Haub School Alumni Highlights

March, 2024

Rebecca Levine (she/her)

Degree: Master's of Science in Environment, Natural Resources & Society (ENRS), Winter 2023

Hometown: Providence, RI

 

What position are you currently in?

"I'm a research scientist in the Haub School, and specifically Monteith Shop. We're a lab within the Haub School that studies large mammal management and conservation."

 

How did you find this position?

“This is the same lab that I did my masters in. Originally, I was hired as a seasonal technician. Through working seasonally, I got the graduate position and then went on to complete my master’s degree. Kevin Monteith, the principal investigator in the lab, asked me to stay on as a research scientist. I kind of got it through sticking around forever, I guess!”

 

How did the Haub School prepare you for this career?

“It was beneficial to do my masters through the Haub School because the classes offered a broad perspective on natural resource issues. Since my lab environment was very ecology-focused, the Haub School provided a much broader view of the social, economic, and political issues that overlap with managing ecosystems. I enjoyed getting a broader view in my classes, but having enough flexibility that I could dive really deep. I could take these classes that changed my view but also have enough time to get into the nitty gritty of my thesis.”

 

What were some of the most memorable experiences being a Haubie?

“Any chance that I got to learn from Corrie Knapp was very memorable. I think she is a fantastic teacher. She offers different perspectives while honoring the fact that all of us who are coming here for grad school are choosing to specialize. She balances expanding your worldview but recognizing that you're trying to focus in on something. She's just the best.”

 

 

Did you have any mentors or advisors at the university who played a significant role in guiding your career path?

“Corrie was definitely a big one in my classes. Dean John Koprowski was on my committee, he was there for all the big milestones, and it helped shape the way I think about presenting my research to a broader audience. Most of my mentorship from my advisor is focused on our field, but John was able to help us step back from the specifics of what we study and see ‘how can we share this with a broader audience?’ Getting his advice on that was amazing.”

 

Describe the transition from being a student to becoming an alumni  of the Haub school, how has your relationship with the school changed?

“Technically I'm transitioning into being an alumni but it's more so transitioning from being a student into staff with my research scientist position. What's been amazing is how excited the Haub School staff and faculty I interacted with as a grad student were to hear that I'm sticking around. That has been the most noticeable part of the transition, I’m happy to be here.”

What advice would you give to a current student or recent graduate?

“Because there's so much flexibility in the program, find good mentors early on. It’s a great benefit but can be a really big adjustment from undergrad. The most helpful thing in easing the transition, and is useful for what to expect in grad school.  Having your network established before you get to the difficult parts of grad school is so important.”

 

What professional and applied experiences did you have during your undergrad?

“With my practicum, I focused on Spanish language science communication. I worked with the Latina youth conference to share some of the communication materials that I had translated and generated in Spanish now is an amazing experience.

A big part of my degree at the Haub School was managing the study of moose in the Meeteetse area. I received a lot of experience in project management, ‘how do you manage GPS collars, catch animals, and communicate with landowners and agencies that are all involved in land management?’  Those are the two very formative practical experiences.” 

 

What key jobs have you have along the way?

"Working seasonally in the summers during college was important. If you don't have a mentor telling you, if you can get a job during the summer in your field of interest, rather than going home and working, it can give you a leg up as soon as you graduate. I worked as a technician on research projects. Before that, I worked as a backcountry guide, leading backpacking trips and canoeing trips. I also worked as a teacher at one point. Now I do fieldwork, I teach, and I do research. These three different types of jobs that I worked seasonally all came together to help with this more permanent position."

 

“I’m a Haubie because I have a million different interests.”

Rebecca's story has been edited for length and clarity. All image credits go to Rebecca.