PSM Stories from the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program

My past work experiences and commitment to the improving the environment showed me that I needed more than just a traditional Master’s degree and the PSM program at Oregon State offered the inter-disciplinary approach to education I wanted. I received my undergraduate degree in marine biology from the College of Charleston in South Carolina and following graduation entered the Peace Corps.  I served in the country of Zambia as an aquaculture extension agent for … more

I am from Kalispell, Montana and graduated from Montana State University in May 2006 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Science.  I chose Oregon State University’s Professional Science Master’s because of its interdisciplinary program and non-thesis option.  I enrolled in the Environmental Sciences program to pursue my love of ecology.  I feel the courses I took will provide me with the necessary skills to be successful in any career I choose in this field.

I moved to Oregon in 2007 to gain further experience working as an environmental interpreter and educator. Ultimately, I am participating in the PSM program to develop a more well-rounded background in the practical application of environmental science. I enjoy learning the relationships between various scientific specialties, and I believe that this program at OSU is designed to let students contribute in their own respective ways. I plan to work with various members of the fermentation… more

While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I avoided business courses, thinking that they were really needed for scientists.  However, once I started working in the environmental industry, I realized that business is fundamentally related to every field.  I came to OSU in order to pursue the PSM degree since getting an advanced degree in the sciences has been a goal of mine, and thought that the degree would increase my career advancement opportunities.  The coursework and PSM… more

Hello, my name is Tyler Barns. I graduated from Humboldt State University in 2006 with a degree in Environmental Science and pursued a career in the environmental industry shortly thereafter. My most recent experience consists of two years with Envicom Corporation, an environmental consulting firm in southern California. While employed, I worked as a field biologist and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analyst. I provided biological assessments, California Department of Fish and… more

I grew up in the Willamette Valley, Oregon and developed a deep appreciation for wetlands and a passion for local wildlife at a young age.  Being an avid herpetologist since childhood, it seemed natural that I would pursue higher education that would expand on this enthusiasm.  I completed a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Zoology in 2006 from OSU, and graduated in 2009 with an Environmental Science Master’s degree through the Professional… more

I graduated from OSU with a PSM in Environmental Sciences in 2008 after a highly successful internship at Hewlett-Packard in green chemistry, where I was instrumental in starting a pilot program to decrease the company’s reliance on potentially toxic plastic materials. This program was a big part of HP’s green chemistry efforts that have since served as a basis for the regulatory implementation California’s AB 1879 green chemistry initiative. I credit my PSM experience with preparing me for… more

I chose the PSM program in order to strengthen my science background and also to increase my understanding of environmental policy and the operations of NGOs. I enjoyed the flexibility that the program afforded which really allowed me to make the degree my own. I interned with the Siuslaw National Forest managing an invasive plant restoration project in the Salmon River estuary. I have secured employment managing invasive plants with the Catalina Island Conservancy in Southern California.… more

I have worked full-time as the Water Projects Coordinator for Benton County since 2007. Prior to completing the PSM program at OSU, I worked on a range of biological consulting projects in California, Oregon, and Washington. The PSM program provided me with the ability to hone my skills and focus on water resources science, policy, and management prior to re-entering the work force. I currently work on interdepartmental efforts to assess both groundwater and surface water… more

My current interests and life goals include a career that can combine my previous horticultural credentials with a career in education. While I am interested in teaching in the public school system, I am also interested in alternative education. Much of what we learn in life is learned through our experiences outside of school. The combination of business and professional classes taken to enhance my current credentials in plant science allow me to diversify and market myself to a broad range… more