ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø

From hands-on research opportunities to the support of dedicated faculty, Colleen Ritter ’24 made the most of every resource ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø had to offer—leading her to a fulfilling career in environmental science. Her time at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø as an environmental sciences major gave her the confidence to take risks, embrace new experiences, and develop the skills needed to thrive in the field. Now a hydrologic technician at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Ritter shares how her academic journey, research experiences and faculty mentorship helped shape her career path.

What are you doing now?

I am a hydrologic technician at the U.S. Geological Survey in Santa Maria, California, through the Pathways Recent Graduate Program! This follows six months right after graduation as a seasonal biological science technician for the National Park Service at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which made me love California and allowed me to do fieldwork in some of the most beautiful places. In my work with USGS, I conduct some groundwater monitoring but primarily focus on surface water work, such as taking discharge measurements and ensuring our streamgages function properly. This allows us to provide the public with the most accurate data possible on what’s happening in our waterways.

What experiences did you have at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø that helped prepare you for where you are today?

The hands-on experiences in my courses and with my professors at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø gave me confidence and knowledge in my field and encouraged me to take big risks—like moving across the country—to do what I love. 

If I had to choose one experience that truly set everything in motion, it would be my research with Dr. Kerrie Sendall. Dr. Sendall presented me with the opportunity to go to Minnesota between my junior and senior years to intern with a climate change study called Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger (B4WarmED). She then encouraged me to conduct an independent study the following year to analyze data for my senior thesis, which I later presented at multiple conferences. 

This experience took me to a new place outside of my comfort zone and deepened my passion for fieldwork and collecting meaningful data. Dr. Sendall’s confidence in me—along with that of my other professors—helped me become more confident in my own abilities and further solidified my determination to continue in this field. This research experience also helped me secure my job with the National Park Service, which, combined with the knowledge and skills I gained in my ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø courses, ultimately led me to the USGS.

How did ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø's resources positively impact your success as a student?

I developed strong relationships with my professors, and they got to know me as well. My professors actively presented me with opportunities that I might not have had the courage to pursue on my own. I knew I could go to them with questions, concerns, or just for advice, and they would always provide the guidance I needed. These one-on-one interactions made my college experience even more successful and enjoyable.

What advice would you give ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø students interested in the sciences?

Take every opportunity presented to you and actively seek connections with your professors and classmates. Get comfortable with stepping outside your comfort zone and traveling to new places to seize these opportunities—you will always have people at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø supporting you no matter what.