MES Student Profiles

What do students have to say about Penn's Master of Environmental Studies? They tell us they enjoy the flexibility of the program and the expertise of the faculty, and that their studies are exposing them to a myriad of opportunities that will allow them to pursue their passion for the environment professionally, whether they're interested in a master of environmental management or a sustainable development degree.

“The variety and flexibility of the MES program makes it a very attractive program for me as someone interested in pursuing a Ph.D. later, but it is also attractive to many of my classmates who are professionals already and looking to expand their knowledge. I can take courses that relate to what I want to study in the future to help me prepare for my academic career in environmental science while helping me become well rounded in areas such as policy and planning.  I can take courses in many different departments at Penn and plan my schedule and courses to suit what works best for me.”

Margaret Christie
MES Class of 2011

“I'm a CPA senior tax manager with over 24 years of experience working for a public accounting firm. I never thought I would go back to school but it's been a great boost to my personal and professional goals. Through Penn's  flexible MES program, Penn has given me the opportunity to go back to school and meet the challenges while learning in a world-class university.”

Jill Martin
MES Class of 2012

“Geared toward a variety of professional careers, I have enjoyed the wide-ranging opportunities supported by the MES program. Because the curriculum offers multiple concentrations, students with a variety of background experiences and goals are able to coalesce, thus creating a unique grouping of people to share ideas and friendship. The best part about being an MES student is being able to take the specific classes I am interested in pursuing in our program, as well as in the other schools at Penn. 

I love being in healthy, attractive spaces (outdoors and in) and actively participating in the enhancement of our healthy and emotional connection with the environment. Coming from a design background, I was grateful for the opportunity to try to design better function into our existence, hoping to create a healthier, more enjoyable atmosphere. In addition, working with manufacturers to discover the most environmentally sensitive products was a challenging and interesting process. Organization and creativity, along with exciting new projects are my personal work motivation and I am most excited about facilitating social and environmental responsibility.”

Heidi Travis
MES Class of 2013
Concentration: Environmental Advocacy & Education

“The freedom and flexibility of the MES program has allowed me to focus on what I want to do. I enjoy the wide variety of classes to choose from and knowledgeable professors in the field. You get to learn first hand about the issues of today and how they impact our future."

Photo by: www.AngelaAppassionata.com

Stephanie Berardi
MES Class of 2012

“The MES program has exposed me to so many great professional opportunities in government, the non-profit sector, and private industry. There is a wide variety of classes that are taught by faculty who have years of professional experience. The classes often have the feel of a meeting with colleagues, rather than lectures from a professor. I have been able to connect with a super supportive group of MES students during this past year to hang out on the weekends and to share careers goals and ideas. The MES program has helped me understand the different types of environmental careers available."

Steve Gillard
MES Class of 2011
Concentration: Urban Environment

“MES is a rewarding and flexible program that has afforded me an opportunity to learn further about contemporary environmental issues in a fantastic academic setting. As a registered professional engineer and enviornmental consultant, I’ve enjoyed discussion and interaction with classmates and professors during class each week. The conversations during class have usually been rewarding and enjoyable."

John Butow
MES Class of 2012
Concentration: Environmental Policy

“The cutting edge nature of the MES program has not only been stimulative to me on a personal level, but has also exposed me to new interests and opportunities that have helped me focus the direction of my future career.

I have over 20  years of research and marketing experience in new energy and technologies within the financial sector. I hope to use those skills along with my MES degree to move into a policy role for an environmental non-profit advocacy group or in government."

Stephen Hatley
MES Class of 2012
Concentration: Environmental Policy

“As an out of work environmental, health, and safety professional, I came to Penn to help reinvent myself. The professors’ experience and knowledge exceeded my expectations. The variety and flexibility of the available academic concentrations was the reason I chose Penn for my professional development."

Richard Rosen
MES Class of 2011
Concentration: Environmental Policy