Haub School Alumni Highlights

March, 2024

Taylor Kruger (she/her)

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

Hometown: Fryeburg, ME

What position are you currently in?

“I currently work as a research associate for the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Initiative, colloquially known as the WORTH Initiative. I work closely with Dr. Dan McCoy, who's the interim director, and basically help out with projects here and there.”

 

How did you get there?

“I started working as a teaching assistant for Dan in the spring of 2022. He then hired me as the WORTH graduate student for the academic year 2022-2023. I worked on some projects for him as a research assistant with that graduate stipend to complete my graduate degree. After that, he offered me the part-time research associate position.”

 

How did the Haub School prepare you for this career?

“Honestly, the Haub School helped me make connections. I got the job with Dan through knowing people in the program and being recommended as a research assistant for him. Additionally, the courses that I took helped develop this sense of collaboration and working together, but also time management. All of those organizational skills that come with furthering your education.”

 

What were some of your memorable experiences being a Haubie?

“I guess I should start with how I got to the Haub School because it was memorable even getting in. When I came to the University of Wyoming, I was originally going to be in the College of Law, and pursuing the Haub JDMA dual degree. After sitting through orientation, I got this feeling that I wasn't supposed to pursue a law degree and wanted to shift my focus to more of an environmental science-focused degree. I met with Temple Stoellinger, who guided me into the ENRS graduate program. That was the most stressful two weeks of my life waiting to see if I could get in and make it work, to consider housing and funding, and all of that too. That was a very memorable journey, getting into the program. 

After that, being part of the first cohort was so awesome. I continue those friendships today. There are great people that I got to meet through the program. I'm grateful for the casual get-togethers that we would have. A bunch of us would usually go to trivia nights or hang out after class. That was amazing. 

Another memorable moment would be the fall of 2022. The second ENRS cohort had their orientation week up at Staddle Camp in Brush Creek, and the other second-year fellows and I got to go for a meal. We got to chat with them and mentor them about the program. It was such an amazing way to introduce the new group.”

 

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

"Absolutely. I couldn't be here without my thesis advisor, Emilene Ostlind, who is the editor of the Western Confluence magazine. She was my committee chair for my thesis project, she was awesome and showed me the best ways to write, create an argument, and find all your sources. She was a brilliant, brilliant, committee chair.

Also, Dr. Corrie Knapp. She was on my committee too. I took a course with her almost every semester in the program. Her fields of study aligned with my thesis. She is such an inspiration to me as a woman in science. 

Additionally, I have to shout out Birch Malotky! We worked together on the Emerging Issues Forum. She's been a great source of guidance and support throughout my journey."

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

“The transition honestly felt very natural. After I defended my thesis, I was excited to get back into the Haub School community. I am lucky that I got to stick around for a little while longer. I still try to go to the Haub School events as much as I can, I love going to the coffee hours and the professor talks. I still try to go to the Wednesday seminars, I know they're for grad students, but I still like hearing about what everyone's up to! 

The most notable transition is having scheduled office time and more of a schedule that I need to keep. It feels different than going to class and doing my work on my own time. It’s been good to provide some structure and to create my work habits. It's a wonderful feeling knowing I still am a member of the Haub community, not just as an alumni, but as a professional now as well.”

 

 

 

 

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

“In the summers I used to work at a summer camp as a programming organizational office secretary type of position. That work helped me with confidence in communications, phone calls, emails, organizing paperwork, and talking to people. The communication aspect of my job is stronger because of those skills. I would say any job that I've had working with people whether that's food service or retail, those types of jobs, they help you show how to create connections with people.” 

 

Lastly, final thoughts?

"Gratitude in general. I'm really, really grateful for being in the ENRS program and all the experiences I've had. You know, we've got something great. The Haub School has great programs and really great faculty that care about their students and their work. I've been inspired by the passion that Haub School faculty and students bring to the table. I'm proud to still be a part of it!"

 

“I am a Haubie because I care about people, the environment, and the spaces that we’re able to access. It's important to continue learning and growing on how to best serve the land and the people on it.”

 

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