After Graduation

Environmental science major, Ginny Hoyt, found that Lafayette’s Environmental Science Program allowed her to explore the disciplines of science that she finds most interesting.  The program also helped her address the scientific questions she’s most interested in, which involve “investigating environmental issues and trying to find solutions.”

Hoyt completing research. Photo provided by Professor Megan Rothenberger.

During her time at Lafayette, Ginny feels her most transformative experience was the opportunity she had to participate in an EXCEL research project over the summer leading up to her senior year.  She enjoyed both the lab and field work involved in this conservation biology project.  “I enjoyed every moment,” Hoyt explained.  The research experience helped her gain skills and knowledge that she didn’t possess at the beginning of the summer and made her a better researcher.  She added, “The experience reinforced that I was on the right track and reinforced my intent to pursue a graduate degree.”

When asked what advice she would give to students considering the environmental science major, Hoyt stressed that future students should take note of and appreciate the diversity of the courses in the curriculum.  Hoyt felt that each course was a stepping stone for gaining the wide breadth of skills and knowledge that will facilitate success in the field of environmental science.

Beyond academics, Hoyt explored her environmental interests by being active in aspects of both the campus and local communities.  On campus, she participated in outreach for the Take Back the Tap campaign, a campus campaign that encourages students, faculty and staff to use reusable water bottles instead of plastic water bottles.

Hoyt also served as a volunteer for The Landis Center, a campus center with a mission of encouraging students to participate in meaningful service experiences in order to create partnerships between the college and the surrounding community.  With the Landis Center, Hoyt served as the Nurture Nature Center Volunteer Coordinator.  As the volunteer coordinator, Hoyt took volunteers to the Nurture Nature Center to help run events and work on local projects.  The center’s projects are typically environmentally focused, such as community garden planting, gardening workshops and local art exhibitions.  Through this experience, she feels she was able to help get students out into the community who may not have had the opportunity to do so otherwise.  Also in connection with the Landis Center, Hoyt helped coordinate two major days of service for Lafayette students in the Easton community, Make a Difference Day and Lafapalooza.  Hoyt feels her experience with the Landis Center allowed her to expand her interest in the Easton community and more broadly in environmentally oriented community action and service.