Sustainability After Loyola
Environmental science alums on their green careers
By Maura Sullivan Hill
A degree in environmental science can take graduates across the country to countless different fields and industries. Inspired by a Loyola experience that covers everything from environmental policy to conservation and sustainable agriculture, alums can find themselves working in computer programming, with children, or at advocacy groups. These six Loyola alumni, who landed their own unique careers, show that there’s more than one way to help the planet and make a difference.
Alison Paul (BS ’03)
Environmental Sciences
Youth Conservation Action Manager at The Field Museum
“I oversee a nationally-recognized environmental education program that reaches thousands of kids in the Chicago area each year. We help connect kids to nature through hands-on activities, and it is our hope that they can become tomorrow's leaders and environmental stewards. Working in the environmental field requires many skills—from communications to fundraising to ecological stewardship. Getting an environmental science degree that is grounded in Loyola's liberal arts approach has been a huge asset in navigating the many different skills one needs to have a successful career.”
Ryan Van Portfliet (BS ’14, MBA ’15)
Environmental Science
Senior Analyst, Renewable Development at Invenergy LLC
“I spend every day building a cleaner energy future. Within the Renewable Development department, I manage new wind and solar development projects within the United States to solve the energy challenges facing our customers and communities. I love being on the cutting edge of the fast-paced and ever-evolving energy market, and Loyola prepared me to work hard while still focusing on the big picture. The sustainability measures taken at Loyola drove me to do the same in my career.”
Erin Ebbesmeyer (BS ’15)
Environmental Science
Special Projects Facilitator with the Chicago Park District
“I help with administrative programming for over 200 parks and playgrounds on the north side of the city. On a typical day, I can be in the office assisting with season hiring and budgets, or out in the parks coordinating events like the Special Olympics Spring Games. I love working with an organization that helps keep natural spaces accessible and public and provides impactful recreation programs for Chicago’s neighborhoods.”
Amy Galanter (BS/BA ’10)
Environmental Science/Spanish
Hydrologist at the New Mexico Water Science Center
“I work on groundwater modeling projects, using math and programming to simulate groundwater flow and storage, which enables us to look at questions of water resources and imagine future scenarios. Water, and especially groundwater, is a limited and important resource in New Mexico. I love everything about my job, from the great people I get to work with to the challenges that the science presents. Being a student at Loyola gave me the motivation, confidence, and excitement to pursue a career in science.”
Jared Brocklehurst (BS ’15)
Environmental Science
Sustainability Analyst at Legrand, North and Central America
“Legrand is a specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures, and I assist in implementing the company’s sustainability strategy. I focus on water intensity reductions, waste diversion at our facilities, LEED project certification, sustainability communications, corporate philanthropy, and employee volunteerism. Businesses have a lot of influence over the use of our resources, the products we consume, and the policies that shape our society. By advocating for good corporate citizenship, that influence can have far-reaching impacts on the economy, the environment, and our culture.”
Aaron Hammond (BA ’11)
Environmental Studies
Assistant Director of Park Management & Sustainability at the Lincoln Park Conservancy
“I manage the native plant ecosystems throughout the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago, as well as the volunteer gardening and citizen science programs. I like that I can blend indoor and outdoor work to really get the best of both worlds. I love working with the thousands of volunteers, and the hundreds of different plant and animal species that call Lincoln Park home. Thinking critically and working and residing in a community striving to improve and conserve are facets I remember fondly from my time at Loyola, and use in my work today. Plus, being an alumnus of one of the "greenest" universities in the country doesn't hurt.”
