Leslie Williams, Class of 1999
Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Fisher Scientific

"Near completion of the joint BS-Biological Sciences/MS-ESM degree, I accepted a position with Fisher Scientific, where I was able to apply my specialized background in biological sciences with the broader, management-based skills I learned in the ESM program.

"I am now part of the regulatory affairs department at Fisher, and I work with the director of ESH to manage the environmental compliance for all of Fisher’s (number?) U.S. facilities. This requires in-depth knowledge about regulatory requirements of the state and federal government and involves training facility managers on how to more effectively meet compliance requirements. The ESM courses in law, regulatory requirements and writing were particularly helpful to me."

Angela (Check) Belli, Class of 1998
Environmental Education Coordinator,
Saint Vincent College

"I am responsible for the Monastery Run Improvement Project, a 20-acre passive wetland treatment system remediating mine drainage within the Loyalhanna Watershed. I developed the Environmental Education Center that now serves over 3,000 students and countless teachers a year. In addition, I serve as both a writer and project director for a number of grants and am an adjunct faculty member in both the Chemistry and Sociology departments.

"The ESM Program prepared me for a career in environmental education that is both technical- and education-oriented. The science coursework and my internships prepared me the most. I continue to utilize contacts made while at Duquesne."

Ethan Lee and Seth Staffen, Class of 2002
Environmental Scientists, Tetra Tech NUS

Lee: "We evaluate site assessment data on ecological and human health risk. What we do is really important for quality assurance and to ensure that there are no biological or chemical risks associated with new construction projects.

Staffen: "We have an advantage in the workplace over straight chemistry graduates. The environmental field is so broad, and ESM provided us with a diverse knowledge. We can speak to professionals across the board. Classes like Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Chemistry, National and International Environmental Law and Environmental Regulatory Requirements were most helpful.

Lee: "The internship program was most helpful to me because I started as an intern here at Tetra Tech. That experience was worth so much to me—it helped me get my job!"

Beth Brennan, Class of 2002
Program Associate, Pennsylvania
Environmental Council

"I started off as an ESM intern at PEC, and after graduating, was hired full-time. The ESM degree prepared me well for my position. Currently, I am researching and writing the Three Rivers Conservation Plan. This requires a lot of interaction with the public, municipal officials and other environmental groups. My job is to take the public’s suggestions on protecting and enhancing the rivers, and incorporate them into the plan.

"The ESM courses provided the foundation in environmental management and law—which have been very useful—and the Writing for Environmental Professionals course has definitely been the most helpful."

Paula D. Durkota, Class of 2001
Environmental, Health and Safety Coordinator, Duquesne University

"I came to Duquesne directly from undergrad and the ESM program greatly prepared me for my current position. Through the program's coursework, I developed and honed the necessary skills to face the environmental problems of today. I learned skills such as written and oral communication, teamwork, law and regulation interpretation, and leadership. They provide continuous and valuable assistance in the completion of my daily tasks."