Stories from Environmental Sciences Graduate Program Alumni

Stephen Oakley is a firefighter/paramedic with over a decade of experience in the fire service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildfire Science from California State University, San Marcos, in 2022 and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences from Oregon State University in 2026. His work focuses on wildfire risk, land-use planning, and the intersection of climate-driven hazards and social vulnerability. His graduate research examined environmental inequalities of wildfire exposure… more

J. Alexis Fuentes is a native of McAllen in South Texas. Following his graduation from Texas A&M University, Kingsville, with a Bachelor of Science in Geology, he earned an active-duty commission as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer, then a Field Artillery Targeting Warrant Officer and served for over 20 years. He earned a Professional Science Master’s in Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resource Management from Texas Tech University and a Master of Science in Environmental Science… more

Will earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Economics from Loyola Marymount University in 2021. He recently completed his Master of Science in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Water Resources at Oregon State University in March 2026. He currently works as an assistant water resources specialist at the Santa Clara Valley Water District, where his work focuses on urban stormwater pollution prevention, reservoir monitoring, and mercury contamination in impaired… more

Krysta Higuchi began her journey with a passion for marine mammal rescue and conservation, paired with a background and undergrad in communications that sparked her interest in how science is shared with the public. Through hands-on experience in rescue and rehabilitation, she saw firsthand how powerful clear, compelling storytelling can be in helping people connect with environmental issues. This realization led her to pursue a master’s degree focused on strengthening science communication… more

Trevor Jordan grew up in southern Ohio and was active with Boy Scouts of America, where he developed a love for the outdoors. He earned an associate’s degree with emphasis in geology, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After 10 years serving as a chemistry technician on nuclear-powered submarines, the lack of windows caused him to miss the outdoors. He was honorably discharged in 2016 and moved to Augusta, Georgia, in order to pursue his bachelor’s degree in ecology at Augusta University.… more

Annaliese N. Schweitzer a master of science candidate in environmental sciences at Oregon State University, with a concentration in natural resources. Her non-thesis research focuses on the recovery of Boltonia decurrens, a federally threatened floodplain plant, through the development of a visually driven, landowner focused moist soil vegetation management guidebook specifically for the Illinois River Valley. Annaliese’s work integrates adaptive management, habitat restoration, and… more

Andrew Adams works as an environmental permitting specialist and business analyst for a construction company in Seaside, Oregon. Andrew began studying the relationships between environmental issues and culture while an undergraduate student at NYU in 2016. Since then, he has volunteered with organic farmers and food justice groups including Food Not Bombs and We Keep Us Safe, and as a “citizen scientist” for different biodiversity projects on iNaturalist. During his time at Oregon State… more

K-Andrea Evarose (“K”) is a Solid Waste Technical Analyst with the Office of Planning and Development under the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Governor. Working alongside local partners and with guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, she contributed to the development of the CNMI’s first Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (CISWMP), which has been approved by the EPA and is now being implemented across the Commonwealth. Originally… more

Allison was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where she continues to live today. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geoscience from Texas A&M University. While at Texas A&M, an environmental justice course sparked her passion for the field and helped shape her professional interests. After graduating in 2020, Allison began her career with the state environmental agency as an air investigator before transitioning into environmental consulting. She has worked as an air… more

Lee Baldwin spent most of his life moving from place to place following his dad’s career in the US Navy. After graduating high school he continued to travel on his own before and during undergraduate school at Arizona State University from which he graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainability, with a minor in Environmental Resource Management. After returning from an assignment in the Peace Corps that ended in the 2020 COVID pandemic, Lee enrolled in a Master’s in… more