Ecology and Environmental Sciences

What did you study while at UMaine?

I studied ecology and environmental science with a concentration in sustainability, environmental policy, and natural resource management and minored in forest recreation management.

What has your career path looked like after graduation?

After graduating in May, I immediately headed west to Gardiner, Montana to serve an AmeriCorps term with the Montana Conservation Corps. As an individually placed member, I had the opportunity to work with the Forest Service on a recreation crew. I spent my summer maintaining backcountry hiking trails, doing construction projects, working with a livestock packstring, and cleaning the occasional pit toilet. (All while being a stone’s throw away from Yellowstone National Park!) After a great summer in Montana, I had the opportunity to do another AmeriCorps term in Charleston, South Carolina with a nonprofit organization called The Sustainability Institute. As an Environmental Conservation Corps member, my time is spent completing restoration projects throughout the woods, salt marshes, wetlands, and beaches of coastal South Carolina. After completing my term of service, I plan to head back out west to do more seasonal land stewardship positions!

What impact did your time at UMaine have on your current career?

My time at UMaine gave me all the tools I needed to succeed post-grad. Through my coursework, internships, professors, and peers I was able to turn my love for the environment into a career path. Taking classes centered around tourism, land management, and environmental education were integral in shaping my passion for outdoor recreation and land stewardship. I will carry what I learned at UMaine with me for the rest of my career.

What is the most beneficial thing taken from your time at UMaine?

My experience at UMaine allowed me to truly grow as a person. Travelling internationally, meeting lifelong friends, exploring new parts of my home state, and fostering my love of learning were some of the many gifts I received from attending UMaine. I would choose UMaine and the EES program again in a heartbeat.

What advice do you have for current EES students eager to get into the field?

If you enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and doing meaningful environmental work, explore seasonal opportunities! It is the best way to see the country, discover what you want your future career to look like, and connect with like-minded individuals. AmeriCorps is a great network to get