UMass Amherst: NRE Year in Review

Evolving a path to scientific heights

Melissa Russell tried. She tried majoring in biology. She tried majoring in chemistry. But when she tried out the Environmental Sciences Program, that’s when things really started to come together.

Guy Lanza, Director of Environmental Sciences at UMass Amherst, knows that the program has much to offer inquisitive and scientific minded students. “Students like Melissa would never be satisfied as a biology or chemistry major, even though they may be interested in those areas. Instead, they want to take different types of sciences and put them together to solve environmental problems,” explains Guy.

The structure of the program, which combines areas like biology, geosciences, chemistry, and toxicology, was a perfect fit for Melissa’s talents and interests. “Environmental Sciences is very collaborative and Melissa picked up on that,” Guy says. “She was very inquisitive on her own, trying to find out which types of environmental problems will require which types of science.”

The program consists of faculty from seven departments, including Microbiology, Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Resource Economics, and Natural Resources Conservation, giving students the opportunity to study a variety of subjects. Because the field is so diverse, having a strong team of advisors becomes essential for students trying to discover their niche.

Helping students like Melissa find their path and encouraging internships and independent studies is an essential part of Guy’s job. “Teaching is the easy part — helping them find their path is the most important aspect of what I do,” says Guy, who collaborates with Sandy Baron, advisor for the Environmental Sciences Program, to provide hands-on guidance. Melissa appreciates their mentorship. “Guy and Sandy’s roles are tremendous and understated,” she says enthusiastically. “They do a lot for all their students. I’m not the exception.”

Encouraged by Guy and Sandy, Melissa pursued research work in the labs of John Clark, of Veterinary and Animal Science, and Richard Yuretich, of Geosciences. “I enjoyed being able to learn from people who were interested in subjects from microbiology to food science to environmental toxicology,” Melissa recalls. “Working in the lab, I got a one-on-one teaching experience. And it showed me that I really did enjoy lab work and working with a research team. It was truly a starting point for me.”

With Guy’s encouragement, Melissa took a fellowship with the Environmental Protection Agency in Rhode Island the following year. The experience provided her with valuable insight into the field of environmental science. “It put me in a real-world position with responsibilities beyond what I had at UMass Amherst. It showed me that even outside the protected environment of school, I could make contributions to the scientific world,” says Melissa.

Having witnessed Melissa’s blossoming leadership skills, Guy and Sandy nominated her to NRE’s first student leadership council. Melissa took part in the committee, which was set up to develop a line of communication between the college and students. Dr. Martha Baker, Assistant Dean, was impressed with Melissa’s work with the group. “Melissa was so enthusiastic, so well-spoken. She had a real sense of energy and excitement about the college.”

As a result of her hard work and enthusiasm, Melissa received the 21st Century Leaders award, which was presented to sixteen graduating seniors in recognition of their achievements at UMass Amherst. Her path continues to evolve, and this fall she’s entering a graduate program in environmental engineering at Penn State. “I want to continue exploring different ways to solve environmental problems, continue fine-tuning what I like to do,” she says. Though the details are still unfolding, Melissa clearly sees herself becoming a researcher in the field. “I want to be a powerful woman in the sciences, a leading investigator.” Guy and Sandy couldn’t be prouder.