-getting to view up close the passion of each employee in their work is exciting. In the next couple of weeks I will float a river in North Idaho to view a project to provide colder water into spawning habitat, hike in a Nature Conservancy Preserve in the East, tour a site for Idaho's first wildlife pass in the South-I don't think many people get to have these experiences in their everyday lives."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Volunteer, intern, anything to get you experience and help you find your path."
Ashley Thieman Kever Phillips '00 (ENSVT & Psychology)
Partner - Thompson & Knight LLP
Austin, TX
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I had an interest in environmental science, law, and policy."
How would you describe a day in your position?
"I provide legal counsel to clients in the manufacturing, oil and gas, energy, real estate, and lending industries on their environmental regulatory obligations in their day-to-day operations and the risks of environmental liability in proposed transactions--that involves legal research and writing, review of transactional and due diligence documents (e.g., environmental site assessments, purchase and sale agreements, master service agreements), drafting and commenting on those documents, and conference calls and e-mails with clients and environmental consultants (e.g., engineers, professional geologists)."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Identify professionals and mentors in the career that you want to have and interview and network with them. Find out if that's really want you want to do and how to be successful at it. Those contacts also serve as great prospective job contacts!"
Natalie Rees '98 (ENSVT)
Watershed Coordinator - Salt Lake County, For 4 Years
MS - Alaska Pacific University, Environmental Science
Why did you select the ENVST program?
"I have always been interested in Biology, Earth Science and Environmental Issues. I felt ENST was the most appropriate degree for me at the time."
What advice do you have for current ENVST students?
"Seek internships and other opportunities as soon as possible. Figure out what area of Environmental Studies you are most interested in and get practical experience."