Student Profiles

Profile:

An overriding love of being outdoors and studying the natural world has kept me in the field for the last dozen years working as a botany and restoration ecology technician. I have been afforded the opportunity to practice my crafts in some magnificent settings that have included the temperate coastal rain forests of Alaska, mediterranean-type ecosystems of the California Channel Islands, sub-alpine forests of Colorado's southern Rocky Mountains, and the lower-elevations of Oregon's Cascade Range. My employers have been primarily federal natural resource agencies but I have also worked with consulting firms, non-profit organizations, universities, and myself. Additionally, I have a strong interest in international development, sustainable agriculture, and cooperative processes which all came together during my stint as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali, West Africa. My intention in seeking a degree through the PSM program and a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Science is to expand my technical expertise where I recognize gaps and opportunities while receiving a formal introduction to business and communication practices. I seek to become: a better informed conservation practitioner with a skill set that will lend itself to project management; a more competitive applicant in an increasingly tight job market; and perhaps an entrepreneur through developing a consulting business.

Profile:

Hello, my name is Tyler Barns. I graduated from Humboldt State University in 2006 with a degree in Environmental Science and pursued a career in the environmental industry shortly thereafter. My most recent experience consists of two years with Envicom Corporation, an environmental consulting firm in southern California. While employed, I worked as a field biologist and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analyst. I provided biological assessments, California Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional delineations, CEQA impact analysis sections, and several Trustee Resource Agency permit applications. Based on my undergraduate work and private sector work, I gained experience in natural resources data collection and reporting, budget management, along with knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies related to resource protection. Additionally, during my undergraduate studies, I worked with a group for a senior project that focused of promoting ecologically sound methods for conducting the graduation ceremony on campus. My experiences result from my employment in the environmental consulting field and the multitude of classes that I have taken. I hope to further my skills by obtaining a Professional Science Masters Degree in Environmental Science here at Oregon State University.

Profile: Upon completing my undergraduate education I spent a year working at a plant biotechnology firm to gain a better understanding of research in the private sector. I enrolled in the Applied Biotechnology program to develop professional skills and better laboratory proficiency for a successful career in research. My career goal is to devote my skills and efforts to biomedical research in the area of regenerative medicine, a rapidly growing field with profound implications for human health and lifespan. After completing the PSM program I hope to continue my graduate studies in a PhD program or find a research position at a biotechnology firm specializing in regenerative medicine.

Profile:

As an undergrad I worked with algae and molecular biology techniques in the plant science department.  After I graduated I worked for 4 years as a Production Scientist in the blood test manufacturing department of a large biotech company.  I always felt that I wanted to get an advanced degree but wasn't sure if a traditional Masters or PhD program was what I wanted to pursue.  I chose the PSM program because it has a lot of what I want in terms of advanced science knowledge but also has a strong business aspect, which is what I am interested in.  Oregon State's Applied Biotechnology program has what I need to pursue my future career aspirations.  After my degree is completed I hope to get involved with a small biotech company or become part of the ever growing green energy field.

Profile:

My application to the PSM program stemmed from my interest in crossing science with skills in the business arena.   I earned my B.S. in General Science from Portland State University with emphasis in Biology and Chemistry.    I hope to be able to use the skills acquired in this program to work for the federal government or a private company.   Helping businesses reduce their environmental impacts and operate more “green” would be one goal I strive for.   I would also like to explore the link between environmental forensics and conservation.    In the meantime, I am really enjoying getting to know people from different cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds.   We all bring such a unique perspective that I think I will be able to learn from everyone around me.  I look forward to the the next two years and the relationships I will build.

Profile:

I am from Spartanburg, SC. I applied to the PSM program because of OSU's great MCB program. In addition, I think the business background will help me in a competitive professional environment. I previously have worked with Oryza sativa and corn mapping miRNAs. My goal is to eventually work in the the biomedical industry. I hope to gain valuable experience in that field through this program.

Profile:

My undergraduate education emphasis was in vertebrate anatomy and physiology as well as evolution.  I worked on a senior thesis project at Baylor in the field of medical entomology, researching mosquito population density as related to weather patterns in McLennan County, Texas.   My experiences in Texas opened my eyes to the importance of environmental science and public policy, and I realized the need to integrate my interest in science with professional skills. In the near future, I hope to be involved with public policy-making, especially coastal communities, and environmental consulting.  I believe that the PSM program will help me achieve these future career goals.

Profile:

My undergraduate career was a tremendous exploration of the multi-disciplinary nature of conservation biology - from genetics and wildlife ecology to human geography and human-wildlife interactions, and the list goes on.  Given the plethora of topics, it was just a matter of deciding on what program of study would allow me to continue my diverse studies in what I would designate as my twin areas of focus:  conservation biology and sustainability.  To that end, I feel that the PSM program provides just what I am looking for in my advanced studies.  It gives me the flexibility I need in my academic pursuits, while providing me with skills essential to future collaborative work with communities, agencies, and organizations pursuit of biological conservation and sustainability.

Profile:

While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I avoided business courses, thinking that they were not really needed for scientists. However, once I started working in the environmental industry, I realized that business is fundamentally related to every field. I came to OSU in order to pursue the PSM degree since getting an advanced degree in the sciences has been a goal of mine, and the business topics covered in the program are in areas which should increase my career advancement opportunities. Upon completing the program, I hope to re-enter the environmental industry and having the PSM degree will be an asset, giving me greater leverage in a competitive job market.

Profile: My undergraduate education and research emphasis has been in Aquatic Ecology and Zoology, specifically relating to amphibians. I am looking forward to incorporating these aspects of my past education with my current educational goals in the Professional Science Master's degree program. In the PSM program, I will be taking courses that will allow me to expand my knowledge of aquatic/riparian ecosystems, habitat analysis and application, and statistical analysis as well as gain an understanding of technical report writing, business communications and etiquette, land use policy, and consulting skills to both science professionals and the general public. When I complete the PSM program, I intend to work for a private environmental engineering and consulting firm in the Pacific Northwest as an Aquatic Ecologist Consultant. The Professional Science Masters is the perfect degree program for me to gain more science based education in my field of study as well as prepare me for the business/consulting world.

Profile: My first career goal is to make a significant contribution to the Biotech industry by playing a key role in the business aspects of a reputed organization. I am planning to work in a Biotech company as an analyst, working in diverse areas such as manufacturing, product development, financial analyses, and market feasibility studies. This part of my plan is where the PSM in Applied Biotechnology fits in. My ultimate career plan is to set up my own manufacturing business in the Biotech industry. I am of the firm conviction that the PSM program and the years of organizational experience I aim to put in, will groom me to reach this objective.

Profile:

I completed my undergraduate studies in 2003 at The Evergreen State College.  I focused on citizen conservation and rainforest ecology.  Through these studies, I developed a strong desire to engage in applied science.  The Professional Science Master’s program gives me the opportunity to develop the skills to interact in business while furthering my studies in plant ecology and landscape scale conservation.  I hope to employ both aspects of my graduate education in the non-profit sector, interacting with scientists, policy makers and the public while participating in the functioning of an organization.

Profile:

I am an international student from India . My undergraduate internship at Lucknow Biotech Park , India on Biodiesel production gave me a clear overview of how important understanding business is when dealing with scientific products. My objective is to be involved with a company which allows me to co-ordinate business management and R&D. Presently, budding companies want to establish themselves in the market as a major player. I believe this is only possible if they have good exposure to a market (business) and have excellent work going on (R&D) within themselves. Most budding biotech businesses are looking for people who have an understanding of both the issues, i.e. business management and R&D, which would be more cost effective and efficient. There is no doubt that with Professional Science Masterʼs degree I have an edge over other people who have solely scientific knowledge. With a PSM I can achieve the standards that industry expects and deserves.

Profile:

I am an international student from India. My undergraduate degree was in the field of Biotechnology, but I was always curious of various environmental factors that influence our living on earth. In this fast growing commercial world, there is not much concern given to environmental issues. One of the major issues is the quality of water on which every living component of the world depends on. Having come from a country of water disputes, I wanted to focus my study over water quality and management. My goal is to be an interface between the scientific and the policy making groups with respect to water quality concerning issues in a persuasive comportment. This is where I found the PSM Environmental Science program fit into my prospect. The program set up provides a complete picture of various components in the professional world, and aid the student to graduate more professional than just mastering the subject. This program would give me leverage when I enter the professional world of science.

Profile:

I moved to Oregon in 2007 to gain further experience working as an environmental interpreter and educator. Ultimately, I am participating in the PSM program to develop a more well-rounded background in the practical application of environmental science. I enjoy learning the relationships between various scientific specialties, and I believe that this program at OSU is designed to let students contribute in their own respective ways. I plan to work with various members of the fermentation science community to develop more sustainable operating practices.

Profile:

I am originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho.  I graduated from Smith College (Northampton, MA) in May 2005 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering Science with a minor in Physics.  I spent the last three years (2006-2009) working as a Satellite Systems Engineer and an Orbital Analyst for Lockheed Martin in Las Cruces, New Mexico.   I enrolled in the Applied Physics program in order to both increase my understanding of the physical universe and develop my business skills. I hope to be able to transfer my new skill set back to the science and engineering industry.

Profile:

My name is Echo Nelson and I am from Kalispell, Montana. I am a first year student in the PSM Environmental Sciences graduate program concentrating in Ecology. I did my undergraduate work at Montana State University-Bozeman, receiving my BS in Biological Sciences. I am very passionate about the land and the general lifestyle in Montana, where I have lived all my life. I enjoy the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, its animal life, and the solitude it provides. I would like to work to preserve these landscapes and spend my life promoting the wellness of the environments where I was raised. I want to gain a better understanding of how the environment and urban communities affect each other. I would like to learn how to effectively mobilize various forces to preserve the wilderness and promote sustainable development. The design of the PSM program would allow me to gain not only technical knowledge but also business management and communication skills needed to bring together the scientific, business, environmental, and regulatory communities. My desire to restore and conserve natural habitat as well as aid communities in developing a more sustainable way of living is best fulfilled by acquiring a degree that educates me in ways the scientific and business communities can understand one another.

Profile:

Hello folks, my name is Madhavi Penumatcha. I am an international student from India. I have always had an interest in pursuing a program where I could blend my science skills as well as have an outlook in the business field. I looked for various programs in India but I didn’t find one that fit my interests. I found out about the PSM program from on of my friends here at OSU already enrolled in the program.  I am interested in being a research analyst or would like to join a biotechnology firm where I can also use my administrative capabilities. Over the next two years, I look forward to developing my understanding of molecular research as well as enhancing my business skills.  Whatever you do in science and technology, you are still in business.

Profile: My professional ambition is to bring advanced business practices to cutting edge biological research. I want to be in a position to meld the commercial goals of the corporation with its research interests, each enriching the other. To accomplish this task, the PSM program was the ideal choice to move my career ahead. With this program I plan to hone my molecular biology research skills and simultaneously develop a thorough understanding of core business strategies.

Profile:

After obtaining my undergraduate degree at UGA, I began work as a Researcher at the University’s Center for Molecular and Biological Engineering (CMBE).   My research focused on utilizing metabolically-engineered bacteria and yeast to increase the yield and productivity of a number of important biological compounds including recombinant proteins and fuel ethanol.   This research was quite rewarding as I gained valuable experience in bioengineering and fermentation technology, while also working to make improvements in such areas as drug development and green energy.  Before beginning my graduate studies at OSU, I committed to serve one year in the AmeriCorps program.  Through AmeriCorps, I had the opportunity to coordinate a tutoring & mentoring program for at-risk students in Hillsboro, OR.   In addition, I was able to organize and lead a number of community improvement projects in the Portland -metro area.   I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to give back to my community, while also learning valuable lessons in leadership, communication, and civic service.  My past educational and professional experiences have allowed me to identify two real passions in my life: passions for science and for people.  I am thrilled to be a part of the PSM program here at Oregon State University and am confident that it will prepare me for entering a career where I can effectively implement my skills as both a scientist and a communicator.   Upon graduation, it is my goal to enter a career in project management specifically working in the areas of disease treatment & prevention.  It is a truly wonderful prospect to be part of the thrill of scientific discovery and also the satisfaction of being able to apply that knowledge in a way that ultimately betters the lives of others.

Profile:

My past work experiences and commitment to the improving the environment showed me that I needed more than just a traditional Master’s degree and the PSM program at Oregon State offered the inter-disciplinary approach to education I wanted. I received my undergraduate degree in marine biology from the College of Charleston in South Carolina and following graduation entered the Peace Corps.  I served in the country of Zambia as an aquaculture extension agent for two years and extended my service for an additional year serving as provincial supervisor for volunteers.  After returning to the states I worked in various field positions collecting data for non-profit, state, and federal government projects focusing on threatened or endangered species.  In between field positions I have accrued a significant amount of time working in the bicycle retail industry as a mechanic and salesperson.  I look forward expanding my knowledge and experience in areas of both science and business while obtaining my degree.  My ultimate goal is to apply my unique experiences and skills to investigate sustainable ecological solutions that can help steer the policy that shapes the future of the environment both here and abroad.

Profile: During my undergraduate experience I focused my education on aquatic systems. During my time at Southern I participated in various research projects through the university and the U.S. Forest Service including nutrient enrichment of streams, zooplankton surveys, and removal of tui chub, an invasive fish species, from a local lake.  I feel that the Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree at Oregon State University will unquestionably help to further my career goals. The PSM program will blend science and business through course work including restoration and stream ecology, accounting and finance, and global information systems. The Professional Science Degree is the perfect degree to blend science and business and prepare me for a career in environmental consulting with a focus on aquatic systems.

Profile: Looking back along my career path, the positions in which I have felt the most satisfaction involved a high degree of personal communication. Most recently, this satisfaction was experienced as a high school teacher. Over the past several years, I have also cultivated a fascination with the world of molecular biology. When I decided to transition out of teaching, I investigated many graduate programs throughout the Northwest that would lead to a career in the rapidly-growing biotechnology sector. I was very pleased to discover the PSM program, as it is specifically designed for a person with my career goals: working in a highly interactive environment focused on molecular biology. Over the next two years, I look forward to cultivating my understanding of molecular research as well as the business processes involved in harnessing this research for the public good.