Alumni

Environmental Politics and Policy now has 100 graduates from the program with approximately 8 more graduating every year! These alumni have gone on to various graduate programs and are filling a variety of jobs, as in the profile below.

We are currently updating this Alumni page. In the meantime, here is a new Alumni Survey Sunmmary.

In the Spring of 2005 we interviewed our alumni, asking them about the value of internships, the most useful ENSP-related course, the most useful non-related course, what they wish they'd done in college given what they are now doing, and what they find to be the most useful skills for their jobs.

Alumni Profile
Niles Armstrong (spring 05) - Research Assistant/Volunteer: Marine Turtle Research Program, NOAA Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center, Ohau, HI.

Jena Baker (spring 04) - First position after Maryland was with Booz Allen Hamilton; then was an Assistant, Constituent Services, Office of Governor Ehrlich, then left to attend law school at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock.

Jen Balachowski (spring 2004) - M.Ed Program in Biology Education at the University of Maryland.

Rudi Byron (spring 2006) - Environmental Scientist in the Planning Division of The Louis Berger Group, Inc.

Laura Burton (spring 2004) - Technical management assistant, United Nations Environmental Management Group (EMG).

Bess Caplan (spring 02) - Masters student in Environmental Science and Studies at Towson University. Formerly US Forest Service, and Maryland Department of the Environment, Flood Control Division. Her concentration is water resource management. She is writing her thesis on the effectiveness of urban Riparian buffer zones. Bess just finished working for the Maryland Department of the Environment before returning to school. She worked in the Water Management Administration where she was a part of the flood mitigation group. They handled all flood related issues in the state such as building permits, regulation and enforcement, etc.

Christine Dell'Amore (spring 02) - Graduate student in environmental journalism at the University of Colorado . Also a freelance writer for Boulder Magazine, Boulder Daily Camera and the Denver Post. Formerly a communication officer for World Wildlife Fund in Washington , D.C.

Gina Eosco (spring 03) - Graduate school in Environmental Communication at Cornell University . First position after Maryland: Atmospheric policy program, American Meteorological Society.

Jen Fulcher (fall 2005) - News Assistant with Loudon (VA) Times Mirror.

Sara Kamins (spring 02) - UC Berkeley, Energy Resources

Melisa Klem (spring 03 ) - Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton . Melisa works on-site at the Department of Energy's Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) Front Office. This office is charged with licensing, constructing, and operating the nation's first high-level waste geologic repository at Yucca Mountain . She is an information services and management consultant for the OCRWM Director and her senior managers. Her responsibilities include but are not limited to: analyzing and summarizing all news media reports on Yucca Mountain, nuclear energy, and the Department; assisting the Director with preparations for testifying and receiving questions at congressional hearings; creating and editing presentations and speeches for the OCRWM Director, Deputy Director, and Senior Managers; monitoring and summarizing all congressional hearings related to energy, nuclear waste, and DOE funding; research and analyze policies, standards, and reports from such organizations as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, General Accounting Office, and the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board.

Sean Ledwin (fall 2003) - Graduate school in Ecology and Natural Resource Management at the University of Michigan. First position: Subsistence Biologist, Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments/USFWS Partners Program, Fort Yukon, Alaska.

Cara Lynch (spring 04) - Office of Acquisition Management at EPA. Although Cara is in a relatively new position at Office of Research and Development, Office of Water, her duties include reviewing and managing contracts, and conducting peer reviews. Prior to that she was working for the Office of Wastewater Management in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Cara was actively involved in the oversight of the nation's largest federal infrastructure financing program. She oversaw three Regions, their activities, and provided them with programmatic guidance, and project review.

Kristin Marburg, double-concentration with Soil, Water and Land Resources (2000) - Law Clerk in Denver (CO) Juvenile Court. Earned her J.D. at the University of Colorado.

Alexia Martinez (spring 04) - Environmental scientist, Proxitronics, NASA Space Flight Center. Also, graduate student in Environmental Management at the University of Maryland, University College. Previously ORISE Fellow at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds.

David McLaughlin (summer 04) - Congressional Intern . He interned in the office of Congressman Albert Wynn of Maryland answering phones, sorting mail to various Legislative staffers, giving tours of the Capitol building, and attending meetings and hearings.

Laura Neal (spring 2003) - BCS Consulting, Inc./US Department of Energy, Office of the Biomass Program. Interned at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Rachel (Browne) Penrod (spring 04) - Marketing program assistant at the American Zoo & Aquarium Association. First position after Maryland was with the Animal Kingdom/Walt Disney Resort working as an instructor from within their Group Education Programs; this while also serving as a Substitute Teacher at Osceola County Public Schools.

Bethany Rickman (spring 04) - Staff Scientist at Schnabel Engineering. Her first position: was that of an Environmental Analyst with Building Evaluations Services and Technology (BEST).

Rachel (Howser) Roberts (fall 02) - Environmental Scientist for Dade Moeller and Associates, Inc. / Department of Energy's Office of NEPA Compliance and Policy. Formerly, Rachel worked as Advising Specialist and Research Associate with the ENSP P&P Concentration and the Harrison Program. Prior to that she interned at the Frederick County Planning Department, Forest Stewardship Council, and the Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center. Rachel is now a government contractor for the Department of Energy's NEPA Policy and Compliance office.

Colleen Ruddick (spring 2006) - Graduate school in Environmental Policy at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy.

John Rutan (fall 2005) - Environmental Scientist with Advantage Environmental Consultants.

Teresa (Schulkin) Sanders (spring 03) - Environmental Risk Analyst, AIG (one of the world's leading international insurance and financial services organization). First positions after Maryland: Environmental Specialist, General Services Administration (GSA), National Capital Region; and part-time graduate student at George Washington University.

Sarah Shaffer (spring 2005) - Graduate School in Global Environmental Politics at American University.

Maggie Sheer (spring 2001) - Law Clerk, Judge James L. Dennis, US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Previously in graduate school for combined degrees in Law and Public Policy, University of Texas Schools of Law and Public Policy.

Cassie Staley (spring 2004) - Graduate school in Urban and Environmental Policy at Tufts University.

Melanie Tymes (summer 2005) - Environmental Protection Specialist, EPA Office of Solid Waste.

Courtney Webster (spring 2001) - Local Government Environmental Assistance Network, International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Formerly attending graduate school in Environmental Policy at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy.

Elle Wilson (spring 04) - USGS Contractor.

Thoughts on internships
"I worked with Social and Scientific Systems in Silver Spring for two summers and two winter breaks during college as part of their Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group Operations Center . It was very useful because it allowed me to pair science with policy and research and gave me valuable skills, a government contractor background, and a wonderful job reference and letter of recommendation for graduate school! When I was hired by Walter Reed and then later by Booz Allen Hamilton, both interviewers (who then became my supervisors) stated that they chose me because of my interesting combination of course work and experience in science AND policy. The experience I had gained both in the classroom and in my internship writing, editing, analyzing, and communicating scientific issues was what set me aside from other potential candidates." -Melisa Klem

"I interned for a non-profit in DC called 20/20 vision. They lobbied for peace and environmental initiatives. It was useful but the work was very mundane. I did get to attend congressional hearings which were very insightful." -Bess Caplan

Gina Eosco had two internships. One was a congressional internship- " This was very useful and I encourage every ENSP student to participate. Having Hill experience is very valuable to employers in the DC area, especially those who advocate for the environment. You will gain experience in reading legislation, attending briefings and hearings, writing letters to constituents, possibly writing policy memos for the Congressman, as well as, gain contacts, meet mentors, and most importantly, understand how to effectively advocate for issues." The other was with Taxpayers for Common Sense, "They are a budget watch dog group in DC. I did a lot of policy analysis and advocating for environmental issues. It was excellent firsthand experience with lobbying."

"I was an education assistant at the Baltimore Zoo. It was useful for understanding conservation issues for my job at WWF." -Christine Dell-Amore

"This internship has already been helpful in establishing contacts that can vouch for your work ethic and competency... also, these same people could become future employers, and internships are a great way to network." -David McLaughlin

"I did as many internships as I could possibly cram into my schedule and I am thankful a million times over that I did so. It is much easier to get jobs and it gives me invaluable skills, including one's you wouldn't think of." - Jena Baker

"I didn't do an internship that was through the university, i.e. credit based. But I did volunteer with the sierra club and with the USGS for a semester. Both great experiences and USGS turned into a job!!" -Elle Wilson

"I had two internships; one at the Campaign for America 's Wilderness and one at Disney's Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. In hindsight, they were both useful, but Disney has been much MORE useful for the life skills I learned. The Campaign offered good experience in data entry, minute-taking, and composition. Working at Disney opened a whole world of opportunities to me, let me in on the field of conservation education and the world of public relations, developed public speaking skills and critical thinking skills, and helped me gain confidence in myself and my abilities." -Rachel (Browne) Penrod

"I spent one semester with Governor Ehrlich when he was in the House of Reps and a full year as a student Co-op with GSA. Both internships were useful because they prepared me for the work world. The GSA Co-op was most useful because it opened the door for me to be offered employment upon graduation. Also, a Co-op or internship lets a business train and groom you before hiring you (if they are able to)." -Teresa Schulkin

"Internships were a great opportunity to test the waters of the working world. My 3 different internships not only helped me to learn what type of work I liked best, but the office dynamics I worked best in. I highly reccommend taking an internship- and not just one! I interned with the Forest Stewardship Council ( a non-profit), the Frederick City Planning Department, and Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center." -Rachel (Howser) Roberts

Cara Lynch had 3 internships. One with "Massachusetts Audubon Society which was great for learning how to use ArcView and basic GIS skills." A second was with "Congress - ETS Subcommittee which gave me an insider's look to how Congress really works" and her last was with NRDC, Clean Water Network which was "very useful in understanding how a grassroots coalition works at the individual level. It was probably the most useful internship of the three."

" I interned with Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (Non-profit), USDA Forest Service, Montgomery County Council, CASA de Maryland, Law Foundation" Alexia Martinez

Alumni's most useful ENSP related class
"In hindsight, the best class I ever took was Professor Conca's class (GVPT419B) where all we did was analyze documents." -Alexia Martinez

"The most useful class I took was definitely Dr. Conca's GVPT419B course about Environmental Policy. I am constantly writing analytical summaries and this is a skill that Dr. Conca helped me improve through his weekly assignments" -Melisa Klem

"GVPT309A Topics in International Relations: Comparative Environmental Politics and Policy and GVPT419B- advanced topics in environmental policy analysis." -David McLaughlin

"Hard to pick, but it has to be the Capstone. I loved the ENSP Capstone because it tied everything together and provided so many different perspectives on what we had been learning throughout the major." -Rachel (Browne) Penrod

"BSCI 206, Chesapeake Bay, A living Resource with Professor Koines and Advanced Topics in Environmental Policy with Dr. Conca. I use the reading-comprehension and memo-writing skills as well as knowledge gained every day at work." -Teresa Schulkin

" Best was Miranda Schreurs class... she really reminded you of why you got into this field, her passion inspired." -Elle Wilson

"GVPT 419B (public policy with Dr. Conca!) and Env't law were the best." -Gina Eosco

" Hands-down both of Dr. James' courses: Intro to Env Science and the Capstone. His intro class formulated the basics for my environmental education and I still remember it clearly." -Christine Dell'Amore

"The best ENSP course was Comparative International Environmental Politics with Miranda Schreurs. She was not only a fantastic, insightful, captivating teacher, but really did a great job of extending my knowledge of different issues on an international front. She used a running comparison of Japan , Germany , and the U.S. to drive this point home." -Cara Lynch

"I really enjoyed ENSP 400 with Dr. James. The class was a lot of work but a good wrap-up to the degree. ENSP 101 also. For someone coming out of high school with little to no knowledge of environmental issues, the class gave me a great background to go full throttle into the major." -Bess Caplan

Most useful non-ENSP related course
"ENGL 391 Advanced Composition" -David McLaughlin

"I took a class entitled Women in European History my sophomore year and while I don't use the material I learned in that class very often, I was challenged greatly to improve my writing skills by this professor. She also taught us to be analytical, critical readers and question what's being said, on what basis, and by whom. I think the skills you learn in a course are often just as useful as the knowledge you gain especially when you apply these courses to your career." -Melisa Klem

"Pre-Law English (ENGL392), Computer Science." - Jena Baker

"Pre-Law English (ENGL392) because it led me to realize I did not want to go to law school." -Elle Wilson

"ENGL393- it gave me a lot of useful tools-including how to write a resume, cover letter, and a proposal." -Rachel (Howser) Roberts

"GVPT473, Legislature and Legislation, it was a good look inside the legislative process and how things REALLY move through the government. Now that I work for an Agency, I apply what I learned about the policy cycle, Congressionals, etc on a daily basis. "- Cara Lynch

"All of my chemistry courses including organic chem." -Gina Eosco

"Women's literature" -Christine Dell'Amore

What the alumni wish they'd done in college, given what they are doing now
"There are so many things I would do if I could repeat college. I wish I had double majored in chemistry and ensp and also enhanced my curriculum with some communication classes. My goal is to bridge the gap between scientists and decision makers in the meteorological community. Having a stronger understanding of meteorology, or atmospheric chemistry, would have helped." -Gina Eosco

"More internships!!! Every summer!" -Christine Dell'Amore

"I wish I had taken a 400 level course on U.S. Congressional Affairs and perhaps a course on nuclear energy policy in the U.S (if such a course exists). -Melisa Klem

" I wish I had known what I wanted to do earlier on, maybe joined more campus organizations which would've enabled me to intern while in school." -David McLaughlin

"Practiced writing more memos and agendas"- Alexia Martinez

Taken Physics. "Nearly all of my [graduate] courses have assumed an understanding of first principles. I think it provides a valuable understanding for anyone who thinks they may pursue graduate school in any environmental field." -Sara Kamins

"Taken communications courses" - Jena Baker

"I wish I had taken more classes "outside the box." I mean, yes, grades matter, but I should have audited some classes just to get a feel for more areas of study." -Elle Wilson

"Marketing and Communication. You don't realize that those are VERY important skills if you're going to be working in a place that tries to get a message out to the public." -Rachel (Browne) Penrod

"Given my current job, I wish I had some more business background. I wish I had taken basic statistics instead of biometrics, and paid attention in my economics classes :). On a personal note, I wish I had gone abroad and seen a little bit of the world before settling into a job. From those I have met on the job, young professionals who went abroad have a different perspective" -Cara Lynch

"Intro to Environmental Law, but really no regrets in my curriculum." -Teresa Schulkin

The most important skills for current job
" Strategic thinking/planning - planning a meeting is not as easy as booking a conference room. A lot of thought has to go into how you plan the meeting, who you invite, and how you present your ideas.

"Communication skills - The ability to communicate to different people, in different disciplines at different scientific levels is critical to my job. I go from PhD scientists to a staffer on the hill, and although both are very intelligent, you have to present information in a very different way. Science knowledge - I am very thankful I took as much chemistry as I did. I am able to understand more meteorology based on the physics and chem classes that I took at UMD. If I am going to educate a Hill staffer on a meteorological issue, I need to explain the science behind the issue first, and then suggest a policy solution. I encourage all students to take more science courses. Be able to multi-task!" -Gina Eosco

"Writing" -Alexia Martinez

"Not telling your boss/professor 'This is wrong' or 'This doesn't work,' but rather 'This is wrong and this is how I can fix it.'" -Christine Dell'Amore

"Writing (rapid, concise, accurate reporting), Analysis (review a 60 page document and determine what information is germane to OCRWM), Research (finding policies and political statements), and excellent interpersonal skills. I interact with federal government clients, presidential appointees, congressional aides, other government agencies, and concerned citizens."- Melisa Klem

"Social skills, fast typing, organization, ability to take good notes, understanding of the system, motivation." -David McLaughlin

"Work experience (definitely try to be a co-op first). Being a co-op senior year allowed me to get adjust to interacting with adults my parents' age as peers. My knowledge of RCRA, the CAA, Superfund and the CWA have helped too. Having taken Chemistry I and Chemistry II has helped me too during meetings, presentations and when reading reports. I can just better grasp the information presented and can make intelligent comments." -Teresa Schulkin

"FLEXIBILITY, i.e. the ability to deal well with change, readjust, and take things in stride. Also extremely important is the ability to take constructive criticism, use it to develop yourself, and not be hurt or take things personally" -Rachel (Browne) Penrod

"COMMUNICATION! I left my last job because communication in the office was so poor, and yet so critical to doing good work on a national program. In my job it's also critical. We work in teams, and are on the phone to contractors, bidders, project officers, etc all the time. Being able to properly, and concisely communicate is imperative. Also, analytic skills, time management, and an environmental background does not hurt" Cara Lynch

"Learning how to handle people, patience, learning that life isn't always fair. Learning how to operate in a political environment." - Jena Baker

Our alumni have graciously offered their contact information should any ENSP student wish to contact them about the opportunities they have had, or what it is like to work for a certain employer. Their information is listed below.

Jena Baker (301) 659-6862 jenabaker81@yahoo.com	Bess Caplan sunzoey@aol.com	Christine Dell'Amore cdellamore@care2.com
Gina Eosco 202-737-9006 ext 440 eosco@dc.ametsoc.org	Melisa Klem (301) 602-8117 (cell) (202) 58604856 (office) mklem@aol.com klem_melisa@bah.com	Cara Lynch (202) 564-4734 lynch.cara@epa.gov
David McLaughlin (516) 840 1530 D_McLaughlin20@hotmail.com	Rachel Penrod rachpenrod@yahoo.com	Rachel Roberts rachelroberts@robertsdesk.com
Teresa Schulkin (202) 708-5259 Tschulk@aol.com	Elle Wilson snorchel@aol.com