Experiential Learning & Sustainability

Transcript

Let’s chat with Matthew, a graduate student working towards an MS in Ecology. Hands-on learning has become one of the most important factors to students when it comes to considering where to pursue their degree. Matthew is no exception, and he’s found Western’s experiential learning opportunities extend far beyond the campus classroom. Matthew, the floor is all yours.

– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. The state of the global climate in 2021 inspired me to go back to college to go to grad school and get a degree in ecology. I studied mechanical engineering in undergrad and began working on climate and sustainability out of pure passion and curiosity, but I wanted more. I wanted to tell the world, “I am an expert in climate and sustainability.” When I first came to Western, I saw the signs at the School of the Environment & Sustainability, the Center for Cold-Climate Food Security, the Coldharbour Institute, High Country News, and I had a feeling this was the place for me, where next generation sustainability could be developed. With Gunnison being located in the middle of millions of acres of public lands and at the headwaters of a major tributary to the Colorado River, the Gunnison, the work extends way beyond the classroom. Practicing and learning sustainability, environmental management, and ecology in a small city like Gunnison that has such a huge ecological footprint is a unique opportunity to learn the theory and then go outside and practice it. Whether building mountain bike trails, educating people about the forest, or studying the effectiveness of compost on the growth of grass on range lands, the hands-on opportunities here are everywhere. The professors here are philosophers, land managers, public servants, and leading scientists, and they truly want to help the students develop successful careers. After graduating, I look forward to stepping deeper into my role as an environmental innovator and thought leader, helping guide society to a future free of waste where we don’t use resources beyond our ecological limits. I know that the energy I put into my time at Western will surely translate into the career of my dreams. See you on the trail, Alex.

– We can’t wait to see where you take that master’s degree, Matthew. For students pursuing degrees in the natural and environmental sciences, Western’s location provides a world class living laboratory that helps students truly turn their classroom knowledge into hands-on understanding. Now, combine that with faculty who provide personalized attention to every student, and that’s a formula for success.