What made you choose this major?
My parents always took my sister and I camping, which began my love for nature. As I got older, the more I appreciated the beauty of nature. It was not until I took AP Environmental Science my junior year of high school that I knew I could find a career that involved protecting what I had grown to love.
How has what you’ve learned prepared you for your future?
In the past few semesters, I have learned about best management practices and how I can apply to future jobs. I have learned about the Earth’s processes, which is very important when trying to determine the causes and effects of climate change.
What opportunities have you had to work closely with a faculty member and what impact has that had on your education?
We have a lot of the same professors for multiple classes, which allows them to really get to know the students on a first name basis, more than just another face in class. I got to know Adjunct Lecturer Sharkey after taking ENV455 last semester. Due to the small class size, we all developed close relationships and got to know each other quite well. I’m very comfortable just going to his office hours to have a chat with him about anything. He has also been very supportive about helping figure out what to do once I graduate.
What’s one of the most unique experiences you’ve had relating to the coursework in your major?
The most unique experience I have had in my major courses was the field experience. It’s one thing learning about skills and concepts in the classroom but being able to apply them allowed me to obtain a better understanding for them. The labs promoted independence by being able to set up experiments based on our own interests. The field station is a bonus to the program, especially with the addition of the Prairie Springs Environmental Education Center and Paul Fleckenstein Research Laboratory.
How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person outside of the skills you’re learning in the classroom?
The environmental science program allows for plenty of time to explore other opportunities—if you wanted to you could pick up an additional major. I had extra space in my schedule to pick up a minor and take elective courses I was interested in. I’ve had time to be involved in Environmentally Conscious Organization (ECO) Club and Student Athlete Advisory Committee and become vice president of both clubs. I’ve been a part of the varsity softball team all four years and also work in athletics and as a subject tutor. This past year I have also interned at the Waukesha County Land Conservancy.
Why did you choose to attend Carroll University?
I could not be happier with my choice to come to Carroll. I‘ve developed a second family on campus that I can count on for anything. I love the small campus and class sizes. The number of student organizations, sports, recreation leagues, etc., that you can join is unbelievable.
Learn more about the Environmental Science program
“As I got older, the more I appreciated the beauty of nature.”
— Hannah Miller '17