College: Arts and Sciences
Double Major: Environmental Science and Spanish
Hometown: Roseville, Minnesota
Q: Why did you choose to attend Drake?
A: I originally came for the music program, but I quickly learned how much I enjoyed my environmental science classes. Since Drake is a smaller school and all of my classes have been taught by professors instead of teaching assistants, I was able to create close relationships with all of my professors. These relationships connected me to fantastic research opportunities and expanded my professional network.
Q: What is your favorite campus memory?
A: My favorite campus memory is the Drake Road Races. I am a runner, so I always participate, and there is no greater feeling than charging down 25th Street with hundreds of students cheering you on. Even at the end of a half marathon or 10k, I somehow seem to forget that I’m even running.
Q: How has Drake shaped who you are today?
A: Drake has shaped who I am today because I have participated in or led several significant research projects, a few of which have gone on to be published in scientific journals. I have had the opportunity to work with the Drake and Des Moines communities with organizations like Polk County Conservation and Iowa Knock and Drop. Drake also gave me the opportunity to gain leadership skills in my professional fraternity, Epsilon Eta, where I organized events and helped members grow professionally. Most of all, the support system at Drake allowed me to try things, fail, and then bounce back. I never felt like I was cornered into taking my life or career in one single direction. Even if after graduating I do not like where I go, I feel like I have a broad enough skillset to take my life in a different direction.
Q: What is next for you after you graduate?
A: After graduation, I will be moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to work at an Environmental Consulting Firm called WSP Earth and Environment.
Q: Who has been some of your important mentors during your time at Drake?
A: Inbal Mazar, Claire Hruby, Dian Nostikasari, Keith Summerville, and David Courard-Hauri.
Q: Are you involved in any student organizations, groups, or community service work? Tell us about those experiences.
A: I was formerly the vice president of service and president of Epsilon Eta, an environmental science and sustainability professional fraternity. Additionally, I have done community service work with Iowa Knock and Drop and the Oakridge Neighborhood. One of the most impactful projects I have worked on has been this spring, where I am working with Seso Marentes, a local Latino artist. I am assisting him by applying for and writing grants to put on events that support the Latino community, in addition to supporting his career as an artist.
Q: How has Drake helped you prepare for your future career?
A: Through my environmental science courses, Spanish classes, and community service work, I have been able to work on large-scale projects with a complex set of issues and several different stakeholders. I think these sorts of projects are similar to environmental projects in that important deliverables are needed. Additionally, Drake has expanded my academic and professional network.
Q: Based on your experience, what makes Drake special and sets it apart from other schools?
A: Drake is different from other schools because of the relationships that students can build with their professors. These relationships not only make the academic experience better because professors feel approachable, but students can have opportunities for research and expand their professional networks.