Environmental Studies Program
Featured Alumni
Jodi Kinn (’14)
April 2016: Pompey’s Pillar NM/Park Ranger
“The EVST program helped me learn to live my life in a more environmentally friendly way. Instead of everyone driving their children separately, I started a car pool system among parents in Park City. Little things can make a difference. The EVST program also gave me a career. I started out as an intern at Pompey’s Pillar National Monument and was hired on as paid staff the next year. This would not have been possible without my EVST internship. I am definitely proud to have a degree in Environmental Studies.”
Diane Stilson (’11)
April 2016: Civil Engineer/ Environmental Protection Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Helena
“At the FAA, my position includes Civil Engineering and part-time duties to ensure environmental compliance for airport projects. The job I have is a great opportunity to use the EVST degree in that I oversee NEPA compliance for FAA airport projects in Montana and Idaho.”
Kimberly Corcoran (’08)
April 2016: Environmental Science Specialist, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Bozeman
Dennis Elliot (‘05)
April 2016: Hydrologic Technician, US Geological Survey, Billings
Other Credentials: Minor Geography
“Most degree programs have a specialized and narrow focus right. However, the EVST program allows you to get started when you don’t know exactly what type of work you will eventually seek. Once you find an area of interest (Hydrology, GIS, Geology, etc.), you can take courses that fit your goal. Understanding different scientific fields was helpful, both in terms of making a positive impression during interviews and in terms of my first job assignments.”
Benjamin J. Davis (’12)
April 2016: Regulatory & Operations Technician, Billings
Other Credentials: BS in Ecology & Evolution from Montana State University
“The EVST program has allow me to expand the thinking of people in the oil and gas industry regarding the rules and regulations that they are obligated to follow. With ever-changing governmental regulations, there are many employers seeking graduates to keep their companies compliant with the authorities. In this way, the EVST program is essential to Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota.”
Laci St. John (’10)
April 2016: Learning and Development Manager with Amazon.com
(Human Resources), Heredia, Costa Rica
Arthur Robinson (’06)
April 2016: Program Manager for the Montana Board of Water Well Contractors, Helena
“The course of study that is required for EVST was ideal for this position. As the Program Manager I must have knowledge of: groundwater, geology, mapping, report writing, math, laws and public speaking. The EVST degree supported classes in these areas and they were a great asset in qualifying and getting this position.”
Catharina Keim (’11)
April 2016: PhD Student/Research Associate, University of Bayreuth, Germany
Other Credentials: M.Sc. Environmental Management, University of Kiel, Germany
“The EVST program offered me a wide variety of options. I put together an extra emphasis on chemistry and ecology. The EVST program prepared me well for my first job at Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology and for my Master’s program. During my work experience, I realized that I wanted to be able to handle my own research projects.”
Jeffrey Butts (’09)
April 2016: Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Billings – Yellowstone County, Billings
Other Credentials: Master of Urban and Regional Planning, Portland State University
“The program offered a diverse and enriching variety of coursework, including science, policy and social analysis. A Human Geography class, taken my first semester, changed the direction of my life. The art, philosophy, ecology, history, policy, math and study abroad in the Netherlands prepared me for acceptance into the Peace Corps, and for one of the top bicycle transportation planning graduate schools in the nation.”
Dennis Elliot (’05)
April 2016: Hydrologic Technician, US Geological Survey, Billings
Other Credentials: Minor Geography
“Most degree programs have a specialized and narrow focus right. However, the EVST program allows you to get started when you don’t know exactly what type of work you will eventually seek. Once you find an area of interest (Hydrology, GIS, Geology, etc.), you can take courses that fit your goal. Understanding different scientific fields was helpful, both in terms of making a positive impression during interviews and in terms of my first job assignments.”