Name: Lauren Posey; Institution: University of Pittsburgh; Program: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Scholars Program; Education Level: Undergraduate Student
October 21, 2024
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Growing up, Lauren Posey played outside almost every day, exploring the forest behind her house. She even brought the outdoors inside, raising frogs and butterflies, collecting rocks and fossils, and "talking the ear off anyone who would listen about the crises of white nose syndrome in bats, or deforestation," said Posey.
That childhood curiosity in flora and fauna blossomed into an academic pursuit of environmental studies at the University of Pittsburgh. "I loved biology and geology," said Posey, "but I was also interested in policy and management, and environmental studies lies in that intersection between science and the humanities."
Wondering how to apply her knowledge after graduation, Posey said, "I wanted my work to have a purpose. I am very driven to problem solve and try to make the world a better place, and like many in my generation, I see climate change as the defining issue of our lifetimes. I want to be a part of making our day-to-day lives, industries, and processes more sustainable for the benefit of humanity and our precious ecosystems."
"This program strikes a great balance between project work and professional development, and you will gain new knowledge, valuable experience, and connections."
-Lauren Posey, DOE Scholar
That desire to make positive change led her to an internship in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Scholars Program. This program introduces students or recent college graduates to entry- and mid-level research in support of DOE and other federal agencies' missions and operations.
Throughout her internship project, Lauren developed skills in interviewing, researching, problem analysis, writing, and designing. She worked on a sustainability project surrounding water use reduction within National Cemetery Association lands and facilities.