PSM Stories from the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program

I have always been interested in plants and ecology throughout my career. The PSM program provided core courses to help me achieve more of a multidisciplinary approach, but also the ability for me to focus on elective courses to provide the background for the field of wetland science and restoration. My internship, which later turned into an employment opportunity, was at a private environmental consultant firm, Pacific Habitat Services(PHS). PHS is where I gained experience in wetland… more

Before OSU, I earned a BA in Biology; Environmental Emphasis with Chemistry and Economics minors from the University of Northern Iowa.  I was interested in the PSM program because it provided a unique opportunity to combine the worlds of business and science in one degree.  The degree piqued further interest in business education and I completed an MBA from the University of Iowa to develop a solid business and management foundation.  In hindsight, the opportunity at OSU and… more

I earned my Professional Science Master's degree in Environmental Sciences in 2004. I wanted to integrate my knowledge in consulting with new information and skills from departments ranging from business to forestry. My internship project involved assisting a communications service provider through land use processes associated with facility expansion, which was an extension of my earlier work in natural resources permitting and mitigation. Coursework on the role of science in policy… more

I was introduced to the PSM program when I decided to change careers at my place of employment, Environmental Protection Agency. The research projects that I had been involved with had a need for GIS (geographic information systems) skills and database development. The PSM program seemed the perfect fit to increase my knowledge of environmental issues while also providing the opportunity to do an internship using GIS. I am currently working at the EPA in the Risk Characterization Branch… more