Alumni Spotlight
We recently caught up with several of our dynamic alumni and asked them a few questions:
Jasmine Prat, MS 2019, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, SoE Puyallup
What are you up to these days?
I am working at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. I am a recipient of the 2020 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship and was placed in the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) within the NOAA Fisheries line office. As a fellow in OLE, I am working on our capacity-building program to assist other nations in combating illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing.
What do you miss most about Washington State University?
I had a unique experience at WSU as I was based at the Puyallup Research and Extension Center. Our extension campus is composed of a tight-knit group of graduate students, research faculty, and administrative staff. I miss this community of WSU the most. There was always a familiar face around for me to bounce ideas off or ask a question!
What was it like being a student in the School of the Environment?
As an SoE student, I had many interesting courses and dedicated professors that made my experience enriching and enjoyable. Even though the majority of my courses were through the videoconference system (which had its technical challenges), the professors did a great job of including me in classroom discussions, office hours, and even field trips. There was also wonderful administrative support that I knew I could reach out to with any questions. They helped me to organize my schedule and made sure I was on track to graduate throughout the program.
What advice would you give to incoming students in the School of the Environment?
Look up “imposter syndrome” and keep it in mind as you move through your degree. I remember how relieved I felt when I learned the term and realized it was common (and pretty normal) to feel lost or inadequate at times as a student. Seek support, trust the process, and find ways to stay inspired! There are many conferences, seminars, and networking opportunities available to students that helped me to overcome challenging moments and kept me excited about the future.
Lambert Ngenzi, BS 2019, Enviromental & Ecosystem Sciences, SoE Pullman
What are you up to these days?
I am a conservation education fellow at Kasiisi Project in Western Uganda with Princeton in Africa. I have been helping in launching and implementing the African Honeybee project in communities around Kibale National Park on a two-year research project grant funded by National Geographic Society.
What do you miss most about Washington State University?
I miss all the friends I made and staff I knew during my time at WSU. I also miss my younger brother, Boris, who is still in his sophomore year. In short, I miss everything and everyone, in exception to the cold weather and homework 😂.
What advice would you give to incoming students (undergraduate or graduate) in the School of the Environment?
Getting to know or introducing myself to the faculty in the SoE is one the best things I have ever done during my time at WSU. So, go to office hours or make an appointment.
What was it like being a student in the School of the Environment?
I had a family that trusted and challenged me to become who I am today. I’m so grateful to the entire SoE staff and students.
Kesondra Key, BS 2019, Earth & Environmental Sciences, SoE Vancouver
What are you up to these days?
Since graduation, I moved across the country for a year-long internship to work as a post-bachelor’s research associate at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee. While working with Dr. Moetasim Ashfaq, a climate scientist, I have contributed to a wide variety of research projects, including wildfire projections, climate extremes, droughts, and regional monsoons. I am honored to have been given this opportunity and I highly recommend anyone interested in science to look into summer internships at ORNL. As for my next goal, I am currently applying to graduate programs to pursue a doctorate in the fall.
What do you miss most about Washington State University?
What I miss most about WSU are the people, the mountains, the cold rainy weather, and the tall, beautiful trees. During my environmental science classes at WSU Vancouver, I felt I was a part of a community and always had someone to turn to if I needed help. The students in the School of the Environment did an excellent job at creating study groups and support networks that extended beyond the classroom. Additionally, professors prioritized assisting students during office hours if they needed help – even if it was regarding subjects outside of their class.
What advice would you give to incoming students in the School of the Environment?
The most important advice I can give to incoming students in SoE is to take computer science classes to learn coding languages like R and python. The one thing I have learned as a post-baccalaureate is that if you are going to work in science, you need coding skills so you can run your own analysis for your research. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your teachers for help. Similarly, networking is likely one of the most important things you can do while you are in school, so don’t be afraid to e-mail people to ask for advice or to inquire about potential opportunities.
What was it like being a student in the School of the Environment?
Being a student in the SoE was quite an informative experience. The interdisciplinary nature of this program has allowed me to view the world from a different perspective. As a result, it has enhanced my skills to explore new ideas and research opportunities in a multitude of fields and disciplines. Most important, the opportunity for hands-on scientific research as an undergraduate, whether through field-based courses or volunteering in labs, allows students to gain skills they would otherwise be unable to in textbook-based coursework alone. This ultimately allows them to make better informed decisions about their potential future in science and what direction they want to go after graduation.
Melanie Thornton, PhD 2018, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, SoE Pullman
Melanie is currently a member of professional staff for the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in Washington, D.C. She is responsible for policy and oversight issues within her portfolio, which includes arranging and staffing hearings, drafting legislation, and working with stakeholders, outside groups, members of Congress, and executive branch officials.
What are you up to these days?
I work on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and work on water, science, and territory policy. Since my job is based in Washington, DC, I spend my free time exploring the city, checking out new exhibits at the different Smithsonian museum, or hiking along the Potomac River.
What do you miss most about Washington State University?
I miss the community and culture of living in a college town — where you can go to the grocery store or a restaurant and run into someone you know. I also miss the Cougar spirit and hearing “Go Cougs” on a regular basis.
What advice would you give to incoming students (undergraduate or graduate) in the School of the Environment?
Get involved on campus or in the community – Student Involvement and the Center for Civic Engagement at WSU are great places to start.
What was it like being a student in the School of the Environment? (Noted: SoE includes the NATRS programs of forestry and wildlife, ENVR SCI, ESRP, Geology)
As a student in SoE, I had a unique experience to take interdisciplinary courses to further my education and deepen my understanding of the collaborative nature of the environmental and natural resources field. I was able to work on a research project that had direct impact in our region. And, the introductory environmental science course had a lab component in the local community, where students got first-hand experience collecting and analyzing data. I loved my time being an SoE student and the interdisciplinary and collaborative focus of the program.
Kristopher (Kris) Felt, BS 2009, MS 2013, Geology, SoE Pullman
What are you up to these days?
After working as a geology/GIS expert for the City of Casper, Wyoming, I recently moved to Cheyenne, Wyo., where I use my geology and GIS skills for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). I am a GIS Risk Analyst in the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, working on various projects focused around hazards such as regional seasonal flooding in the Dakotas and along the Wasatch fault zone. In my free time I continue to develop my skills as an amateur skier, logger, and snow-removal specialist.
What do you miss most about Washington State University?
I miss the town, the atmosphere, the rolling hills of the Palouse, Cougar football, and the great people and faculty who make the town and University unique.
What advice would you give to incoming students in the School of the Environment?
Embrace the process of learning and the journey it can take you on; enjoy all the moments; and take advantage of the opportunities and resources around you.
What was it like being a student in the Geology Program in the School of the Environment?
I enjoyed my time as a student – it was fun and challenging. The labs, field trips, projects, and lectures all provided an opportunity to learn something new each day and develop skills to better understand the processes and deposits that create many of the beautiful landscapes that make up eastern Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
SoE: Connecting Earth and Life