DOE Scholar Alumna Lauren Posey on Tackling Climate Change in National Parks

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."

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. 

The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) caught up with Posey recently to learn how her Scholars experience has impacted her early career work.

How did you hear about the DOE Scholars Program? What inspired you to apply?

While searching for internship programs online, I found the DOE Scholars Program webpage and was immediately intrigued. I had been interested in working for the federal government, helping to effect policy and set standards, and I am particularly interested in energy policy and green energy development. Our energy sources, after all, are the primary drivers of climate change. The program seemed like a great way to learn more, develop professionally, and build connections at the federal level.

What skills did you develop during your internship?

I developed skills in interviewing, researching, problem analysis, writing, and designing. I learned more about irrigation technologies, water use reduction strategies, xeriscaping and native plantings, green energy development, the structure and funding mechanisms of the [U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs], and—particularly niche to my project—societal ideas and expectations that people have for cemeteries and the challenges those expectations pose for sustainability. I was working on water use reduction in National Cemetery Association lands and facilities, and I interviewed engineers, resource managers, and district agronomists who told me that everyone expects a national cemetery to look like Arlington [National Cemetery], regardless of the local climate and natural vegetation. It is unrealistic and resource-exhausting to irrigate a cemetery in the Southwest to the point where it looks like a green, lush lawn from the Northeast. Cemeteries that use xeriscaping and native plants have faced a lot of public backlash. This taught me about the great importance of sustainability education and communication to the public, and how this must be an ongoing effort as part of the government's strategy to reduce energy and water use.

Did you meet any other Scholars during your internship?

Yes. There were four other Scholars in the FEMP program, and I met with them and [DOE Scholars Program Manager] Ms. Terry Reid for weekly calls, where we shared updates and progress on our projects and learned from various people in FEMP. I met three of the Scholars in person when we took a trip to Colorado to tour the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, green energy projects at Fort Carson, and Colorado Springs Utilities. We had a great time together, and it was fun to get to know my fellow Scholars better.

How did your participation in DOE Scholars impact your decisions after graduation?

Participating in this program definitely contributed to my continued interest in working for the federal government. I plan to keep an eye out for future job opportunities with the DOE or the team I worked with at Veterans Affairs. This program also helped me realize that, long-term, I want to focus on sustainability and resource use reduction for my career.

How did you end up at the National Park Service?

It was my goal to work in a national park the summer after graduating college, so I applied to a bunch of seasonal positions in and around my favorite parks. I wanted to work outside, see new places, and have an exciting summer adventure, while continuing to build connections and experience at the federal level. I have a great love for the park system and outdoor recreation, so it's a good fit. 

What are you enjoying in your current role at the National Park Service?

I currently work as a biological science technician in the fire effects crew at Rocky Mountain National Park. I have enjoyed working among beautiful scenery, building my fieldwork and research skills, learning how to identify local plants and trees, and challenging myself by becoming certified as a Type 2 Wildland Firefighter. My role has enough variety—between field days, data management days in the office, and firefighting duties—so that I am never bored! Everyone here is very kind and passionate about what they do. I only have about a month left in this position as of now, but I will miss working here, and this seasonal position has piqued my interest in doing another season or two—or a permanent position—with the NPS in the future. 

If someone is uncertain about whether they should apply to the Scholars Program, what would you tell them to encourage them to apply?

Just go for it! It never hurts to apply and put yourself out there for something. This program is only 10 weeks, but you learn and do so much during that time. You will be assigned a project, but within that project you have a lot of autonomy to work at your own pace, direct the workflow and output, create a final product that excites you, and align the subject with your own interests and whatever skills you want to learn. You will also have so many people available to assist you and answer your questions, both for your project and for your future career path. You will have the FEMP team at DOE as well as the team at your assignment. It can be so illuminating just to ask them about their own career paths, how they got the position they hold now, what degrees they pursued, and what they can recommend for you based on what you want to do. They can explain GS [general service] levels and other scary, confusing parts of applying for a federal job. Overall, this program strikes a great balance between project work and professional development, and you will gain new knowledge, valuable experience, and connections.

The application period is now open for the next DOE Scholars cohort – learn how to apply.