Environmental Studies

What does sustainability mean to you?

To me, sustainability means the ability to meet the needs of current and future generations, including ecological and social needs.

Why is sustainability important to you?

True sustainability for this world will require a paradigm shift away from Western culture’s current (and longstanding) obsession with conquest, consumption, and oppression and will require a systemic change that accounts for ecological and social needs simultaneously.

What does sustainability mean to you?

Sustainability, to me, requires structures and behaviors that don’t exploit certain people or things and that can be continued for generations to come. It’s important to further sustainability because now, as a super senior, I see these freshmen coming into college with the knowledge that has taken me five years to learn. I feel inspired and hopeful to see people already ahead of the curve. Personally, I want to see them continue the work I have to leave behind.

About me

I enjoy snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and camping in the summer, spring, and fall. I’m also an avid biker and am in the process of building my own road bike. On Sundays, I like to volunteer at the Outback Farm. My favorite snowboarding run is Pan Face off the top of Panorama Dome at the Mt Baker Ski area. This run offers the best view of all the peaks, including Mt. Baker and Shuksan.

About me

Outside of school, I love hiking, cycling, baking vegan goods, hanging out with family and friends, and watching documentaries. My favorite trail to hike in Bellingham is Samish Overlook. Every time I go there someone is always paragliding or hang gliding off the top!

About me

When I'm not in school, I love to run and hike. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, roommates and, when I'm at home, my cat Mylo. While I love to run around campus and through Sehome Arboretum, my favorite off-campus trail is Fragrance Lake.

Career plans

After school, I would like to work with the National Park Service as a ranger or with the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a policy maker.

About me

I enjoy volunteering at the Outback Farm, listening to music and people, and dancing. My favorite outdoor spot in Bellingham is the Interurban Trail because it’s a casual trail but connects to some great hiking spots, and you always see something new.

Career plans

Not entirely sure, but I’d like to venture into Conservation Corps and/or Peace Corps work.

About me

When I'm not in class, I enjoy music, yoga, good company, and social activism. 

Career plans

Post Huxley, I envision myself working for change in a people-oriented career through a government or non-profit organization. I hope to work on issues like fossil fuel divestment, world pollution levels, and waste management.

Why I chose Western

I chose Western for its campus culture and unique environmental college with all the major options offered through it.

After earning a degree in Urban Planning from Huxley College at Western Washington University in 1975, Mr. Johnsen served as the Planning Manager for the Port of Portland. In 1980, he became the Port's Manager of Planning and Research. In these positions he directed the master planning, facility planning, and market research efforts for the Port's industrial parks, airports, and maritime operations. Mr. Johnsen joined Roger Shiels and Doug Obletz as a firm partner/owner in 1986. From 1996 to 1999, Mr.

About me

Outside of school, I enjoy backpacking, slacklining, landscape photography, and trail maintenance. The trail system surrounding the Cyrus Gates Overlook--especially the Chuckanut Ridge Trail--is my favorite hiking destination. Excellent, unobscured views looking towards the east, with hawks and bald eagles soaring in the valley below.

About me

In my spare time I love hiking, camping, exploring, going to the beach, sitting in the sun, reading, laughing with friends, and singing. My favorite trail to hike in Bellingham is Lost Lake Trail in the Chuckanuts.

Career plans

I would like to stay in Bellingham and do Environmental Education with a local organization.

Why I chose Western

I chose Western because Bellingham is a beautiful place and I heard amazing things about the school.

My favorite professor

Gene Myers