Information for Prospective Students
Environmental studies students have positive things to say regarding the major. There are a number of students who are eager to describe their experiences, so read their interviews below to learn what makes environmental studies special.
Connect with a current student
Have a question or just want a conversation with a current CSB/SJU student? Use the link above to get started.
What is Env Studies anyway?
The Major The Minor Climate Studies (NEW!)
Recent Student Profiles
Jack Grabinski '23 (he/him/his)
"I enjoyed Intro to Geographic Informations Systems. In this class, I learned about cartography, working with geographic data sets, and making maps on the GIS software. I'm kind of a nerd for maps and working with data sets, so this class was a perfect fit for me."
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Miriam Nelson '23 (she/her/hers)
"Take time to try new things and find your passion, and when you do, put your time and energy into that one thing. Become knowledgeable in your passion and then teach others about it!"
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Josh Nelson '23 (he/him/his)
"Take a range of environmental classes. It is a wide field and there are so many different paths you can take with the major."
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Mariko Hermerding '23 (she/her/hers)
"The easy accessibility to the outdoors and the friendly, knowledgeable faculty/staff introduced me to the wonders of ES and the opportunities it brings."
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Sean Fisher '23 (he/she/they)
"All the E.S. classes I have taken have been amazing and fruitful, but I felt a true change in my perspective when taking Gender and Environment with Dr. Corrie Grosse."
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James Siems '23 (he/him/his)
"I am most passionate about the recognizing the importance of ecological interactions on Ecosystem health, and also the impact of climatic change on these ecological interactions."
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Betsy Ruckman '23 (she/her/hers)
"My Intro to Environmental Studies class was literally life-changing! I liked the "extra credit" challenges that pushed me to try eating plant-based, reduce my waste, and put myself in positions that disrupted the way I thought about the world."
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Gabriella Backes '23 (she/her/hers)
"I really enjoyed taking Humans and the Environment. Learning about prairies and restoration ecology was super cool!"
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Sam Meeker '23 (he/him/his)
"Take a wide range of environmental courses to find what fits you best. There are so many options, so explore to find what avenue you want to pursue for your future career."
Elena Lozano '22 (she/her/hers)
"I am inspired by sustainability and small-scale actions that lead to large-scale change."
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Katelyn Barclay '22 (she/her/hers)
"I had no idea what I wanted to do or even what the major entailed, but my time at CSB/SJU has shown me the path I want to take."
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Collin Larson '22 (he/him/his)
"I am looking forward to get out into the real world and take on whatever I am tasked to accomplished in order to make the environment a better place."
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Con Brady '22 (he/him/his)
"Having the arboretum right on campus is perfect for ES because we can have class in an outside setting or do research right on campus."
Garrett Welsh '22 (he/him/his)
"Any class with Troy Knight tends to be my favorite class."
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Lucy Keefe '22 (she/her/hers)
"Every class and opportunity helps build community and connections while furthering my knowledge of justice and conservation."
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Jane Koll '21 (she/her/hers)
"I really enjoy researching and learning about the benefits of spending time outside and interacting with the physical natural environment."
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Margeaux Pederson '21 (she/her/hers)
"College is not just about getting a degree; it's about finding yourself in the unknown and I definitely found myself through the Environmental Studies program."
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Brigit Stattleman-Scanlan '21 (she/her/hers)
"I ended up picking ES because of how we are all related to it. We are all connected to the earth and have a relationship to her one way or another."
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Peeps '21 (they/them)
"These professors, this department, the arboretum- they are all so unique. Take advantage of it."
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Madeleine Partch '21 (she/her/hers)
"While studying abroad I immersed myself in new cultures and got an idea of what I want to do with my future."
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Rob McManus '21 (he/him/his)
"Being able to identify trees by their bark is a major flex."
Shae Olsen '21 (she/her/hers)
"I think that right now Environmental Studies is the most important and relevant subject."
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Will Matuska '21 (he/him/his)
"I think one of the best decisions I made early on was not to minor in a subject."
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Older Student Profiles
Morgan Clark-Sager ('20)
"My advice is simple. Have fun. The program offers many classes with different subjects so that there is something for everyone."
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Jaden Bjorklund ('19)
"Be open minded and try to learn as much as possible. Get to know the professors because they will lead you towards success."
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Libby Ames ('19)
"My goal coming into college was to find something that I was passionate about, and I have found that in studying environmental issues."
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Zachary Fritz ('19)
"I was able to develop extremely valuable skills that I can apply to future internships or jobs."
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Morgan Durbin ('18)
"Give yourself the opportunity to learn about environmental issues that you might not otherwise. Sustainability and the environment is complex, and you will be able to explore those connections as an Environmental Studies major."
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Skylar Peyton ('18)
"Take classes that make you uncomfortable, meet a porcupine if you can, and don't be afraid to walk into your professor's offices."
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Hudson Echelard ('18)
"Get involved. Getting involved and staying involved is just as important as getting good grades!"
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Sarah McLarnan ('17) "The ES major exposed me to a variety subjects I might not have sought out on my own." Sarah receives $50,000 EPA Grant
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Madi Sundlof ('16)
"By the end of the second week, I had learned more than I had in most of my other classes combined."
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Preston Zimney ('16)
"Go to class with an open mind and ready to take notes, because I feel the information you will learn is really interesting!"
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Tyler Thompson ('16)
"It is really personable being able to call your professors by their first name!"
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Steven Pignato ('15)
"I would suggest choosing environmental studies courses that also fulfill common curriculum requirements."
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Erin Medvecz ('15)
"Don't be afraid to take a minor that also interests you!"
