Information for Prospective Students

Environmental studies students have positive things to say regarding the major. There are a number of students who are eager to describe their experiences, so read their interviews below to learn what makes environmental studies special.

Connect with a current student

Have a question or just want a conversation with a current CSB/SJU student? Use the link above to get started.

What is Env Studies anyway?

The Major The Minor Climate Studies (NEW!)

Recent Student Profiles


Jack Grabinski '23 (he/him/his)

"I enjoyed Intro to Geographic Informations Systems. In this class, I learned about cartography, working with geographic data sets, and making maps on the GIS software. I'm kind of a nerd for maps and working with data sets, so this class was a perfect fit for me."

See what else Jack has to say!


Miriam Nelson '23 (she/her/hers)

"Take time to try new things and find your passion, and when you do, put your time and energy into that one thing. Become knowledgeable in your passion and then teach others about it!"

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Josh Nelson '23 (he/him/his)

"Take a range of environmental classes. It is a wide field and there are so many different paths you can take with the major.

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Mariko Hermerding '23 (she/her/hers)

"The easy accessibility to the outdoors and the friendly, knowledgeable faculty/staff introduced me to the wonders of ES and the opportunities it brings.

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Sean Fisher '23 (he/she/they)

"All the E.S. classes I have taken have been amazing and fruitful, but I felt a true change in my perspective when taking Gender and Environment with Dr. Corrie Grosse.

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James Siems '23 (he/him/his)

"I am most passionate about the recognizing the importance of ecological interactions on Ecosystem health, and also the impact of climatic change on these ecological interactions.

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Betsy Ruckman '23Betsy Ruckman '23 (she/her/hers)

"My Intro to Environmental Studies class was literally life-changing! I liked the "extra credit" challenges that pushed me to try eating plant-based, reduce my waste, and put myself in positions that disrupted the way I thought about the world."

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Gabriella Backes '23 (she/her/hers)

"I really enjoyed taking Humans and the Environment. Learning about prairies and restoration ecology was super cool!"

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Sam Meeker '23 (he/him/his)

"Take a wide range of environmental courses to find what fits you best. There are so many options, so explore to find what avenue you want to pursue for your future career."

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Elena Lozano

Elena Lozano '22 (she/her/hers)

"I am inspired by sustainability and small-scale actions that lead to large-scale change." 

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Katelyn Barclay '22

Katelyn Barclay '22 (she/her/hers)

"I had no idea what I wanted to do or even what the major entailed, but my time at CSB/SJU has shown me the path I want to take." 

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Collin Larson '22

Collin Larson '22 (he/him/his)

"I am looking forward to get out into the real world and take on whatever I am tasked to accomplished in order to make the environment a better place."

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Con Brady '22

Con Brady '22 (he/him/his)

"Having the arboretum right on campus is perfect for ES because we can have class in an outside setting or do research right on campus."

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Garrett Welsh '22

Garrett Welsh '22 (he/him/his)

"Any class with Troy Knight tends to be my favorite class."

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Lucy Keefe '22Lucy Keefe '22 (she/her/hers)

"Every class and opportunity helps build community and connections while furthering my knowledge of justice and conservation."

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