Ten EMU alumni working in various environmental careers shared their experiences and best advice to undergraduates in a panel series this spring semester. Professor Jim Yoder, director of the environmental sustainability program, hosted the three-part series, titled “What’s Next?”
Sustainability is woven throughout EMU’s curriculum, so all undergraduate students interact with important themes throughout their time at EMU. Environmental science is one of the university’s popular majors and a new environmental justice minor introduces students to the intersection of social issues and environmental crises.
Hannah Daley ’17 is pursuing a doctorate degree from the University of Maryland’s Atmospheric and Oceanic Science program. Her current research is on air quality, including the environmental effects of reduced traffic as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.
Braden Herman ’18 is in graduate studies in natural resources and fisheries biology at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. He previously did an internship with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Read more.
Amanda Williams ’18 just graduated from the University of Delaware and is now working with their Citizen’s Monitoring Program. Williams has experience in both environmental monitoring and public outreach.
Bryce Yoder ’15 works for the Natural Resource Conservation Service of the USDA through the regional Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley.
Alex Wynn ’14 works as a consultant with a small environmental contracting company that owns and operates water and wastewater treatment facilities.
Sam Stoner ’16 has worked as a sustainability coordinator at Mary Baldwin University, and with a local solar energy company. Stoner is currently enrolled in the master’s program in digital media at James Madison University.
Jesse Reist ’16 is helping to start a local CSA and farm called Huckleberry Hollow Farm, and also works at Massanutten Ski Resort, where he is developing their sustainability plan.
Clara Weybright ’20 works with the MCC Washington office on climate advocacy, and is applying to law school. Read more.
Laura Cattell Noll ’09 went to graduate school at the University of Virginia, has worked on various public outreach and education projects, and currently works with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
Jakob zumFelde ’11 has a master’s degree in city and regional planning, and currently works for the city of Harrisonburg on public sustainability efforts.