My Career in Environmental Science: Our how I get paid to go boating and fishing

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My Career in Environmental Science Our how I
get paid to go boating and fishing!

• Donna Lutz
• Iowa State University
• Department of Civil, Construction and
  Environmental Engineering

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hello

• Im Donna Lutz, scientist, wife and mother
• And you are?
• Environmental Science
• How I got here
• What you need to succeed

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What is that?

• Environmental scientists try to understand the
  complexity of the natural world and the affects
  of our society

For example, what happened to the
mussels? Freshwater reefs, button
industry Greatest number of extinct species Life
cycle with fish Zebras and ships Rehabilitation
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Environmental Careers

• Ecology and Field Biology
• Forestry
• Naturalist and Science Education
• Environmental Impact and Assessment
• Land Use Planning
• Law, consulting, engineering
• Environmental Geology Meteorology
• Air quality
• Groundwater management

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Environmental Careers

• Water Resources
• Fisheries and aquaculture
• Water quality management
• Hydrology
• Environmental Policy Planning
• Alternate energy development
• Soil and water conservation

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Limnologist studies freshwater
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Groundwater
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And Stormwater!
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Des Moines River Water Quality Network
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Important Programs

• Long term
• historical record
• what is normal?
• trend analysis
• any improvement?
• suspended solids
• nutrient
• ammonia, nitrate, phosphate
• pesticides
• chlorophyll pigments

• Short term
• bacteria at beaches
• safe to swim?
• pesticides in fish
• safe to eat?
• total gas saturation
• safe for fish?
• overall monitoring
• why? whats up?

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Collect samples on rivers lakes
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Mobile laboratory
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All kinds of equipment needed for year-round work
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Electrofishing for pesticides in fish project
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Monitor Beaches
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Investigate fish kills
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How did I get here?

• Child
• Camping, boating, hiking, fishing
• If there was water I was wet!
• Friend, microscopes and butterflies
• Campfire girls
• Middle School
• Eco club (1st Earth Day)
• More camping, boating, hiking, fishing!

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The road continues

• High School
• Photography
• Creative writing/Poetry
• Environmental Chemistry
• My first water quality project!
• More camping, boating, hiking, fishing!!
• Significant event - The Clean Water Act
• College
• Journalism???
• Biology
• Environmental Studies

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Pivotal OpportunityInternship on Lake Michigan
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Graduate school how to become an expert
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Why I like my career

• Variety Challenge
• Field
• Lab
• Office

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Why I love my career
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Why I love my career
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You can have a family
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Scientist
How to be a successful
Student

• Curiosity
• Ability
• Organization
• Attention to detail
• Courage

• Curiosity
• Ability
• Organization
• Attention to detail
• Courage

You are already developing these skills!
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1 - Pack your canoe thoughtfully

• Life as a river
• You are on a journey
• Pickup as many supplies/tools as possible
• Be Prepared!

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2 - Feel the fear, but do it anyway

• Fear is a biological tool
• Most are uncomfortable in new situations
• Imposter syndrome

• If you get a chance to sit it out or dance,
• I hope you dance!

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3 Build on your experience

• Keep your own high standard
• Encourage your friends
• Work through frustration
• Hard work and a sense of humor
• Break large projects into do-able steps
• Acknowledge your successes!!!

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4 What to do now and later

• Get to know one teacher well
• Join a club
• Get a job (internship)
• Pace yourself and enjoy life!

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Girls in Science Technology

• You are.
• Wanted and
• Needed

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