From Wisconsin to Aerospace: Maddie finds her fit in ESHS

Coming from Wisconsin, many of the universities offered either an environmental sustainability degree or a health and safety degree, RIT was one of the few that I knew of (and applied to) that offered a degree that intertwined both areas. This degree seemed like the perfect fit for me since I wanted to pursue environmental sustainability and was always interested in health and safety.

My co-op journey is unique since I completed the ESHS BS/MS program in four years instead of five. My first two co-ops were with Collins Aerospace in Fairfield, California, and Windsor Locks, Connecticut. My third co-op was as a research assistant with Dr. Stack Whitney on wasted food and loss. During my first co-op, I worked on projects related to ergonomics, BMPs, chemical management, hazardous waste, incident investigation, and more. I loved that the ESHS field is constantly changing and presents new challenges, allowing me to apply classroom knowledge to real-life issues.

In my second co-op with Collins Aerospace, I enjoyed projects on hazardous waste verifications and audit preparation, which gave me insight into hazardous waste management and audits. My third co-op was different as I worked as a research assistant during the school year, focusing more on environmental sustainability. Working under Dr. Stack Whitney, I connected with people across RIT and other universities, learned new skills, and presented research at conferences.

The ESHS program at RIT stands out because it blends environmental sustainability and health and safety, unlike other schools that separate these programs. RIT’s co-op program helps students discover their interests in the field and what they want to pursue further. Exceptional professors lay the groundwork in the classroom, and co-ops deepen understanding and open new areas of interest.

Pursuing ESHS may seem daunting especially if you’re from out of state and are moving for the first time, but the community you’ll create and find is truly worth it alone. The ESHS program is fascinating, and the community of students, professors, and alumni is top-notch. The program spans multiple industries and interests, offering something for everyone. Outside of ESHS, the broader community is supportive. For me, the Native American students were a second family, supporting me throughout my college career. Even if it seems daunting, there are communities ready to support you whenever needed.