Environmental Science Careers

With environmental concern awareness increasing, environmental scientists will be needed to study environmental quality and provide means to living less environmentally harmful lives.

Katie Aaron

"My experience at Thiel College taught me the importance of curiosity and adaptability both of which have been essential in navigating the challenges of my job field."

Jakob Shingler

"My time at Thiel College was nothing short of amazing. I know people might be detracted by its location and size, but that’s what makes the school a great hidden gem. It has plenty of stores, restaurants near the campus itself and two neighboring townships with their own stores, restaurants and cinemas to visit during your free time. Also lots of trails and parks, community or state, to explore and visit which is a nice bonus for those Environmental Science majors. But aside from these nice aspects, what makes Thiel College special, and my time there so great, was its size because it made asking for help easier. If you had questions at student housing, or where something was located, or had a question about your assignment, there was always a faculty, professor or advisor to help in anyway they can. This is what makes Thiel College a well connected community and one that cares, because everyone there never wants you to fail and they will do anything to help you succeed."

Matthew Nymick

"Going through the ES and Honors Programs at Thiel has propelled me to rapid success working in Gas and Oil. Without Thiel, I wouldn't have the opportunities for the career advancement that I have now at Chemstream."

Nick Romano

"My Environmental Science degree at Thiel College gave me the education and foundation to begin my career in Environmental Consulting. My current job has a variety of task such as delineating wetlands, preparing permit applications and report writing. The internships and courses I had while at Thiel College helped strengthen my resume and allowed me to have a competitive edge when applying for my job."

Jamie Wolf

"The fundamentals that I learned at Thiel were instrumental in allowing me to enter into and succeed in the environmental consulting industry."

Dylan Kleckner

"One of the best decisions I made in my life was choosing to go to Thiel College, especially to major in Environmental Science. Thiel’s Environmental Science program offers a very collective perspective of all aspects of life. I got to learn not only about the physical sciences, but also about politics, economics, world religions, etc. Upon graduating, I realized how well-rounded I had become, having been education in the humanities as well as the sciences seeing as both fields intersect many times in my professional life."

Alex (Geraci) Casile

"Thiel helped me grow not only in the classroom and lab with technical skills but with personal and professional skills in a family like atmosphere. Because you are not just a number and you are able to learn in a smaller environment."

Environmental Science - Graduate Outcomes

Katie Aaron

B.S., 2024, Environmental Science with Wildlife Biology minor, Thiel College
2022, Ecological Restoration Technician at ArcheWild
2023, NSF Research Experience for Undergraduate Intern at Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment Marine Laboratory
2024-present, Sea Turtle Nesting Monitor at Ecological Associates Inc.

Matthew Babeji

B.S., 2019, Environmental Science with Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry minors, Thiel College
M.S., 2023, Environmental Science and Policy, Johns Hopkins University
2017, Branch Manager for American Conservation Experience
2019-present, Environmental Technician for Moody and Associates
2020-present, Graduate student at Johns Hopkins University
2022-present, Field Environmental Compliance Specialist at Range Resources

Brett Bell

B.A., 2006, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2006-2007, Staff Scientist at Environmental Geo-Services
2007-2009, Natural Resource Specialist for Trumbull County Soil and Water Conservation District
2009-2011, Assistant Environmental Scientist/Lab Technician at Wallace and Pancher
2011-2014, Field Representative for Chesapeake Energy
2014-2020, Field and Land Representative-Ohio for Gulfport Energy Corporation
2021-2022, Field Technician at Utility Pipeline Ltd
2022-present, Project Management/Design at Enbridge Gas

Nick Black

B.S., 2019, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2018, Scientific, Technical, Engineering Intern at PA DEP
2019, Intern at Greenville Water Authority
2019-2020, Nuclear Technician at Master-Lee Energy Services
2020-2021, Field Technician at Vibra Tech Engineers
2021-2022, Waterways Conservation Officer Trainee at Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
2022-present, Waterways Conservation Officer at Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

Paul Bloom

B.A., 2007, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2007-2016, GIS Coordinator at Sweet Water Land Service, LLC
2016-2020, Pod Lead, Coverage Planning Lead at Uber Advanced Technologies Group
2020-present, GIS and Technology Manager at Generation Land Management
2020-present, Geographic Information System Specialist at RedZone Robotics, Inc.

Rachel Casteel

B.S., 2019, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2016-2017, Fellow for Sierra Club
2018-2019, Pennsylvania Student Power Fellowship at One PA
2019, Crew Leader at Student Conservation Association
2019-2020, Environmental Health Specialist at Allegheny County Health Department
2021-2022, Environmental Justice and Health Fellow at Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health at the University of Maryland
2022-present, Regional Representative at Socially Responsible Agriculture Project

Victoria Challingsworth

B.S., 2014, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2013, Study Abroad at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
2014, Chief of Council Intern for the PA Department of Environmental Protection
2014-2015, Backcountry Stewart Intern for NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
2016-2018, Re-Light Technician/Service Line Specialist at Allegheny Contracting
2018-2020, Conservation Education Specialist with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance
2020-2023, Resource Conservation Technician for Elk County Conservation District
2023-present, Senior Project Environmental Specialist at GAI Consultants, Inc.

Anna Chapman

B.S., 2022, Environmental Safety Management with Wildlife Biology minor, Thiel College
2021, Safety Intern at EQT Corporation
2021-2022, Associate Safety Coordinator at EQT Corporation
2022, Field Safety Advisor at Amerisafe Group
2022-present, Health and Safety Consultant at Amerisafe Group

Morgan Costello

B.S., 2022, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2021-2022, Lab Technician Intern at American Rock Salt Company LLC
2022-2023, Analytical Lab Technician at Energizer Holdings
2023-present, Environment, Health and Safety Manager at Georgia-Pacific LLC

Cody Dennis

B.S., 2019, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2019, Intern for Shenango Reservoir Army Corps.
2019-2022, Recreation Technician with the American Conservation Experience at the US Forestry Service in the El Dorado National Forest
2022-2023, Firefighter at Warren Fire Department
2020-present, Firefighter/EMT at Sebring Fire Department
2023-present, Firefighter/EMT at Alliance Fire Department

Shane Dillon

B.S., 2013, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2011-2012, Sustainability/Public Services Intern for the Borough of Greenville
2012, Student Greening Manager at Thiel College
2012, Intern for Environment Arizona
2014, Environmental Technician at Aurora Environmental, Inc.
2014, Engineering Technician at ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC
2015-2017, Geotechnical QC/QA at Draper Aden Associates
2017-2021, Field Project Manager at Draper Aden Associates
2019-2021, Geotechnical / CMT Field Operations Manager at Draper Aden Associates
2021-2022, Sr. Construction Manager at Draper Aden Associates
2022-2023, Assistant Superintendent at HITT Contracting Inc.
2023-present, Superintendent at HITT Contracting Inc.

Keith M. Duval

B.A., 1996, Environmental Science, Thiel College
M.B.A, University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business
Certified Hazardous Material Manager (CHMM)
1999-present, Environmental Manager at the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)

David A. Fox, Ph.D.

BA Geology, 1977, Thiel College
Master of Forestry (MF) - Forest soils major, 1978, Duke University
1981 - 1985: Forester, Florida Division of Forestry
1985 - 1990: Environmental Consultant, W. Dexter Bender & Assoc.
1990 - 1995: V.P. of Environmental Services, Forest Resource Management, Inc.
1995 - 2010: Technical Services Manager, Natural Resource Planing Services, Inc.
2010 - 2015: PhD Student, Research Associate, University of Florida
Ph.D. Forest Resources and Conservation, 2015, University of Florida
2015 to present: Lecturer, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida
Teaching Urban Forestry, Forest Resource Information Systems (GIS), assisting in Dendrology and Natural Resource Sampling

Jessica (Crawford) Franklin, M.S.

B.S., 2014, Environmental Science with Environmental Chemistry minor, Thiel College
M.S., 2016, Environmental Science, Youngstown State University
2013, Intern at CCH Environmental Group
2013, Summer help for the Columbiana County Water and Sewer Department
2013-2014, Intern as the Greening Manager at Thiel College
2014-2016, Cushwa Fellow at Youngstown State University
2015, Intern at Wallace and Pancher
2016-2018, Lab Tech at Cardinal Environmental Laboratories
2018-2022, Environmental Inspector at Truhorizon Environmental Solutions NE
2022-2023, Environmental Inspector at KERAMIDA Inc.
2023-present, Lead Environmental Inspector at NiSource

Janet Frey

B.A., 1982, Geology and Environmental Science, Thiel College
Professional Geologist
Certified Floodplain Manager
1988-present, Environmental Planning and Permitting Team Manager for AECOM's Sustainability and Environmental Management Group

Alex Geraci

B.S., 2021, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2018-2019, Larvaecider at Summit County Public Health
2020, Natural Resources Specialist at Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2021-present, Staff Scientist at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Jana Grimm, J.D.

B.A., 1984, Environmental Science, Thiel College
J.D., 1987, University of Pittsburgh
2003-2014, Member at Eckert Seamans
2014-2021, Labor & Employment Lawyer and Member at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
2021-present, Partner at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP

Zoe Heckathorn

B.S., 2023, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2022, Aquatic Invasive Species Boat Steward at Pymatuning State Park
2023-present, Vector Management Coordinator at Mercer County Conservation District

Brent Henderson

B.S., 2020, Environmental Science, B.A. Conservation Biology, Thiel College
2018, Native Plant Production Field Intern at Ernst Conservation Seeds
2018-present, Operator/Project Supervisor at Meadville Land Service, Inc.
2020-2022, Operator/Project Supervisor at Monarch Vegetation Services, Inc.
2022-present, Game Lands Worker at Pennsylvania Game Commission

Erika (Hiwiller) Summer

B.S., 2019, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2017, Legal Intern for the PA Department of Environmental Protection
2019-2023, Geology Department Teaching Assistant at Kent State University
2019-present, Geology graduate student at Kent State University
2023-present, Administrative Assistant at Energy Solutions

Bailey Hoover, GSP

B.S., 2021, Environmental Safety Management, Thiel College
2020-2021, Environmental Health Safety Intern at Westinghouse Electric Company
2021-2022, EHS Technician at Westinghouse Electric Company
2022-present, Senior Environmental Specialist at Westinghouse Electric Company

Zachary Hudecek

B.S., 2018, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2018, Water Treatment Plant Intern at Greenville Water Authority
2018-2019, Environmental Inspector at TruHorizon Environmental Solutions
2019-2021, Field Technician at Target Emission Services Inc.
2021-present, Project Manager at Montrose Environmental Group

Austin Huebner

B.S., 2024, Environmental Safety Management with Environmental Studies minor, Thiel College
2023, Safety Training Department Intern at MSA – The Safety Company
2024-present, Environmental Health Safety Specialist at Magna Seating of America, Inc.

Robert John

B.A., 1979, Environmental Studies and Geology, Thiel College
M.P.A., 1980, Penn State University
1980-1987, Geologist in the US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, Geotechnical Branch
1987-2013, Natural Resource Specialist in the US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, Natural Resources Management Branch
2013-present, Retired from US Army Corps of Engineers after 33 years

Matthew Kichman

B.S., 1985, Environmental Science with Chemistry minor, Thiel College
2009-2012, Director of Business Development at Alternative Environmental Solutions (AES)
2012-2018, Sales Manager at Elk Environmental Services
2018-2021, Senior Project Manger/National Business Development Manager at Sessler Environmental Services
2022-present, Regional Account Manager at E-Tank, Etd. (& E-Pump)

Dylan Kleckner

B.S., 2020, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2018-2021, Organic Chemist at Cardinal Environmental Labs
2021, Post Production Specialist at Troy Innovative Instruments
2021-2022, Quality Control Chemist at Interstate Chemical Co
2022, Drinking Water Engineer at Greenville Water Authority
2022-2023, Treatment Plant Foreman at Greenville Municipal Water Authority
2023-present, Research and Development Technician at SOPREMA USA

Beni Lavodrama, GSP

B.S., 2023, Environmental Safety Management, Thiel College
2022, EHS Intern at Skanska
2023-present, Project Engineer at Skanska

Darren McAninch

B.S., 2012, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2012, interned at Shenango Lake US Army Corps of Engineers
2012-2014, wastewater treatment facility operator at Castle Cheese
2014-present, water treatment operator at Mercer City water treatment plant

Benjamin Moore

B.S., 2016, Environmental Science with Wildlife Biology minor, Thiel College
2015, Wildlife Education Intern at Pennsylvania State Game Commission SW Region
2016-2017, Crew Leader/Laborer/Operator at Frontier Environmental Services
2017-2018, Utility Forester/Work Planner at Davey's Resource Group
2019, ISA Certified Arborist
2019-2021, Contracted Forestry Specialist (West Penn Power) at Davey's Resource Group
2021, Associate Forestry Tech. at West Penn Power
2021-2023, Associate Forestry Tech. at FirstEnergy
2024, ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist
2022-present, Forestry Specialist at FirstEnergy

Bob Murphy, MCI, PCS

B.A., 1975, Geology and Environmental Science, Thiel College
1980-2020, Water Infrastructure Market Manager at The Sherwin-Williams Company
2020-present, Independent Business Owner at SJK Consulting

Matthew Nymick

B.S., 2017, Environmental Science with Wildlife Biology minor, Thiel College
2014, Assistant Plant Manager at Central Indiana County Water Authority
2014, Student Volunteer at US Army Corps of Engineers
2016-2017, Laboratory Technician Intern at CWM Environmental, Inc.
2017, Laboratory Analyst at Environmental Services Laboratories, Inc.
2017-2019, Laboratory Technician at CWM Environmental, Inc.
2019-2021, Oilfield Chemist at Chemstream
2021-2024, Assistant Laboratory Manager at Chemstream
2024-present, Laboratory Manager at Chemstream

Talia O'Brien

B.S., 2020, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2016, Intern at PennEnvironment Inc.
2017, Youth Climate Organizer for Sierra Club
2018, Trip Leader Specialist at Venture Outdoors
2019, Community Crew Leader at Student Conservation Association
2020, Real Estate & Community Engagement Associate at Amani CDC
2020-2022, Project Manager at Borough of Etna
2021-present, Leadership Development Initiative Cohort XXIX Apprenticeship with Leadership Pittsburgh Inc.
2022-2024, Neighborhood Business District Program Analyst at Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
2024-present, Government Affairs Analyst at Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh

Chad Pakozdi

B.S., 2021, Environmental Science, Thiel College
MBA, 2021, Thiel College
2020-2021, Intern at Carried Away Outfitters
2021-2022, Intern at Hudson Companies
2022-present, Field Technician at Compliance Environmental Services

Jacob Paviol

B.S., 2015, Environmental Science with Chemistry minor, Thiel College
2015, Environmental Educator Intern at Pymatuning State Park
2016-2017, Assistant Engineer/Surveyor at Allied Engineering Associates
2017-2021, Hemp Grower at Hortitech
2021-2022, Account Manager/Salesperson at Hortitech Direct
2022-present, Operations Technician at Lonza Pharmaceutical

Nicholas Romano, PWS, CPWD

B.S., 2018, Environmental Science with Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry and Wildlife Biology minors, Thiel College
2015-2016, Natural Resources Intern at Lake Metroparks
2017, GIS Intern for Greenville Borough
2018-present, Environmental Analyst at Kimley-Horn
2022-present, Member of the Board of Trustees at Thiel College

William Dakota Sanders

B.S., 2015, Environmental Science with Wildlife Biology minor, Thiel College
2014, Environmental Counselor and Maintenance at Westmoreland County Parks & Rec.
2015, Laborer at White Tail Excavating
2015-2016, Contractor Lab Technician at PPG
2015-2016, Lab Technician at Lab Support
2016-2018, Utility Forestry Consultant at ACRT, Inc.
2018, Environmental Inspector at Truhorizon Environmental Solutions NE
2018-2022, Consulting Utility Forester at Davey's Resource Group
2022, Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist
2022-present, Associate Forestry Tech at FirstEnergy

Bo Scalise

B.S., 2020, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2019, Invasive Species Management Intern at Presque Isle State Park
2020-2021, Environmental Inspector at TruHorizon Environmental Solutions
2021-present, Waste Water Treatment Operator at Erie Plating Company

Matthew Shields

B.A., 2013, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2011-2014, Health & Safety Associate at AM Health & Safety, Inc.
2013-2014, Industrial Hygiene Consultant with United States Steel Corporation
2014-2019, EH&S Specialist at NOF Metal Coating Group
2020-present, Co-Founder of ChimeHouse Media

Jakob Shingler

B.S., 2022, Environmental Science, Thiel College
2018, Tree Tender at Tree Pittsburgh
2019, Tree Care Crew Member at Tree Pittsburgh
2021, Landscaper at Chatham University Eden Hall
2022-present, Environmental Field Technician at ADS Environmental Services

Christopher Short, M.S., CSP

B.A., 2006, Environmental Science and Conservation Biology, Thiel College
M.S., 2017, Safety Sciences, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
2012-present, Safety Manager at Mosites Construction Company

Dale Stehley

B.A., 1987, Geology and Environmental Science, Thiel College
1989-2003, Facility and Environmental Operations Supervisor at Corning Asahi Video Products Co.
2004-2007, Environmental Engineer at New Holland CE-CNH-Fiat Industrial
2007-present, Environmental Engineer at Standard Steel, LLC

Tracey Vernon

B.A., 1986, Environmental Science, Thiel College
M.C.R.P., 1992, City and Regional Planning, Rutgers University
1987-1993, Principal at Sawhill, Michel & Phillips Associates
1993-1996, Sr. Project Manager at L. Robert Kimball & Associates, Inc.
1996-2000, Deputy Director for Regional Offices at PA Department of Community & Economic Development, Governor’s Action Team
2000-2008, Sr. Associate at Delta Development Group, Inc.
2007-2009, Director, Brownfield Action Team Acting Deputy Secretary for PA Department of Environmental Protection
2010-present, Principal Economic and Environmental Consultant at Vernon Land Use
2023-present, Sr. Technical Consultant at Michael Baker International

Jamie Wolf

B.S., 2019, Environmental Science and Conservation Biology, Thiel College
2017, Intern at Humane Animal Rescue
2018, Intern at Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
2019, Intern at Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
2020-2021, Animal Care Technician at University of Pittsburgh
2021-2022, Microbiologist for Allegheny County Health Department
2022-2024, Environmental Scientist at ECS Limited
2024-present, Assistant Staff Project Manager at ECS Limited

Victoria (Foeks) Wood

B.S., 2016, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology and Traditional Biology, Thiel College
2015, Aquarist Intern at Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
2017-2021, Wet Chemist at ALS - North America, Environmental
2021-2022, Depack Chemist at ACV Enviro
2022-present, Customer Service Representative at ACV Enviro

Thiel alumni, please send your information to areinsel@thiel.edu to be included in this list.