Lawrence University issued the following announcement on June 16.
The double major in biology and music is starting a job as a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Boise, Idaho. While Boise will be her home base, her field work will expand into other parts of the Great Basin region, including Utah and Nevada.
“I will be doing field, lab, and data work to investigate wildfires, the ways they affect soil and vegetation, and the ways we can better manage land with a focus on adaptation and restoration,” Long said. “I’m really inspired to do this type of applied science. I think wildfire is one of the most important issues of our time. It's tied to drought and climate change, and these forces together pose a huge threat, not just to public lands in the Great Basin region but to the whole world.”
Long said her experiences at Lawrence in the classroom, in labs, and in the field have prepared her for this work.
“At Lawrence, I have become a field ecologist, a writer, and a computer scientist; during my next steps, I get to take these skills and use them to make a difference,” she said. “I’ve done my own research in the sciences and humanities on drought, wildflowers, and environmental justice, and I’ve learned I have an important and capable perspective that I am excited to apply to a new system in a new place. I have also become a musician, a thinker, and an expert backpacker; these skills, too, will help me, not just in my job but as an adult seeking a good life within a community.”
Elliott Marsh
Drone operator, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, UW-Madison
The environmental studies and geosciences double major landed a job as a drone operator in the Townsend Laboratory in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“My role will entail flying a variety of different drones to collect data to support various research projects, and analyzing that data as needed,” he said. “I am really excited about this opportunity because I really love flying drones and all that comes with it, and being able to do that as a job and get paid for it is beyond exciting. I am also really excited because I will get to travel and work in the field a lot, two of my favorite things.”
Marsh said one of the best things he’s taken from his time at Lawrence is learning to be inquisitive. A willingness to ask questions will be key in his new work.
“Another lesson is that research is a long process, so take your time,” Marsh said. “Professor Jeff Clark instilled this in me during research this past summer, always reminding me to take my time, and minimize mistakes that will cost you later.”
Marsh also participated in the NASA Wisconsin Space Grant Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Research program as a Lawrence student.
“From knowing nothing, to publishing a proceedings paper, and presenting at a professional conference all in 10 weeks was quite an experience,” he said. “I learned so many lessons … that I’ll take with me to the next step and beyond.”
The government major is heading to Louisiana State University, where she will pursue a master’s degree in higher education administration while working as a graduate resident coordinator.
Working to develop community within residential spaces and support students on their college journey is familiar ground for Bryant, who was heavily involved in student government and other student life activities at Lawrence, including serving for a time as Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) president.
“My ultimate career goal is to work in university administration, hopefully as a university president,” Bryant said. “At LSU, I am looking forward to learning as much as I can and getting experience in everything.”
Original source can be found here.
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