Current CES Student, expected graduation summer 2025.

The roots of Adena’s upbringings have sculpted the branches of her values, morals, and actions. Adena’s childhood was shaped by her family’s commitment to an eco-conscious lifestyle and values, a vastly different lifestyle compared to her peers. Growing up in the Milwaukee neighborhood of Riverwest, and spending summers in New Mexico due to her father’s eco-building construction career, Adena absorbed diverse cultural practices and values, particularly those related to environmental sustainability. Her parents raised Adena and her siblings with the belief that they should live in harmony with nature. Avoiding plastic, practicing composting and growing their own food emphasize Adena’s family’s low-waste lifestyle. She recalls being teased in school for eating different foods and wearing thrift clothes, something she now witnesses becoming trendy and accepted.

“My dad said he was raising us as free-range kids” Adena chuckled lightheartedly, expressing a pun about free-range animals living a happier, healthier lifestyle. She did not grow up attached to digital devices. Family activities were outdoors, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and volunteering rather than going on traditional vacations. By the time Adena was in grade school, she was already learning about Earth stewardship as she volunteered alongside her parents and grandparents in local river cleanups, garbage pickups, and invasive species management events. They shared unique family traditions, such as the children leaving coins in the freezer before volunteering at Grant Park, and fairies mystically transforming them into chocolate coins as a reward for their cleanup! Adena’s experiences and family values shaped her identity, fostering a deep appreciation for Earth’s beauty, health, and sustainability, and molded her perspective that it is of critical importance to value, cherish, and protect our natural world.

Adena’s disquiet for Earth’s future health is the pillar of her devotion in making a noticeable positive difference. While many people may feel overwhelmed by the enormity of environmental issues, Adena can recognize that small steps make an impact. It is possible to see the tangible difference, for example, “volunteering and just picking up garbage.” She emphasizes that one must start somewhere, and even the smallest changes can lead to substantial transformations over time. “It doesn’t seem super unattainable because I had been seeing it and living it,” Adena describes her hope about creating a healthier, cleaner world.

Adena came to a pivotal realization that it is imperative to learn and understand the Earth’s environmental issues, rather than to feel intimidated by them. “It (caring about the environment) is important because it scared me,” Adena expresses her passion in understanding of the impacts of environmental degradation. Adena did not have a plan or major when she first started at 51����, but upon taking an introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science as part of the general education requirements, she immediately recognized “this is where I need to be, what I need to do.”

Life balance is critical and attainable, even for college students. Like many 51���� students, Adena struggled to find balance of finances, school, and opportunities to participate in organizations and clubs. She was working up to four jobs, 30+ hours a week, and with the demands of a full-time student, had no spare time to participate in clubs and other group activities. She explored solutions to gain meaningful work, while financially supporting herself. In her search, she discovered the opportunity of an internship placement through the Community Leaders Internship Program (CLIP). CLIP helps work-study students find paid internships at nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and businesses in the Milwaukee metro area. Adena underscores the significance of exploring such opportunities for experiential learning and involvement, even amidst the demanding balance of academic and work commitments, urging students to explore internships that can enrich their professional journey.

Last year, Adena was hired for an internship at Havenwoods State Forest through the CLIP program. Her responsibilities for animal care, which included caring for injured or surrendered reptiles and other animals, cleaning enclosures, feeding the animals, and maintaining records of their health and diet. She also led volunteer groups in invasive species removal and trash pickup, providing a sense of accomplishment. Currently, Adena is interning at the Urban Ecology Center, also through the CLIP program, where she helps facilitate various community programs. She describes her experiences as fulfilling, especially when she sees the impact of her efforts on the community. For instance, she recalls a “Take It Outside” day where she helped families who had never been on the water before to go canoeing, where parents overcame their fears to provide their children with new experiences. Adena also helps lead the UEC Riverside “Bike to Beach” litter cleanup group events every Thursday of the month of April, and invites anyone interested, even if you do not have a bike! Check it out: 

Adena’s future is as encouraging as her personality. Following a suggestion from CES Program Director Dr. Chris Young, Adena was accepted into the competitive field program course “Wild Rockies: Conservation Across Boundaries” organized by Wild Rockies Field Institute (WRFI). She will receive twelve credits towards her degree this coming summer, allowing her to graduate within four years. Equally as exciting to Adena, she will spend 42 days learning multidisciplinary environmental topics outdoors in the Rockies, starting in Missoula, backpacking through Montana and Canada.

As she looks to the future, Adena is eager to continue her journey in environmental advocacy. She plans to pursue further opportunities that allow her to combine her love for nature with her desire to educate and empower others. Adena envisions a career where she can work at the intersection of conservation and community engagement, helping to create sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Adena’s unwavering belief in the Earth’s resilience and her dedication to global well-being are compelling, as her captivating enthusiasm for environmental stewardship promises to galvanize others toward a healthier planet.

Intrigued? For more information or contact information, check out 51����’s CES Program: uwm.edu/ces

Written by Zelenda Koch

The post Feature of the Week: Adena Saigh appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

51���� CES Director 2019-2023 (Retired)

Emeritus Associate Professor

Dr. Neal O’Reilly, a luminary in the Conservation and Environmental Science (CES) department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (51����), has an impressive professional background spanning over four decades. Neal has made remarkable contributions to regional environmental projects and has been a transformative force in higher education, particularly during his time as Director of the CES program. Despite his numerous achievements, he remains grounded, embodying a strong belief in teamwork and collaborative efforts. His dedication to sharing his extensive knowledge with local organizations and mentoring future leaders underscores his lasting impact on both the community and his students.

“It takes a village to build a mountain” is one of Neal’s insights built from experience. Neal’s educational journey began in electrical engineering before he shifted his focus to ecology, geology, and biology, influenced by his love for the outdoors and experiences in nature growing up in the formerly rural Menomonee Falls. Shortly after completing his Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Biology and Environmental Geology, Neal began a 15-year career with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Neal played a crucial role in regional urban stormwater planning and design, watershed management planning, and stream and lake monitoring/restoration projects throughout the southeastern region of Wisconsin. A highlight of Neal’s career at the WDNR was the Delavan Lake Project, the world’s largest lake restoration initiative in the 1980s and 1990s. This project, which required extensive collaboration with federal and local agencies, earned several national awards and solidified Neal’s understanding of the importance of networking and community engagement in achieving large-scale success. These lessons have continued to guide him throughout his career in the public, private, and academic sectors.

In the middle of his career, Neal recognized his enduring interest in engineering, so he took a sabbatical from the WDNR to pursue his Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Marquette University while working at the consulting firm R.A. Smith. Despite initially planning to return to the WDNR, a hiring freeze redirected his path, leading him to co-found Hey and Associates, a firm focused on engineering and water resource consulting. After twenty-five years as Vice President and head of the water resource planning division, he sold his shares to pursue a career in academia, bringing his extensive professional experience into the educational world.

Neal has a philosophy of “making things happen”, which is evident in his Ph.D. pursuit in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Law at Marquette University. Neal explains his reasoning for pursuing this dual Ph.D. (beyond the encouragement of his wife!) “90% of environmental law administration is handled by ecologists, engineers, and bureaucrats, not lawyers…You can’t debate lawyers if you don’t understand their work!” Despite initial skepticism from the law school due to his lack of a formal law background, his extensive background and experiences as an expert witness led to his acceptance into the program. This achievement highlights the importance of connections and perseverance.

You can’t be an expert in everything…in the real world, you’re going to work with other people,” Neal emphasizes about the importance of being exposed to real-world experiences and teamwork, especially in the world of CES. Neal began his teaching career at Marquette University in 2004 and continued throughout his professional career, which led to a grant-funded collaboration with 51����. This partnership opened the door to Neal’s appointment as CES Director from 2019-2023, during which Neal transformed the program by integrating academic learning with real-world applications. Neal’s shifted the senior capstone course from a traditional lecture format to project-based experiences,  a significant program development for student success. He leveraged his extensive network to provide students with valuable real-world problem-solving opportunities and networking connections; this allowed student engagement directly with community partners and organizations. Neal emphasized the importance of diversity in these partnerships, allowing students to find projects they “get excited about.” This approach not only enhances education and practical skills but also prepares them for professional careers, opening doors to internships and career placements.

Neal encourages students to challenge themselves, teaching them the value of progress over perfection and fostering self-confidence and self-belief. Neal explains that students can evolve achievements from a combination of collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. For example, he has advised numerous students to choose courses aligned with their career aspirations rather than “easier” courses. This approach improves students’ academic performance and personal development, thereby better equipping them for future challenges in the world.

Although Neal retired as CES Director in 2023, he continues to teach with the CES program. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as he remains actively involved in various non-profit and local organizations, including serving as president of the Waukesha County Land Conservancy. Despite his busy schedule, Neal finds time to relax through woodworking, an activity he finds rewarding for its immediate results, a contrast to the often-delayed outcomes in his other work.

Dr. Neal O’Reilly’s ability to handle challenges in a grounded matter, whether in large-scale projects, academic matters, or building students’ real-world skills, makes him an inspiring figure in the CES community. He is truly a part of the “village that builds -and makes- the mountains happen.”

Intrigued? For more information or contact information, check out 51����’s CES Program: uwm.edu/ces

Written by Zelenda Koch

The post Feature of the Week: Dr. Neal O’Reilly, 51���� CES Director 2019-2023 appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

Transforming disconnection into connection can be challenging, but for Xia, this effort has been crucial in establishing herself as an impactful leader. Xia’s first two years of college at 51���� were entirely online, as the world was grappling with the pandemic. Her sense of detachment and disconnection during these isolated times motivated her to seek avenues to negate these feelings. Over the next few years, Xia immersed herself in various community environmental activities, soon establishing herself as a standout individual driven to action in environmental initiatives–both on and off campus. She became the 51���� Conservation Club president, leading various events including an annual clothing swap, student socials, and excursions to Milwaukee Recycling and the Jones Island water treatment facility. She also organized volunteer opportunities with Milwaukee Riverkeepers and the River Revitalization Foundation (now Restoring Lands). Xia organized student working groups that concentrated on smaller projects, such as developing a GIS map for CES students, and submitting a 51���� Green Fund application for interpretive signs in Downer Woods. Throughout her success, she became a part of the 51���� Green Fund Committee and vice president, helping promote and implement other Green Fund projects. One of Xia’s outstanding achievements with the Conservation Club was adopting a state wildlife area at Big Muskego Lake in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), ensuring a lasting legacy for the club (in fact, you can read about students utilizing this area in a capstone project in the previous FOTW!).

All of Xia’s dedication and accomplishments throughout her time in academics did not go unnoticed. Xia was honored as the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education (WAEE) Student of the Year in 2023, an acknowledgment for outstanding individual(s) and their contributions to the field of environmental education. Xia’s accomplishments also culminated in her receiving the 2024 51���� Agent of Change Award, recognizing her contributions to the university community.

Conservation and environmental science emphasize the interconnectedness of local and global issues. Understanding how community challenges link to broader phenomena highlights the need for an integrated approach to sustainability. Xia has been able to develop these engagement experiences at a local to global level. Locally, at 51����, Xia conducted research under Dr. John Berges on microplastic pathways into water systems via a small invertebrate in Lake Michigan. Regionally, Xia participated and then volunteered in 51���� alternative spring break trips exploring other parts of the USA. Globally, Xia spent a summer in Hawaii as a Global Treks Research Assistant analyzing native plant species, contributing to the Global Treks Hawaii Travel Guide with an impressive collection of photos and plant descriptions. One of the most transformative experiences in Xia’s life was participating in a Hillel Milwaukee student trip as a leader to Israel and Palestine in 2023, where she engaged with diverse perspectives on complex global issues. The purpose of this trip was to learn about the conflicts in that region and provide accurate information to the campus community. Xia states that “This experience was life changing in that I was truly able to understand a globally misunderstood conflict by speaking with individuals from all perspectives and backgrounds to better understand the country and people as a whole.”

Xia Lowery’s journey from the 51���� Conservation and Environmental Science (CES) program to her current role with the WDNR is a testament to her passion for environmental advocacy and personal growth. Her transformative experience began with the Natural Resource Foundation Diversity in Conservation Internship, an internship promoted by the CES program. Xia was paired with Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin (GHS) and tasked with redeveloping a sustainability game for students. This internship not only ignited her love for the project but also paved the way for her part-time position at GHS when her boss transitioned out and recommended Xia for the coordinator position, allowing her to continue her impactful work.

As a GHS Program Coordinator, Xia works directly with K-12 schools across Wisconsin, providing resources and technical assistance to implement sustainable projects, plans, and policies. She collaborates with education-focused and nonprofit organizations to connect schools with local partners. Additionally, she engages with state agencies like DPI, DHS, and OSCE to enhance school sustainability efforts. Xia actively participates in events and conferences sharing insights and experiences. In her current position, Xia uses her skills from the CES program, such as ArcGIS to map and highlight school participation in their program. In her CES capstone course, she learned the value of teamwork and project collaboration. She explains that the course was “directly applicable to the teamwork I am currently involved in and was helpful in understanding the importance of communication, goal setting, and deadlines.”

Currently, Xia is also pursuing a graduate degree in Environmental Conservation at UW-Madison, where she is engaged in a significant final project with The Endangered Wildlife Trust in South Africa, set to take place this summer. Throughout her journey of personal and academic growth, Xia emphasizes the profound impact of her mother’s unwavering support. Although her mother attended 51����, she discontinued her studies to raise Xia. Despite this, she instilled the values of education throughout Xia’s life and continues to encourage her to strive for success and fulfill her potential.

In a different world of Xia’s life, she became involved in pageantry, winning Miss Iowa Earth 2023. She used this empowerment as a way of developing herself, but even more important was finding a purpose by promoting sustainability initiatives in her community, including organizing makeup packaging collection drives through partnerships with organizations like Terracycle and Nordstrom.

Xia, radiant both inside and out, is on her way to creating a lasting legacy that enhances the beauty of our world.

Intrigued? For more information or contact information, check out 51����’s CES Program: uwm.edu/ces

Written by Zelenda Koch

The post Feature of the Week: Xiayou (Xia) Lowery, Green & Healthy Schools Program Coordinator (WDNR) CES Alumnus 2024 appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

Expected Graduation and Degree: May 2026, BA in Conservation and Environmental Science (CES), Minors in Biology, Geoscience, and GIS. 

Exposure to stewardship and active involvement at an early age can shape the roles and responsibilities one will carry throughout one’s life. Avani was exposed to nature and became actively involved in environmental activities at an early age. In middle school, she participated in a gardening club, planting milkweed and helping maintain garden beds. Avani attended a Waukesha STEM elementary school, which emphasizes science and environmental education. Avani’s school took part in various activities, including Earth Day cleanup events, which resulted in her being interviewed and a local news feature about the importance of keeping the Earth clean. All these experiences during Avani’s youth ignited her dedication to stewardship and enthusiasm for nature conservation.

Journeys often reveal new directions for personal growth. Initially, Avani planned to work with sharks, a passion inspired by the widespread appeal of Shark Week on National Geographic, which guided her to pursue an education in marine biology. After receiving her associates degree from 51����-Waukesha, she transferred to the Milwaukee campus, where she enrolled in the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior program. However, Avani was drawn more to the importance and understanding of conservation matters–not just in biological aspects–but the anthropological aspects as well. She eventually transitioned into the Conservation of Environmental Science (CES) program. The interdisciplinary sciences of the CES department allows Avani to explore how the different environmental disciplines interconnect. For example, she recognizes that it is essential to understand the ecological roles of species for conservational aspects, but learning about the interconnected roles such as geology, climate change, and human activity are also critical factors. In fact, Avani is pursuing three minors alongside her CES Bachelor of Art degree, including biology, geoscience, and Geographic Information Systems. She is even considering pursuing a double major in CES and Geosciences!

A significant moment in Avani’s studies was her CES capstone project, mentored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) professionals, in which her group focused on creating a plan of action for restoration and community education for Dumke’s Lake. The capstone project is a culminating academic experience that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem or project. It typically involves research, collaboration, and practical application of what students have learned throughout their studies in the CES program. Working with a small group of colleagues, each student in Avani’s collaboration brought unique expertise to the project, guided by WDNR a wildlife biologist, a wildlife educator, and other professionals.  Avani’s concentration was prairie restoration techniques, creating a plan of action for restoration and management. The project aimed to develop a comprehensive restoration plan to address invasive species and make the land accessible for recreational use.  “Having the knowledge of many different sciences, you have an advantage of perception, perceiving how it all relates to one another and how you and your team can collaborate effectively and efficiently,” Avani explains, discussing the interdisciplinary involvement of a real-life environmental issue.

Connection is a reoccurring theme in self-development. Avani encourages new or prospective students to network actively. Avani actively participates in networking events and mentorship programs, which have enriched her academic journey. She engages in various volunteer activities, including land stewardship at the Eagle Nature Trail, prairie restoration with the WDNR, and community outreach at the Urban Ecology Center. She takes advantage of 51���� programs such as LET’S GEO Mentorship Program, allowing her to build relationships with professionals, professors, and teaching assistants, which she says, “can open doors to fieldwork opportunities and enhance (my) overall college experience.” Avani even takes the time to visit her old school to mentor students about college in the Advanced Via Individual Determination program, where she discusses the networking side of college that is not talked about and often overlooked.

“Act locally, think globally” (conservationist Patrick Geddes) is one of Avani’s principles. Avani’s perspectives have developed through her educational experiences, as she is exposed to discussions that tackle often “avoided” topics, such as the disconnect in underrepresented communities regarding environmental issues. She started realizing that many people recognize the need to care for the environment but often lack a deeper understanding of its impact on their daily lives and future generations.  Avani believes that “addressing environmental issues by addressing the lack of education can lead to broader global impacts.”   Avani envisions using her education in CES to make a difference in the world after graduation. She would like to focus on educational initiatives that address the lack of environmental knowledge in underrepresented communities locally, believing that education is key to fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and a way to make a global impact.

In an amazing coincidence, Avani’s name, meaning “Earth” in Sanskrit. This name mirrors her journey of self-discovery and passion for conservation, embodying the very essence of this planet, Earth, that she cherishes. Avani will, no doubt, continue to live by her name.

Intrigued? For more information or contact information, check out 51����’s CES Program: uwm.edu/ces 

Written by Zelenda Koch 

The post Feature of the Week: Avani Tandon, Current CES major (senior standing)  appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

CES Alumni 2006

Emily’s interest in the environment and nature developed early. As a native of West Allis she grew within the Milwaukee County Parks System. In fact, Wehr Nature Center was where she first experienced a nature program as a child. Emily’s educational path began at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (51����),where she pursued a degree in Conservation and Environmental Science (CES). She participated in a CES 51���� program that involved studying the ecology of tropical streams at the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve in Costa Rica. This was a childhood dream come true, where she engaged in hands-on environmental activities while interacting with local students.

A universal challenge exists; individuals can reside near natural wonders yet remain disconnected from them, regardless of their location in the world. Just as some people in the Milwaukee area may live close to Lake Michigan but have never been to the beachfront, the same was true for some Costa Rican locals regarding their rainforest. Emily recognized this lack of immersive experiences in nature and aimed to address it when she returned for an internship at Tirimbina. Emily’s bilingual skills—her double-degree included a major in Spanish—helped her communicate and educate local families about the unique natural features they had right in their backyard and the importance of caring for it. Emily’s internship in Tirimbina led to another internship at the Milwaukee Public Museum, where she created distance learning programs that connected people with the wonders of the rainforest, allowing them to experience nature even if they could not visit in person. “I was able to bring the rainforest experience to students who might never see one,” she reflects. Emily’s experiences instilled her passion for environmental education and commitment to making nature accessible to everyone, a theme that would continue to resonate throughout her career.

The 51���� CES program set Emily up with a multidisciplinary approach to environmental topics and issues, which was a critical asset to her career path beyond the university. Upon graduation, Emily became the Education Director for Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful (KGMB), a nonprofit organization focused on environmental education and community engagement. Her time at KGMB was instrumental in shaping her understanding of community dynamics and the importance of partnerships. Emily focused on recycling education in Milwaukee, conducting tours of the materials recovery facility and teaching about waste reduction and conservation efforts related to water and energy. This work included developing an environmental engineering program for middle school students and tours of local sites like Jones Island and landfills. She saw the vital link between community outreach about environmental conservation. “It was very much human behavior focused… getting people engaged and exploring where things come from and where they go when we’re done with them,” she notes, demonstrating the importance of sustainability pillars.

Emily’s approach to environmental education is rooted in the principles of equity and inclusion, which she brings with her throughout her professional life journey. For the past 12 years, Emily has worked for Milwaukee County Parks as a Naturalist at Wehr Nature Center. Located within a 220-acre nature preserve in Whitnall Park, the Center is committed to “making nature accessible to every person, year-round,” according to their Mission Statement. This resonates with Emily, evident in her work at Wehr, as she actively seeks to break down barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from engaging in nature. With the support of local organizations, Wehr Nature Center has enhanced physical accessibility by developing an accessible boardwalk, adding an all-terrain wheelchair and implementing other features to improve access for all visitors. Emily has been directly involved in the growth of these improvements over the years, although the boardwalk has served the community even longer. Emily has also implemented programs such as the SPARK program for creative engagement, a dementia-focused program, as well as nature programs and volunteer opportunities for groups with disabilities. “It’s the accessibility pieces that really become my proudest achievements,” she notes, adding that her graduate research included conducting focus groups for individuals with disabilities, identifying and addressing barriers to accessing nature. This work became the foundation for ongoing efforts at Wehr. Fostering a connection with nature is essential for everyone, regardless of their background. “People don’t exist in little vacuums… inclusion has to involve embracing the whole person as they are. We are here to ensure they feel welcome and comfortable,” Emily asserts.

Wehr Nature Center is proving to be a hub for nature education and accessibility with Emily’s holistic perspectives and developments. Wehr Nature Center hosts 51���� service-learning students, allowing Emily and other employees to help students understand the connection of nature, sustainability, and people. Emily advises students to meet people where they are in their “nature journey,” approach without judgment, and accompany them along the way. She emphasizes the importance of being authentic and present, rather than just delivering facts. “Once you have that… authenticity and that kindness, you can more easily relate to people and make the topic or issue relevant to their lives. This is what I believe impacts people more greatly,” she explains about connecting the public to nature.

Life balance is important to Emily, as she effectively manages her professional responsibilities alongside her personal life, including raising twin boys. Even with the demands of motherhood and her career, Emily finds time for outlets of activities. She had a hobby farm, including chickens, bees, goats, and growing her own food and products. Emily also has a unique engaging personality, which she has recently been putting to the test in improv classes!

Emily’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility at Wehr Nature Center serves as a model for others in the field, demonstrating that with creativity and commitment, it is possible to break down barriers and foster a love for the natural world in everyone.

Intrigued? For more information or contact information, check out 51����’s CES Program: uwm.edu/ces

Wehr Nature Center:

Written by Zelenda Koch

The post Feature of the Week: Emily Brown appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

Chris Young: Current 51���� CES Program Director and Professor

Chris Young’s academic journey exemplifies his commitment to interdisciplinary education and community engagement, but also to his students. After completing a biology major, Chris grappled with uncertainty regarding his career path. He was drawn to the idea of becoming a professor but was unsure of the specific discipline that would best suit him. To gain practical experience, he took on a role as a landfill inspector in Minnesota, recognizing the importance of real-world experience.  He eventually pursued his desire to become a professor and obtained his PhD in “History of Science and Technology” at the University of Minnesota, where he could integrate his interests in science, writing, and history, ultimately shaping his teaching philosophy. 

After earning his PhD, Chris began his teaching career at a seminary in Oregon for a few years and eventually moved to the Milwaukee area with his wife, where he became the assistant director of the Center for 21st Century Studies at 51����.  Chris continued his professional development at Alverno College for over 20 years, growing deep roots of collaboration and connection with local environmental organizations.  At Alverno, he embraced his interdisciplinary approach to science education, teaching a diverse array of courses, including biology, evolution, field surveying, and climate change, all while emphasizing experiential learning and community involvement. Through these experiences, Chris solidified the groundwork to take on and succeed in his current role as CES Program Director.   

“This is my dream job” Chris explains, discussing his move to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (51����) as the Program Director of the Conservation and Environmental Science (CES) program, which marked a life-long aspiration. He viewed this opportunity as one that would allow him to leverage his extensive local connections and experiences to enhance the educational offerings in the CES program. A “collaborative spirit,” as he calls it, not only enriches the students’ learning experiences but also strengthens the ties between the university and the community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for environmental stewardship. Young’s commitment to experiential learning is evident in his approach to the senior capstone course, where local organizations partner with CES students.  These connections and experiences reinforce a critical component of the CES program.  

“What are you doing here?” is an important question Chris asks students to ponder in all aspects of their lives.  Although Chris has been in his new role for less than two years, he recognized quickly the need to create visible CES pathways for students to help define their study focus and–equally important–themselves.  As the program director, Young has implemented flexible pathways for students, allowing them to tailor their education according to their interests without strict requirements. This initiative is designed to help students recognize their passions early in their academic careers, enabling them to make informed decisions about their coursework and future career trajectories. 

 �Ԩou have to develop an understanding of what it is you love, what it is you most want to do” as Chris says, resonating with his vision for creating a truly interdisciplinary experience for CES students. Within this flexible curriculum, they can draw connections between various scientific disciplines and understand how their coursework fits into the broader context of conservation and environmental science, while fostering a sense of identity as conservation and environmental scientists.   Chris has his own experience that he shares with his students about self-development and introspection: Chris brings his copy of Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac into his classes on the first day and uses it as an example. Before Chris proceeded forward with his PhD (over 30 years ago!), he read this book, which refocused his interest in ecology, “Not just as a science, but as a way of living in a natural community and interacting with human communities, because I think that’s really the bigger message of it.” 

In addition to his role as the 51���� CES Program Director, Chris possesses a rich depth of experience that significantly enhances his contributions to the environmental field. He is an accomplished author and continues to serve as an editor, focusing on areas such as the history of science, urban ecology, environmental history, and environmental education. 

In science and life, we all understand how connected things are; the impact upon one thing can lead to impacts on other things. Chris aims to make an impact contributing to students and a program, which ultimately impacts the community, and continues in a true positive feedback loop: all making an impact and “connecting the parts.”

Intrigued? For more information or contact information, check out 51����’s CES Program:   

Written by Zelenda Koch 

The post Feature of the Week: Dr. Chris Young appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

Meet Jaeden, the CES program’s inaugural “Feature of the Week” showcase!

Jaeden Carrasquillo: Current 51���� CES student, Junior status

Jaeden’s journey into 51����’s Conservation and Environmental Science program is not your traditional environmental student path. Jaeden’s journey into environmental education didn’t even start after high school; instead, he initially pursued a career as an EMT, a role he found immensely rewarding. However, soon after, a visit to a friend in Canada revealed the captivating world of environmental science to Jaeden, something he never even knew existed as formal college education. This epiphany led him to commence his first semester at Trent University in Canada. He was driven by a desire to “do something that mattered in the (environmental) world.”

Growing up in the urban landscape of Milwaukee’s city, Jaeden was not surrounded by the “large green spaces” and rural nature typically associated with environmental science enthusiasts. In fact, his Canada trip was his first “real exposure” to large wild landscapes that are often depicted as “nature.” His initial awareness of environmental issues, like climate change, was primarily from media and news rather than direct experience. However, a semester in Canada followed by transferring to 51���� revealed his keen interest in “urban conservation.” This focus resonates with him, rooted in his youth experiences in the city. As he delves deeper into his CES education, Jaeden reflects, “We have people living in this city, and even though all the same things are here compared to rural areas, it (nature) gets lost.” Yet, nature DOES exist here.

Upon joining 51����’s CES program, Jaeden rediscovered the warmth and camaraderie of his hometown community. �Ԩou feel like you have a face,” he explains, appreciating how professors will know his name, walking down the sidewalk. These connections, he believes, are invaluable in a vast world where individuals can often feel adrift. His connections with his peers are equally valuable. Jaeden has been an integral part of the 51���� Conservation Club for over two years, serving as the Social Media Manager for the past two semesters. He is proud of the club’s ability to bring together peers from diverse backgrounds and interests, fostering growth and collaboration.

Jaeden’s professional and educational experiences are “really blooming” in the few years he’s been “planting seeds” with the CES program. In the summer of 2023, he interned here in Wisconsin with the Natural Resources Foundation (NRF) as an Urban and Conservation Storytelling Intern. During this time, he honed his photography skills and grasped the importance of urban conservation in the Milwaukee area through interviews with various organizations. This experience underscored the significance of networking in the CES world to him. He returned to interning with the NRF in the summer of 2024 to focus on digital communications, traveling across Wisconsin to contribute to blogs and social media. Currently, Jaeden is an intern with Wisconsin Clean Cities, providing education regarding alternative fuels, data collection from Wisconsin fleet(s) that are members of the coalition, and outreach/recruitment to get more Wisconsin organizations involved in the transition to alternative fuel-based vehicles.

Opportunities exist for students: Jaeden will soon venture to Grenada under the UW-Milwaukee and Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Grenada SURF-TURF program. There, he will engage in research projects such as assessing invasive species, monitoring disease prevalence, studying biodiversity and artificial reefs, and even monitoring sea turtle nests and health.

And yet through all his studies, connections and schedule, Jaeden also works off-campus as a barista!

“We are all learning together” Jaeden explains. If he could offer advice to aspiring CES students, Jaeden says, “We need to all get over the fear of just ‘getting out there.’ Don’t be afraid of new situations or what you might say, your actions of showing up to a meeting or volunteering speak louder than many words.” This mantra of “I can do this” has been his guiding light, reminding him of how far he has come through his life.

As Jaeden approaches the completion of his Bachelor of Science in CES at 51����, his future plans remain flexible. While he envisions pursuing a master’s or venturing into research eventually, he is also open to gaining more hands-on experience with environmental organizations, particularly nonprofits. Whatever path Jaeden takes, he is bound to “do something that matters” in this world.

Intrigued? For more information or contact information, check out 51����’s CES Program: uwm.edu/ces

Written by Zelenda Koch

Pictures owned by Jaeden Carrasquillo

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