Afton Hupper, B.S. 2017, M.S. 2019
Afton Hupper received her B.S. from the University of Maine Ecology and Environmental Sciences program in 2017, with a concentration in sustainability, environmental policy and natural resource management, and a minor in sustainable food systems. As an undergraduate, Afton held internships and research positions with the Orono Economic Development Corporation, the Good Shepherd Food Bank, the UMaine Anthropology department, as well as the School of Economics. She describes her work and experience in the video below.
After writing and defending an honors thesis on cooperation in the local food economy under her advisor Dr. Tim Waring in 2017, she received the prestigious Frank B. and Charles S. Bickford Memorial Prize, which is awarded annually the outstanding student in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture at the University of Maine.
After earning her B.S. in 2017, Afton decided to stay at UMaine to pursue her M.S. in resource economics and policy and continue her research in Dr. Waring’s lab. She completed her M.S. in resource economics and policy in May of 2019.
In fall 20023, we reached out to Afton (Hupper) Vigue for updates on her career, and asked how her experience at UMaine shaped her current career path. Here’s what she had to say:
What has your career path looked like after graduating?
“My first job after grad school was at the Maine Aquaculture Association in Hallowell as a communications specialist. After working there for over four years, I started my current role as communications manager for the Governor’s Energy Office in Augusta. In this role I work to raise awareness of the office’s policy initiatives and programs that aim to advance Maine’s clean energy and economic goals.”
What impact did your time at UMaine have on your current career?
“The impact that UMaine has had on my career has been immeasurable. The skills I’ve built and connections I’ve made as a student and now an alum have been instrumental in my success. As a lifelong Mainer, I’m committed to making our state a better place to live while preserving what makes it unique, and I pinch myself every day because my career has allowed me to do so. I have UMaine to thank for that.”
What is the most beneficial thing taken from your time at UMaine?
“The opportunity to graduate debt-free with two science degrees, two theses, and a publication under my belt!”
What advice do you have for current EES students eager to get into the field?
“Be curious and open to new opportunities and challenges, and when you find your niche, dive in. Internships, research positions, and volunteer experience can help you land a great job as you enter the workforce.”
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