Emily Schmidt ’18

Environmental Science

Biography

I am a Michigan native whose love for the outdoors was inspired by family camping trips on the shores of the Great Lakes. This love for the outdoors led me to earn a BS in Environmental Science from Taylor University in 2018. During college, I interned with the Fulton County SWCD/NRCS in Wauseon, OH. I also conducted undergraduate research on the formerly endangered Kirtland’s warbler at the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies in Mancelona, MI. My undergraduate research article, "Comparative detection, density, and reproductive performance of Kirtland's warbler in jack and red pine" was published in The Journal of Wildlife Management in April 2022. Following graduation from Taylor, I interned at Kenn-Feld Group, LLC in Archbold, OH as a Service Writer. In May of 2019, I joined the staff at Blue Heron Ministries, Inc. (BHM) in Angola, IN as a summer intern. I have continued working as a field steward for BHM. At BHM, I have participated in prairie, wetland, and woodland restoration initiatives throughout northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Among my favorite restoration activities are planting native species plugs and participating in prescribed fires.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

Some of my most valuable experiences at Taylor included the Field Natural History of the Black Hills summer course, the Vertebrate Natural History field trip to Magee Marsh, and the Kirtland's warbler undergraduate research at Au Sable Institute. These experiences cultivated my passion for restoration ecology, connected me with professionals in the field, and provided career development opportunities that may not have been available to me had I attended college anywhere else.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

Taylor coursework prepared me for my current position. Taxonomy of Vascular Plants and Systems Ecology classes, specifically, prepared me for my role at Blue Heron Ministries. I use much of the knowledge gained from these classes on a daily basis, including plant identification, ecological management methods (mechanical, chemical, and biological). These courses taught me ecosystems are integrated. Each ecosystem component contributes to the system as a whole. My professors in the Biology and Environmental Science departments encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and achieve things greater than I ever thought I could. Their encouragement played a big part in the undergraduate and career opportunities I have been granted.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

The critical thinking skills developed through Taylor's foundational core are valuable in ecological restoration. Alterations we make to our ecosystems, even if well intended, can have unintentional consequences to plants, wildlife, and the system as a whole. Thinking critically about the impacts of our decisions prior to action can help mitigate these consequences and restore right relationships here on Earth.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Gain as much real-world work experience as you can during your time at Taylor. Apply for internships, look for undergraduate research opportunities, and do not be shy about making connections with professionals in your field of interest. Oftentimes, who you know is just as important as what you know!