Class Year

09

Current Hometown:

Michigan

Job and Employer

Era, Founder - joinera.org 

Graduate School

Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies

Degree

Master of Environmental Management

Senior project:

New Campaign Strategies

Internship:

Cooperative, Mogliazze, Italy

Human ecology in action:

For me, COA’s education has been most relevant to my career and life inasmuch as it has taught me to act independently and pursue my own projects, reach out to and work with a diversity of people, and think honestly about how to solve problems. Cultivating these habits is equally important for current students and could give them valuable tools as they seek to solve the issues they’re passionate about.

A COA experience that was particularly significant or memorable:

It’s a difficult choice, but probably Theories of Human Nature with John Visvader or the Human Ecology Core Course with Rich Borden. Both professors have a compelling lecture style and are able to lead students to complex ideas.

COA offered me countless meaningful experiences that took a variety of forms, including spending precious time with close friends, working with faculty and staff on governance committees, organizing events that served the community, and having the opportunity to work on global issues that stretched beyond campus.

Considerations for prospective students:

When I visited campus, COA students were the friendliest of the students I encountered when visiting colleges. The beautiful area, small student population, and mission-oriented curriculum all attracted me. The strong community and extracurricular opportunities kept me there.