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School of Environment and Natural Resources Alumni Career Spotlights

Alumni Career Spotlights

 

Chris in front of a body of water with equipmentChris Yoder     
Fisheries Management ‘73  
Research Director, Midwest Biodiversity Institute    

Chris completed his undergraduate degree in SENR in 1973 after studying Fisheries Management. During his time in SENR, he was involved in undergraduate research at the then OSU Museum of Zoology (now OSU Museum of Biodiversity). After graduation, Chris worked part-time for a professor at Wittenberg University, received a Master's in Zoology from DePauw University, worked twenty-five years at Ohio EPA, and is now the Research Director at the Midwest Biodiversity Institute located in Hilliard, OH since 2001.    

Read the full interview with Chris

 


Mark Dilley standing over a mossy log with his arms raised and smiling in a vernal poolMark Dilley
Natural Resources ‘91
Master of Science in Environmental Science ‘03
Chief Scientist & Co-Founder, MAD Scientist Associates

Mark completed his undergraduate degree in SENR in 1991 having majored in Natural Resources with a specialization in Fisheries Management. Among his many involvements during his time in SENR, he was part of the Mountain Honorary and Big Brothers/Big Sisters and worked as an intern at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) within the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. After graduation, Mark got married and received his Master of Science in Environmental Science with an emphasis on wetlands from OSU in 2003. Mark is now the Chief Scientist and co-founder of MAD Scientist Associates located in Westerville. 

Read the full interview with Mark

 


Headshot of Bret Henninger with a suit in natureBret Henninger
Fisheries Management ‘94
Chief Operating Officer, Great Parks of Hamilton County

Bret completed his undergraduate degree in SENR in 1994 after majoring in Fisheries Management. During his time in SENR, he worked as a student employee in the Fees and Deposits office in Lincoln Tower and interned with the Ohio EPA’s Ecological Assessment Section. After graduation, Bret worked a few different jobs and finished a Master in Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University in 2008. He is now the Chief Operating Officer at the Great Parks of Hamilton County. 

Read the full interview with Bret

 


Sherri Peterson in blue top with trees and vines in backgroundSherri Peterson
Environmental Science ‘99
Revenue Programs Manager, City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services

Sherri graduated from SENR in 1999 after majoring in Environmental Science with a focus in Water Policy. During her time in SENR, she was involved in the SENR Honors club and led several environmental initiatives on campus. After graduation, Sherri immediately started working as an environmental planner for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, Oregon and in 2018 earned a Master of Public Administration from Portland State University. She is now the Revenue Programs Manager for the Bureau of Environmental Services in Portland, Oregon.   

Read the full interview with Sherri 

 


MicHeadshot of Micah Pace with green plants in the backgroundah Pace   
Natural Resources Management ‘00  
Director of Consulting, Preservation Tree Services, Inc.  

Micah earned a degree in Natural Resources Management from SENR in 2000. During his time in SENR, he was involved in Society of American Foresters (SAF) and worked off campus as a foreman for a local landscaping company. After graduation, Micah obtained a Master of Science in Forestry at the University of Maine and is now the Director of Consulting for Preservation Tree Services, Inc., a Dallas-based arboricultural firm.  

Read the interview with Micah

 


Gwen in a white shirt and white hat with mountains and nature in backgroundGwen Kolb    
Natural Resource Management ‘01 
State Coordinator, New Mexico Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program

Gwen graduated from SENR in 2001 after majoring in Natural Resource Management. During her time in SENR, she was involved in the student chapter of The Wildlife Society and spent several summers interning for the US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS). After graduation, Gwen started working for the USFWS and is now the State Coordinator for New Mexico Partners for Fish and Wildlife, a program within the USFWS.   

Read the full interview with Gwen

 


Mike McNuttMike McNutt
Environmental Science ‘01
Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 1994, Mike returned to Ohio State to earn a second bachelor’s degree in 2001 in Environmental Science. Today, he utilizes both degrees as Public Affairs and Communications Manager for Las Virgenes Municipal Water District in Calabasas, California.


Read the interview with Mike

 


Headshot of Vicki Muller who is wearing a striped white and blue shirt and is smiling with a house and grass in the backgroundVicki Muller
Wildlife Management ‘04
Wildlife Refuge Manager, Erie National Wildlife Refuge - US Fish and Wildlife Service   

Vicki graduated from SENR in 2004 after studying Wildlife Management. During her time in SENR, she was the President of the Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society, founded the Student Leadership Forum, and interned with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. After graduation, Vicki started working right away with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is now the Wildlife Refuge Manager at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge.     

Read the full interview with Vicki

 


Marne Titchenell smiling in a blue sweater with books behind herMarne Titchenell
Wildlife Management ‘04   
Master of Science in Wildlife and Forestry ‘07 
Extension Wildlife Program Specialist, School of Environment and Natural Resources 

Marne completed her undergraduate degree in SENR in 2004 after studying Wildlife Management with a minor in Forestry. During her time in SENR, she was involved in the student chapter of The Wildlife Society and held several internships, including one summer with the US Fish and Wildlife Services. After graduation, Marne obtained a Master of Science in Wildlife Management and Forestry, also at the Ohio State University, and is now the Extension Wildlife Program Specialist for the OSU School of Environment and Natural Resources.   

Read the full interview with Marne  

 


Vanessa Perry wearing a gray shirt and smiling with nature and water in the background

Vanessa Perry, PhD    
Human Dimensions in Natural Resources ‘04   
Planning Director, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Vanessa earned a degree in Human Dimensions in Natural Resources with a focus on Environmental Planning and Policy from SENR in 2004. During her time in SENR, she was involved in the Westerville Civic Symphony and worked at the Olentangy River Wetland Research Center, the Blacklick Creek Watershed Association and other locations. After graduation, Vanessa later obtained her Master of Science and PhD in Natural Resource Science & Management from the University of Minnesota, where she studied the social dimensions of natural resource decision-making. Vanessa is now a Planning Director at the State of Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources.   

Read the full interview with Vanessa 

 


Headshot of Alexis Sakas where she is wearing a green shirt and smiling in front of a dark blue backgroundAlexis Sakas
Environment & Natural Resources ‘06
Natural Infrastructure Director, The Nature Conservancy

Alexis completed her undergraduate degree in SENR in 2006 after majoring in Environment & Natural Resources. During her time in SENR, she interned at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Wildlife District 1. After graduation, Alexis joined AmeriCorps, obtained a graduate degree in Conservation Ecology at the University of Michigan, and is now the Natural Infrastructure Director for The Nature Conservancy in Toledo, Ohio.

Read the full interview with Alexis

 


Headshot of Cheryl where she is wearing black glasses, a necklace and black top with a wall behind herCheryl Johncox     
Human Dimensions in Natural Resources ‘07  
Organizer for Beyond Dirty Fossil Fuels, National Sierra Club   

Cheryl completed her undergraduate degree in SENR in 2007 after majoring in Human Dimensions in Natural Resources with a specialization in Ecological Education and Communication. During her time in SENR, she worked at the OSU Marion Campus and was involved in the Alpha Zeta Fraternity and Free the Planet. After graduation, Cheryl started working as a policy specialist in water and is now an Organizer for Beyond Dirty Fossil Fuels for the National Sierra Club. 

Read the full interview with Cheryl  

 


Orrin kneeling next to a deer with a blindfold and blanket in the wildernessOrrin Duvuvuei    
Wildlife Sciences ‘07
Deer Program Manager, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish   

Orrin graduated from SENR in 2007 after majoring in Wildlife Sciences. During his time in SENR, he was involved in the Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society and completed a summer internship with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). After graduation, Orrin worked as a wildlife field technician on various projects in multiple states. He completed his Master's of Science in Wildlife Management at Utah State University in 2013; he then worked for 3 years as a Wildlife Biologist in Washington state. He is now the Deer Program Manager for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Read the full interview with Orrin

 


Sana Syal '10Sana Syal
Environmental Policy and Management ‘10
Minor: Public Health
Master of Public Health, University of Michigan '14
Program Manager, Medical Home Network

Sana graduated from SENR in 2010 after majoring in Environmental Policy and Management. During her time in SENR, she worked as a part-time researcher, participated in student organizations, and completed several internships. After graduation, Sana took some time off school before pursuing a graduate degree in Public Health at the University of Michigan. Today she is a lead Program Manager for Technical Operations at Medical Home Network, an organization providing technology solutions to support care coordination for vulnerable populations.
Read the interview with Sana

 


Shawn Stone

Shawn Stone
Environmental Policy and Management ‘11
Environmental Programs Director, N3B Los Alamos

While at Ohio State, Shawn completed a dual degree studying Environmental Policy and Management and International Studies: World Economy and Business. After earning an M.S in Natural Resource Studies from the University of Arizona, Shawn worked with several non-profit organizations in Arizona and New Mexico. He now lives in New Mexico and serves as the Environmental Programs Director for N3B Los Alamos. N3B is contracted by the Department of Energy to clean up nuclear waste associated with the Manhattan Project. In 2018 Shawn established his own consulting firm, Cascade Conservation, LLC. The firm consults with organizations in Arizona and New Mexico on habitat improvement projects for threatened and endangered species.
Read the interview with Shawn


Jennifer Sherry, Ph.D.Jenny Sherry
Master of Environment and Natural Resources ‘12 
Human Dimensions in Natural Resources ‘09
Wildlife Advocate, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

Jennifer earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SENR. She went on to earn her Ph.D. at Charles Sturt University in Australia and now works as a Wildlife Advocate for large carnivores with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Her range of experience with the human dimensions of wildlife management have given her the expertise to mitigate conflict between property owners and carnivores including bears, wolves and mountain lions.
Read the interview with Jennifer 

 


Neal SargeantNeal Sargeant
Master of Environment and Natural Resources ‘12 
Human Dimensions of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Administration ‘08
Park Ranger, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

Neal received an Associate is Natural Resource Law Enforcement from Hocking College in 2006 before coming to SENR. In 2008 he completed an undergraduate major in Human Dimensions of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Administration, and in 2012 he completed the Master in Environment and Natural Resources professional degree program. He has worked as a Park Ranger with Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks since 2001 after making a career change from his previous position as a mortgage broker.
Read the interview with Neal

 


David PerzynskiDavid Perzynski
Environmental Policy and Management ‘13
Chief Strategy Officer, Instant ON, LLC

David graduated in 2013 after majoring in Honors Environmental Policy and Management with a focus in Corporate Energy and Sustainability. Today, he lives in California where he is helping pave the way for resiliency in California through the integration of microgrid technologies. David was involved in many extracurriculars throughout his undergraduate career in addition to completing sustainability-related internships with Honda and AEP Energy.
Read the interview with David

 


Logan DunnLogan Dunn
Environmental Policy and Management ‘13
Natural Resources Liaison, Preservation Parks of Delaware County

Logan graduated from SENR in 2013 after majoring in Environmental Policy and Management. Today, he works as a Natural Resources Liaison for Park Operations with Preservation Parks of Delaware County. His current position allows him to perform wetland restoration in old agricultural field habitat in addition to planting trees, participating in prairie burns, and removing invasive species. Throughout his undergraduate career, he worked at Prairie Oaks Metro Park through the Franklin County Metroparks and was an active member in the student organization TerrAqua.
Read the interview with Logan

 


Katy planting willows on the SCA Veteran Fire Crew, Black Hills NF. She is smiling and standing in the midst of lots of vegetation. Katy Tuckerman
Environmental Policy and Decision Making ‘14
Master of Environment and Natural Resources ‘17
Assistant Farm Manager

Katy completed her undergraduate degree in SENR in 2014 after majoring in Environmental Policy and Decision Making. During her time in SENR, she was involved in OSU Rugby and studied abroad in Australia and Fiji. After graduation, Katy worked as a Forestry Technician with the USFS and earned her Master of Environment and Natural Resource in 2017. She is now working to convert her family’s farm in Blissfield, MI, to organic operations. 
Read the full interview with Katy


Karam ShebanKaram Sheban
Environmental Policy and Decision Making ‘14
Post-Graduate Fellow at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies

Karam graduated in 2014 after majoring in Environmental Policy and Decision Making. He recently received a Master of Forestry degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and is now working as a post-graduate fellow for the school. His Master’s research was funded by a grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, and examined the environmental factors affecting the success of forest-farmed American ginseng. He was heavily involved with research throughout his undergraduate career and volunteered with AmeriCorps between his undergraduate and graduate studies.
Read the interview with Karam 
 


Ali Kueller, Class of 2014Alexandra Kueller
Environment, Economy, Development, & Sustainability ‘14
Senior Associate, TriVista

Ali earned a degree in Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability from SENR in 2014. During her time in SENR, she was involved in ENR scholars, Alpha Phi Omega, intramural sports, and she completed several internships. After graduation, Ali worked for a small sustainability company and is now a Senior Associate at an operations consulting firm, TriVista

Read the interview with Ali

 


Brooke smiling with grassy pastures behind herBrooke Burrows
Natural Resource Management ‘15
Deputy Project Leader, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service   

Brooke completed her undergraduate degree in SENR in 2015 after majoring in Natural Resource Management. During her time in SENR, she was involved in the OSU Marching Band and interned with the Student Conservation Association (SCA). After graduation, Brooke received a Master of Natural Resource Stewardship from Colorado State University and is now the Deputy Project Leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) at Kauaʻi National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Hawaii.
Read the full interview with Brooke

 


Katie ConnollyKatie Connolly
Environmental Science ‘15
Program Coordinator, Water for Africa, DAI

Katie graduated from SENR in 2015 after majoring in Environmental Science with a specialization in Water Science. In 2017, she earned a master’s degree from the the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Today, she lives in Washington D.C., and her job at an international development consulting firm allows her to travel to sub-Saharan Africa to work on projects related to water, sanitation and hygiene. During her undergraduate career, she gained international experience through Ohio State study abroad programs in Australia and Fiji and worked as a research assistant with Dr. Robyn Wilson.
Read the interview with Katie

 


Vinny ValentinoVincent Valentino
Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability ‘15
Sustainability and Operations Manager, Land-Grant Brewing Company

Vinny graduated in 2015 after majoring in Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability. He works as the Sustainability & Operations Manager for Land-Grant Brewing Company, helping the brewery reduce their environmental impact. During his undergraduate career, he landed an internship with the City of Columbus’s Office of Environmental Stewardship following a collaboration through his senior capstone project. His degree and professional experiences have allowed him to apply his expertise to the craft beer industry and make a positive impact in this field.
Read the interview with Vinny


Destiny Allen, Class of 2015Destiny Allen
Environment, Economy, Development, & Sustainability ‘15
Master of Science Student in Global Technology and Development at Arizona State

Destiny earned a degree in Environment, Economy, Development & Sustainability from SENR in 2015. During her time in SENR, she was involved in several student organizations and worked as an intern for the Sierra Club. After graduation she served as a volunteer in the Peace Corps for several years and is now pursuing a master’s degree in Global Technology and Development at Arizona State University.

Read the interview with Destiny
 


Bridget McGovern 15'Bridget McGovern
Environmental Science ‘15
Master of Science in Environmental Biology/Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Utrecht University ‘20

Bridget graduated from SENR in 2011 after majoring in Environmental Science with a specialization in Water Science. During her undergraduate career, Bridget studied abroad, took part in student organizations, and completed several internships. She recently graduated with a master’s degree in Environmental Biology/Ecology and Natural Resource Management and is beginning to look for jobs.

Read the interview with Bridget


Lyndsi Hersh '15Lyndsi Hersch
Natural Resource Management ‘15
Environmental Education Specialist, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet - Division of Compliance Assistance

Lyndsi graduated from SENR in 2015 after majoring in Natural Resource Management. During her undergraduate years, she was involved in campus activities and worked as a seasonal Educational Interpreter at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. She now works as an Environmental Education Specialist for the state of Kentucky’s Energy and Environment Cabinet.

Read the interview with Lyndsi

 


Tiffany Atkinson '16Tiffany Atkinson
Environmental Science ‘16
Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources ‘19
John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Tiffany graduated from SENR in 2016 after majoring in Environmental Science. During her undergraduate years, she was an Honors Research Student and assisted on multiple research projects. She then went on to earn a master’s degree in Environment and Natural Resources from SENR and is now a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read the interview with Tiffany

 

 


 

Ben RubinoffBen Rubinoff
Environmental Science ‘16
PhD Candidate in Marine Ecology, University of California Davis

Ben Rubinoff is currently a PhD candidate in Marine Ecology at the University of California Davis and a former Environmental Science major in SENR. Throughout his undergraduate career, he was involved in research both in the Ohio State community and through an external REU program and technician position, where he developed his interests in marine ecology.

Read the interview with Ben

 


Cassidy JenneyCassidy Jenney
Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability ‘17
Sustainability Associate, Ohio State Department of Athletics and Business Advancement

Cassidy graduated in 2017 after majoring in Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability with a specialization in Sustainability and Business. She kept busy during her undergraduate career as a student athlete on the varsity women’s rowing team and spent summers in Ghana as an International Sustainable Projects Intern. After working with Smart Columbus for a year and a half, Cassidy has returned to Ohio State Athletics, now as a Sustainability Associate for the Department of Athletics and Business Advancement. She helps oversee the Zero Waste program at Ohio Stadium, which diverts waste from landfills and significantly reduces Ohio State’s environmental impact.
Read the interview with Cassidy

 


Vince GillVince Gill
Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability ‘17
Operations Manager, May Mobility

Vince earned graduated from SENR in 2017 after majoring in Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability. During his undergraduate career, he worked several different jobs and prioritized networking. Today, he is the Operations Manager at May Mobility, a self-driving car company.

Read the interview with Vince
 

 


Olivia Carros '18Olivia Carros
Environmental Policy and Decision Making ‘18
Minor: Cultural Anthropology
MPA, University of Washington ‘20
Communications Specialist, Local Food Initiative, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks

Olivia graduated from SENR in 2018 after majoring in Environmental Policy and Decision Making. While at OSU, Olivia was involved in research and many campus activities and organizations in addition to studying abroad and completing two internships. She then went on to graduate school and earned an MPA from the University of Washington. She now works as a Communications Specialist for the Local Food Initiative with the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

Read the interview with Olivia

 


Sarah Fischer Sarah Fischer
Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability ‘18
AmeriCorps Sustainability Outreach Public Ally, City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability

Sarah graduated in 2018 after majoring in Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability with a minor in Nonprofit Studies. After completing four different internships in college, she now works as an Americorps Sustainability Outreach Intern for the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability. In her current position, she works with the city on energy efficiency and electric vehicle programs.
Read the interview with Sarah 


Makenna DunlapMakenna Dunlap
Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability ‘18
Energy Efficiency Project Coordinator, Lockheed Martin

Makenna graduated in 2018 after majoring in Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability. She is currently pursuing an online Master’s in Environmental Policy and Management with a concentration in Energy and Sustainability at the University of Denver. Her internships at Disney and a start-up company in Ireland shaped her passion for sustainability. She is currently working for Lockheed Martin as an Energy Efficiency Project Coordinator in Kansas City, Missouri where her work is making an impact in reducing carbon emissions.
Read the interview with Makenna 

 


Imby smiling and wearing a white top and gold jewelryImby Abath
Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability ‘19
Master of Science in Energy Systems, UC Davis
Manager of Innovation and Sustainability, US Grains Council

Imby completed her undergraduate degree in SENR in 2019 after majoring in Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability (EEDS) and specializing in International Development. During her time in SENR, she was involved in the African Youth League and studied abroad in Brazil and Tanzania. After graduation, Imby received a Master of Science in Energy Systems at UC Davis and is now the Manager of Innovation and Sustainability for the US Grains Council in Washington, D.C. 

Read the full interview with Imby

 


Ben Jackson wearing a orange flannel shirt and smiling in front of a hockey fieldBen Jackson     
Natural Resource Management ‘19  
Team Photographer, Columbus Blue Jackets     

Ben completed his undergraduate degree in SENR in 2019 after majoring in Natural Resource Management. Among his many involvements during his time in SENR, Ben was part of the OSU Slackliners and Broomball, and worked as a Wilderness Ranger Intern for the US Forest Service. After graduation, Ben worked his third season with the US Forest Service and is now the Team Photographer for the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Read the full interview with Ben

 


Sophie Manaster '19Sophie Manaster
Environmental Policy and Decision Making ‘19
Science & Technical Communications Support Contractor, Environmental Protection Agency

After graduating in fall 2019, Sophie was offered a position with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) where she assists with improving the nation’s preparedness for environmental emergencies. During her undergraduate career, she was a Research Assistant for Dr. Nicole Sintov and completed internships related to her major, Environmental Policy and Decision Making.

Read the interview with Sophie

 

 


Vincent HahnVincent Hahn
Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability ‘19
Project Engineer, Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives (IEA)

Vincent graduated in 2019 after majoring in Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability. He now works as a Project Engineer for Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives (IEA) in Santa Monica, Texas. IEA is involved in the construction of renewable energy projects, including wind farm development in South Texas.

 

Read the interview with Vincent

 

 


Garrett CaudillGarrett Caudill
Natural Resource Management ‘22
Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II, Pheasants Forever

As an undergraduate student, Garrett studied Natural Resource Management and completed his degree in SENR in 2022. He completed two internships with OSU Mansfield as a Maple Research Assistant and an Ecolab Intern. He also held an internship with ODNR Division of Forestry. Currently, he serves as a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II (FBB) with Pheasants Forever. 
 

Read the interview with Garrett