3-alumni
Alumni spotlight
Meet some of the alumni who are applying their SES education in meaningful, impactful careers.
Emily Braun, BS, environmental science, 2014
Sustainability theme data specialist, UIUC Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation
“Between the classes I took and the people I met, being at Loyola helped strengthen my goal to help people in any way I can. Right now, I do this by providing support to bioenergy researchers who are working toward more sustainable forms of energy.”
Read more about Emily
Haley Lim, BS, environmental science, 2014
Senior emerging technology analyst, GTI Energy
“The environmental science degree was well-rounded in terms of math and science courses. I often use math and critical thinking in my chosen field and have always felt prepared to handle real-world decisions due to the critical thinking I practiced during my education.”
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Angelo Kelvakis, BS, environmental science, BA, environmental policy, 2018
Decision scientist, US Foods
“The most important thing I have learned is that if you really want to change something and be impactful, the first step is building community before anything else. Everything that I find important has some connection to a community involved, and that's a pattern that you don't need a decision scientist to analyze for you.”
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Emily Hammermeister, BS, environmental science, 2019
Operations manager, Trajectory Energy Partners
“SES emphasizes that interdisciplinary approach. You take hard sciences, policy, and even philosophy. That made me think critically about how to move forward with real-world challenges. You leave knowing a little about a lot of topics, and that flexibility can work in your favor.”
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Joe Walsh, BS, environmental science, 2021
Noncommunicable disease epidemiologist, Kane County Health Department
“I would not have pursued a master of public health (MPH) if not for Loyola! It was at Loyola that I first discovered this career path and how my background in environmental science was a strong foundation for an MPH program. The School of Environmental Sustainability's curriculum prepared me for graduate studies and the work I do today.”
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Sampson Hao, MS, environmental science and sustainability, 2023
Project developer, Recurrent Energy
“Every week, I hear about colleagues at other companies in the industry who are using the paper I published based on my graduate research. It definitely helped me get my name out there and contribute to the field early on.”
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Kristina Tsakos, BS, environmental science, 2023
Operations manager, Magnolia Mitigation
“Being in an environment where everyone really cared about what they did was very motivational and inspiring. That kind of atmosphere sets a great launching platform for young professionals.”
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Bailey Uttich, BA, environmental studies, 2024
Aquaponics coordinator, Windy City Harvest
“I would not be where I am today without my experiences in Loyola's Urban Agriculture program, where I served as the hydroponics team leader and later as the greenhouse manager.”
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Ethan Bower, BA, environmental studies, 2024; MS, environmental science and sustainability, 2025
Life scientist, U.S. EPA Region 5
“One of my favorite classes that I took as an undergrad was Climate and Climate Change with Professor Ping Jing. I had previously done air monitoring research with her, and when I took that class, it sparked so much joy and interest in me that I've carried through my professional life.”
Read more about Ethan