Kimberly Schubert, Environmental Science ’19

Photo courtesy of Bill Stank, Photosynthesis Photography

Outdoor experiences such as family hikes led Kimberly Schubert to enroll in a general environmental science class offered by her high school. After enjoying her experience in the course and finding the material interesting, Kim decided to expand her knowledge of environmental topics and pursue a degree in Environmental Science at Lafayette. Kim has gotten herself involved in various aspects of campus life since her arrival at Lafayette.

Kim is an active participant in various clubs on campus. She is a member of environmental clubs such as Lafayette Environmental Awareness and Protection (LEAP), Society of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (SEES) and Lafayette Food and Farm Cooperative (LaFFCo) as well as Lafayette DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship group and the Taekwondo club. Participation in campus groups helped Kim find another home on campus and deepened her understanding of how change happens a step at a time.

In addition to club and student group membership, Kim has helped with several research projects around campus. One project of interest was working with Professors Butler and Brandes on monitoring bird collisions with windows on campus. She has also helped her fellow students collect data for their thesis projects. She enjoyed having the opportunity to get involved in ongoing sustainability efforts on campus that will create an impact in the future. Volunteering to help with research activities has been a great way for Kim to apply things she has learned in coursework outside of the classroom.

Off-campus, Kim has worked with the Massachusetts Audubon Coastal Waterbird Program for the past two summers, first as an intern and then as a seasonal full-time field assistant. These experiences provided Kim with insight into the lifestyle involved with doing field research and allowed her to meet others who share an interest in conservation issues. Her position involved keeping a notebook of observations while monitoring the beach. Kim appreciated the organization’s value for responding to each situation with attention to both people and the birds.

After graduation, Kim hopes to pursue employment in the New England area. She would like to pursue opportunities that involve public engagement and lifelong learning.