Alumni
Alumni
Making an impact
Meet some inspiring SES alumni who shared thoughts about how their time at Loyola prepared them for meaningful and rewarding careers.
Natalia Szklaruk
Natalia Szklaruk earned her master’s degree in environmental science and sustainability in 2023. She now works as an aquatic invasive species educator
“My experience in SES gave me the tools and confidence I needed to pursue a career that I’m passionate about. The hands-on learning, research opportunities, and supportive environment prepared me for success. Beyond the academics, the encouragement and support I received from my professors and peers really helped me grow.”
Garrett Klepitsch
Garrett Klepitsch graduated from Loyola in 2017 with a bachelor’s in environmental science. Today, he is pursuing his passion for conservation as a so
“The faculty and the students have a lot of passion for what they do. Following graduation, that inspiration and passion carried forward, and that energy helped me get to where I am now.”
Megan McCawley
Megan McCawley graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. In her current job, she helps people connect with nature as the ho
“My undergraduate education gave me a lot of baseline knowledge that has helped me succeed in this position and connected me with others in the field. My experience at Loyola gave me a passion for all things environmental and related to the natural world. If I hadn’t learned about the School of Environmental Sustainability, I wouldn’t be where I am today, both professionally and personally.”
Tony Minnick
Tony Minnick completed his bachelor’s degree in environmental science in 2014. He now helps create more environmentally sound and socially just sustai
“I interned at the student-led farm at LUREC (the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus) and then worked on campus in the Winthrop Garden and with aquaponics systems in the school’s greenhouse. Those experiences put me in a state of continuous wonder, and the supervisors demonstrated a love and enthusiasm for the work that I found very contagious. I’ve found success supervising farm teams by continuing to nurture the spark my mentors at Loyola fired up in me.”
Monique Sosnowski, PhD
Monique Sosnowski, PhD, graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2016 with a double major in environmental studies and psychology. Today, she works
“I look back on my time at Loyola with fond memories and am thankful for all the opportunities that were provided to me throughout my four years. They helped shape me into the person I have become and have helped guide me into the career I have today.”
Carolyn Bidó
Carolyn Bidó earned her master's degree in environmental science and sustainability in 2023. Today, she works to facilitate the transition to electric
“Loyola provided great insight into the circular economy, environmental sustainability, and environmental justice, allowing me to narrow my potential career paths. The numerous professional development opportunities advertised through SES allowed me to apply what I had learned, develop new skills, and build a professional network that eventually shaped how I envisioned my career.”
Opportunities Across Sectors
SES graduates work in a wide range of fields, advancing sustainability through jobs in industry, nonprofits, education, and government agencies.
The figure shows some sectors where our undergraduate program alumni work today.