Three Environmental Science majors awarded competitive scholarships by Ohio EPA

This month we learned that three seniors majoring in Environmental Science have been awarded $2,500 scholarships by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for the 2013-2014 academic year.  The three students are Cassie Nix (EVS/Biology/Toxicology, AU’14), Mitch Ramsey (EVS/Geology, AU’14), and Zack Weilnau (EVS/Biology, AU’14).

“The scholarship program is administered by the Ohio Academy of Science. It is designed to motivate students to enter environmental fields of science and engineering and reward outstanding undergraduate students based on merit.” (Aug. 8, 2013 News Release from OEPA)

Cassie Nix (AU'14) with Mt. Hood, OR, in background.  Cassie plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology.

Criteria for selection include GPA, recommendation letters, extra-curricular activities, and ability to communicate effectively.  Students present evidence of “original research, scholarship, employment, volunteering or other unique contributions they have accomplished in environmental science or environmental engineering.”

In 2012, two Environmental Science/Biology majors, Kelly Sullivan and Amanda Kriner, were awarded this same scholarship for their senior year (2012-2013).  Altogether, the awards to these five students represent an outstanding level of success for AU Environmental Science students in recent years:

“Within the past year [2012-2013] Ashland University students have received more Ohio environmental science and engineering scholarships of the $63,500 awarded from The Ohio Academy of Science and the Ohio Environmental Education Fund than students at any of the other 15 Ohio schools with students receiving scholarships.” 

 --Dr. Lynn Elfner, CEO, Ohio Academy of Science

Congratulations to all!

Zack Weilnau (AU'14) plans to work in a wildlife/zoo setting and/or be a Physician's Assistant.

Mitch Ramsey (AU'14) plans to go to graduate school in meteorology.

Environmental Science alumna working in bioassessment

Environmental Science alumna Rachel  Day ('11) reports back that she will be completing her MS degree at Miami of Ohio this December and has already started a job with the Midwest Biodiversity Institute, an environmental assessment organization.  Rachel writes that:

My position as chemical crew leader assists with the collection of data for a bioassessment of the Great Miami River. Some of my work will include deploying a datasonde at each sampling site to acquire a profile of the water chemistry. I'll also be obtaining sediment and surface water grab samples to send to a lab in Cincinnati for testing.

Rachel mentions that the environmental sampling and assessment experience she gained in the Limnology course here at AU was a big plus when applying for this position.

Do you have news about a new career move?  Please let us know so that we can mention you on this blog, our Facebook page or electronic newsletter.