Foresight + Cornerstone Merger Tell-All
How did the merger of Cornerstone and Foresight begin? Watch Mark Miller tell all!
The Cornerstone Environmental Origin Story
Brian and Mark welcome Cindy Madrick to the MicroVlogCast to tell the origin story of Cornerstone Environmental! Hear the full story of how the business began several decades ago and how they've grown to serve hundreds of clients around the world.
Mark & Cindy Shared Their Superpowers!
It's MicroVlogCast tradition to have first time guests share their superpowers! Hear from Mark and Cindy about theirs.
Who Does Cornerstone Serve?
Cassie and Cindy share the types of companies Cornerstone serves. With over 40 years working in EHS, Cornerstone has worked with a huge portion of the marketplace across a variety of industries. Check it out!
What Services Does Cornerstone Offer?
Cassie shares her personal superpower and Jacob dishes about Cornerstone's super services! In his words, "If it's an acronym and an environmental rule, it's something we can help you with." Add in IT services, SDS software, training, audits, ISO, and more... With Cornerstone, your EHS services are covered from top to bottom.
What Makes Cornerstone Special?
This week on the MicroVlogCast, we get Jacob's superpower! Lucky for them, Jacob's clients get his superpower each and every day, and it's one of the things that makes Cornerstone special. Their customer service and dedication to hustling down the right answer for their clients is unmatched in the business. They don't just sell a widget or a software; the real value is their customer service and expert team.
A Shift in Environmental Compliance
On the MicroVlogCast this week, Cindy and Wendy talk about an exciting shift in environmental compliance they've witnessed over the last decade: Is your company following suit?
Bonus points if you can guess Wendy's original profession before stepping into sustainability!
The History of EHS & Sustainability Synergy
EHS and sustainability are becoming more intertwined every year. On the MicroVlogCast this week, Wendy and Cindy share the history of how the two disciplines came together and what they're seeing in the marketplace today.
Case Study: Supporting a PE Firm with Portfolio Companies
Curious how our collective work impacts our customers? Cindy and Wendy chat about our partnership with a private equity firm to address environmental and sustainability issues across their portfolio of companies. Hear about how we're handling everything from regulatory compliance assessments to greenhouse gas management to utility optimization, saving them costs, mitigating risks, and streamlining reporting. From the corporate level to the facility level, we've got all the EHS and sustainability support they need, all in one place.
All the EHS & Sustainability Support, All in One Place
Another great story on the MicroVlogCast! Cassie shares about an EHS client who came to her overwhelmed with the pressures to deliver on sustainability. Cassie pulls in Wendy and the Foresight team to support them with a sustainability roadmap, Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions, and disclosure platforms such as supplier assurance and EcoVadis.
One person at a company often wears all-the-hats when it comes to EHS and sustainability work. We're here to fill in the expertise and bandwidth gaps as they arise. That's the beauty of all the EHS and sustainability support you could need, all in one place.
A Paradigm Shift in EHS & Sustainability
Companies used to believe that giving back was a product of success - now they're realizing it's a catalyst for it. We're seeing this paradigm shift across the EHS and sustainability landscape. On the final MicroVlogCast of this season, Mark shares how this makes him more excited than ever.
Final Comment Period for Indiana Stormwater Permit
In September 2024, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) issued a draft Industrial Stormwater General Permit (ISGP), which is open for public comment until November 19, 2024. Upon completion of the public notice period the new permit is expected to go into effect in 2025. The new permit requirements will be more stringent in terms of sampling frequency, pollutant benchmarks, inspections, and corrective actions.
For a new facility, within 30 days prior to the occurrence of any discharge a new permit application Notice of Intent (NOI) must be submitted. For facilities that have existing permit coverage, within 180 days following the effective date of the new permit the facility will need to take one of the following actions:
Submit a new NOI
Request to terminate permit coverage;
Notify IDEM of eligibility for an exclusion from permit coverage;
Submit an application for an individual permit.
All permitted facilities are required to continue to meet the conditions of the current Indiana Permit (as defined in 327 IAC 15-6) including sampling and inspection requirements until the new ISGP permit is issued sometime in 2025. If your current permit coverage is set to expire before the new ISGP permit is issued you still need to submit a renewal NOI to maintain that permit coverage.
We understand the new upcoming changes to the Indiana stormwater permit may feel daunting.
If you’d like to be informed of the finalization of these regulation and tips for compliance, please drop your email below, and we will be in touch. Feel free to contact us if you’d like
Upcoming Changes to Indiana Stormwater Permits
In alignment with other states and Federal permit guidelines, Indiana is making some big changes to its Stormwater General Permit. This draft permit is currently in public notice review until November 19, 2024. Upon completion of the public notice period, IDEM will be working to finalize the new permit early in 2025. A key change to the permit is the addition of “subsectors” based on industry SIC codes, creating variable requirements for facilities in differing industries.
We understand these changes may feel daunting. If you have any questions or would like assistance with stormwater reporting management, we’re here to help. Our turnkey services ensure you’re up to date with the latest regulations, submission details, and reporting deadlines.
If you’d like to be informed of the finalization of these regulation and tips for compliance, please drop your email below, and we will be in touch.
Here’s a look at high level changes you’ll see in the draft:
Changes to Inspection Requirements
Quarterly Routine Facility Inspections are still required, but now required to have at least once per year done during a period where stormwater discharge is occurring (i.e. when it’s raining)
Added Quarterly Visual Assessments for each outfall even if they are substantially similar.
Changes to Annual Report
First annual report due within 365 days of effective date of permit coverage. The annual report for years 2 through 5 is due within 365 days of the last report submitted.
Annual reports must now include summary of facility inspections, visual assessments, confirmation SWPPP is updated, confirmation of impaired waterbody review, sampling information and any correction actions.
Additional Changes
Non-stormwater discharges allowed under the permit,
Minor changes to Facility Layout requirements
Additions items to include in SWPPP
Changes to Notice of Intent
Annual fee structure has changed.
Lots of additional information is now needed as part of the NOI and they must be submitted electronically through the IDEM Regulatory Services Portal (RSP).
Within 180 days of the effective date of the new permit facilities must submit a new NOI, request a termination of permit coverage, request no exposure exclusion, or apply for individual permit. Subsequent renewals 5 years later are still due 90 days before general permit expires.
Changes to Stormwater Monitoring Requirements
All facilities must conduct stormwater monitoring for three “indicator benchmark parameters” (i.e. pH, Total Suspended Solids, Chemical Oxygen Demand)
Additional monitoring requirements is broken down by subsector and/or waterbody
pH measurement must still be taken at the time the grab sample is taken using a pH meter. Calibration records of the pH meter must be kept with the SWPPP (cannot rely on a lab to provide/maintain these records).
Changes to Stormwater Monitoring Reports
Discharge Monitoring Reports must be submitted online in NetDMR system
To stay up-to-date on these changes, drop your email address in the form above!
“What If?” : How to Ace Unexpected Inspections
“Hello, my name is Bill Hess, and I represent Cornerstone Environmental, Health and Safety. Who is your EHS representative here on site?”
There are a surprising number of places that I “cold call” in person where the front desk employee has no clue who the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) person is or the responsibilities that position holds. If I were an OSHA or Environmental Regulatory Inspector, that person and the company would be off to a very bad start to their day.
In my role with Cornerstone as Manager of Business Development for our Northern Midwest Region for the past 25 years, I have probably visited and prospected over a thousand sites in person. These visits are often unannounced, and I fit them in between other scheduled meetings that I have. Given the turnover rates that many companies experience these days, it’s really no surprise that the front desk person does not know the key people in their organization. However, the front desk person (if there is one) or whoever answers the lobby phone should be well informed of who the facility EHS Manager is and know how to reach them.
In the case of regulatory inspections, it is critical to get off to a good start. First impressions can set the tone of the entire day. Facility management has a responsibility to coach gatekeepers with how to handle an unannounced inspection, and how to manage the inspector until the appropriate EHS person can arrive to meet them. Understanding the importance of this initial interaction is crucial. A respectful and knowledgeable greeting shows the inspector that your organization takes compliance seriously.
Your EHS Manager should also be instructed as to how to manage the inspection. Some simple guidelines include:
Be Cooperative. Throughout the inspection process, your attitude should be one of cooperation. If corrective actions can be taken care of during the inspection, then get it done by you or someone else who is capable.
Just answer the question. Do not elaborate, tell stories, or reveal anything but what is asked or needed. “Loose Lips Sink Ships” is still true in 2024.
Stay on the path. Many inspectors are curious about your operations, but you need to keep them on the path to where they want to go or for what they want to see. This does not need to be a full-day tour unless they state that it is a wall-to-wall inspection.
Monitor pictures. If the inspector takes photos, they may need your permission if it involves proprietary technology or materials. Be sure to take the same pictures they have taken for your own defense.
Take good notes. You may be paying attention to everything during the inspection, but the written report you get from the inspector may take weeks for them to complete. Your notes should match their notes, so don’t rely on your memory for details.
Closing Conference. Be sure to address any questions that you have or that the inspector has during the closing conference. If additional information is needed, establish a date for when it can be delivered to the inspector.
In summary, be prepared and organized. Getting off to a good start could make your day.
Mastering Health and Safety Risk Assessments in Industrial Environments
Ensuring health and safety in an industrial setting is paramount for the well-being of employees and the overall success of the business. This requires more than just a familiarity with compliance regulations; there must be an understanding of the risk associated with exposure to workplace hazards. I have visited many workplaces and observed many industrial processes and their associated hazards. I have had opportunities to conduct both compliance assessments and risk assessments. Through my experiences, I’ve noticed a gap in many safety professionals’ understanding of risk assessments and how to conduct them. This article will explain a simple approach to mastering health and safety risk assessments in industrial environments.
Understanding the Importance of Health and Safety Risk Assessments:
Risk assessment involves calculating the severity of potential outcomes from hazard exposure and the probability of their occurrence. Developing a risk matrix based on these factors helps visualize the level of risk, emphasizing the importance of not overlooking high risks. Regular risk assessments are key to preventing accidents, reducing liabilities, and boosting productivity. Here is an example of a risk matrix:
Key Components of a Health and Safety Risk Assessment:
The key components of a health and safety risk assessment involve hazard identification, risk evaluation, and risk control. When identifying hazards, various factors such as machinery, materials, processes, and human factors must be considered. When assessing risk, it is crucial to determine the type of injury or illness resulting from exposure to the hazard and evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls in mitigating the risk.
To illustrate, let's perform a hypothetical risk assessment on a table saw with an unguarded saw blade. The unguarded blade is identified as the hazard, with the severity of potential injury being finger amputation (i.e., Catastrophic [4]). The probability of contacting the blade is high due to its unguarded nature and frequent use (i.e., Probable [3]). Calculating the risk as 4 x 3 = 12 places it in the red portion of the risk matrix, indicating an unacceptable level of risk.
To address this, we must implement risk controls. Following the NIOSH hierarchy of controls, we prioritize engineering controls over elimination and substitution controls, as they are not feasible for our workplace. Implementing an engineering control such as a self-adjusting guard reduces the probability of injury. Upon reassessing the risk with the guard installed, the severity remains unchanged, but the probability is reduced (i.e., Improbable [1]). The calculated risk is 4 x 1 = 4, placing it in the tan portion of the risk matrix, signifying an acceptable level of risk.
Steps to Conducting Effective Risk Assessments
Preparation: Gather necessary information and resources.
Hazard Identification: Identify potential hazards in the workplace.
Risk Assessment: Evaluate the likelihood and severity of identified hazards.
Risk Control: Implement measures to eliminate or mitigate identified risks.
Review and Monitoring: Regularly review and update risk assessments to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
Common Challenges and Solutions:
Implementing workplace changes can face obstacles such as limited resources, expertise gaps, and resistance. Overcoming these challenges involves leaning on the NIOSH Hierarchy of Controls, emphasizing employee training, and nurturing a safety culture. Sharing success stories from real-world risk assessments can illustrate the approach's effectiveness and encourage its adoption.
Summary
Mastering health and safety risk assessments in industrial environments is vital for protecting workers and ensuring the sustainability of the company. Companies that are proactive in terms of risk management ensure workplace safety and compliance. I encourage you to prioritize regular risk assessments as an integral part of your health and safety management practices.
References
Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration “Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs” https://www.osha.gov/safety-management/hazard-Identification
ANSI B11.0 / ANSI B11.19 / B11.TR3 Risk Assessment and Safeguarding of Machinery Package
From Report to Response: The Role of Tier II Data in Community Safety
Every year, businesses like manufacturers, warehouses, and other facilities that handle hazardous chemicals submit Tier II Reports. These reports provide vital information about chemical storage to state and local emergency response authorities, helping them prepare for potential incidents. As a consultant who assists in preparing and submitting these reports, I often find myself wondering: How is this information actually used by emergency personnel? Does the Tier II Report play a role in making our community safer?
To answer these questions, I reached out to the West Lafayette Fire Department and an Emergency Response Team (ERT) Chief at a large manufacturing facility. Through these conversations, I hoped to gain a better understanding of how local responders use Tier II data to protect our community.
Interview with the West Lafayette Fire Department
Q: Do you receive Tier II reports electronically or by mail?
A: Most of the Tier II reports are provided to us electronically, but we still see some come through in the (ground) mail. We also can access all the reports through the State (Department of Homeland Security website).
Q: What do you find most helpful in the Tier II reports?
A: We typically already have awareness about quantities of hazardous materials, water supply, and alarm information because of Pre-fire Plans. We visit every building in town every four years and collect a lot of information. We have new reporting software that we are still figuring out.
Q: Is the Tier II information on the new reporting software?
A: No, we access that (Tier II) information on the DHS website, but we plan to start adding the Tier II reports as attachments on our Pre-fire Plans.
Q: Do you think the facility layouts will be helpful?
A: Yes, our Pre-fire Plans have aerial views and information we collect on visits, but any additional information will be helpful.
Q: How does the technology work (on your new software)?
A: Every engine has a computer. The Battalion Chief acts in command when there is an emergency and runs the computer. The software provides them with a lot of information for decision-making.
Q: A lot of our clients report sulfuric acid found in forklift battery-operated equipment. How do you deal with this information in an emergency?
A: Forklift battery equipment is tricky because they are mobile and can be anywhere. We typically know where the charging areas are and then are prepared for acid spills afterward.
Q: Not exactly Tier II related (for this geographic area), but have you dealt with lithium batteries and fires associated with those?
A: Yes, we just had an electric scooter catch on fire this past month. We have a lot of concern about lithium batteries because you cannot put the fire out with water. Lithium batteries are becoming more prevalent and are in a lot of consumer items. We are being proactive and purchasing equipment to handle this type of fire.
I appreciate the insights shared by the West Lafayette Fire Department, highlighting the importance of Tier II data in emergency planning and response.
Interview with an ERT Commander
I also spoke with an ERT Commander, who explained how his team uses Tier II information and chemical inventories during their annual training exercises. The training, facilitated by the Fire Department, includes real on-site chemical scenarios to “test the system as much as possible.”
“In the spill training, we rely heavily on the SDS (safety data sheets) to figure out what the product is and how we should respond. So we simulate releases of known chemicals at the facility as part of our training,” he said.
It was encouraging to hear how emergency responders actively use the Tier II data to prepare for potential hazards at their facilities.
Conclusion
The insights gathered from these interviews underscore the importance of Tier II Reports in the hands of local emergency responders. While technology and accessibility continue to improve, ongoing collaboration and accurate reporting between businesses and emergency response teams remain crucial. By equipping emergency personnel with detailed, up-to-date chemical information, we can help ensure that our community is prepared to respond effectively in times of crisis.
Using AI In the Workplace
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a type of technology that allows computers and machines to mimic human thinking and problem-solving skills. It's like teaching a computer to think and act like a person! AI can do things that would normally require a human to do, like understanding language, recognizing things, making decisions, and even creating art. There are different kinds of AI, from simple ones that focus on specific tasks, like voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, to more complex ones many that are still being developed, which goals are to be as smart as humans. AI is becoming increasingly common in our daily lives, powering everything from self-driving cars to medical diagnoses. It's a rapidly evolving field with the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our world (IBM, 2024).
AI is like a super-smart computer brain that learns from a ton of info, kind of like cramming for an exam. It analyzes that info, spotting patterns to make educated guesses about new stuff. Imagine showing a chatbot tons of texts to teach it how to chat or feeding an image tool millions of pictures to help it recognize objects. Python and similar programming languages are the go-to tools for coding this new tech. But AI's not just about crunching numbers and data, it's getting creative too! It can make new images, music, and even come up with fresh ideas. And the best part? It's constantly learning and improving, just like we do as humans (Laskowski & Tucci, 2024).
Here are some tips for using AI safely at work:
Be mindful of data privacy: AI often relies on vast amounts of data to learn more information. When a user enters data into the AI, the AI will learn that data and will use it in the future.
Verify AI-generated information: While AI can be helpful, it's not foolproof. Always double-check information generated by AI systems, especially when making important decisions.
Be aware of potential biases: AI algorithms can sometimes reflect human biases present in training data. Be vigilant and critically assess AI-generated results to avoid perpetuating unfairness.
Keep your AI systems updated: Regular updates are essential to patch security vulnerabilities and ensure optimal performance of your AI tools.
Educate yourself and your colleagues: Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI is crucial for responsible use. Invest in training to stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in AI.
Establish clear guidelines: Develop clear policies on how AI should be used in your workplace to maintain ethical standards and mitigate risks.
Sources:
IBM. (2024, March 19). What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?. IBM. https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence
Laskowski, N., & Tucci, L. (2024, April 15). What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? everything you need to know. Enterprise AI. https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/definition/AI-Artificial-Intelligence
Raising Environmental Awareness: A Personal and Professional Journey
I was raised in a school. For my whole life, my mother has been an elementary school principal. I have fond memories of riding my bicycle and scooter up and down the school hallways during the early hours of the morning or late in the evening. I was eating elementary school breakfast in the early hours of weekday mornings before I even started Kindergarten. Some of the most influential people in my life have been educators. When I started to consider college, much to my mother’s surprise, I realized that I had no interest in pursuing traditional classroom education. Instead, I was passionate about animals and the environment and wanted to spend my career working outdoors and inspiring younger generations. I eventually decided to study Environmental Science in college, and through my studies, I discovered the field of environmental education. I have worked in various internships and jobs throughout my career including as an educator at an accredited zoo, a science center, and a research forest. I have taught environmental education topics to hundreds of children throughout the region and am passionate about introducing the future generations to environmental awareness and stewardship.
The term “environmental education” covers a wide range of programs and institutions, each with its own unique approach to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Examples of educational programs include camps, field trip programs at zoos and science centers, and forest schools, among many others. While there is no single definition of environmental education, the goal is to encourage individuals to become more informed and engaged in environmental issues and to take action to protect and preserve the natural world around us. Environmental education is important because it exposes children to topics they may have never heard of, helps them understand the problems facing our planet, and gives them age-appropriate skills to address these issues. It can also help to foster a love and appreciation for the natural world around them.
Although widely used in the environmental professional sphere for decades, the term “Environmental Literacy” began appearing within the realm of education in the 1990s. Environmental Literacy is “an individual’s understanding of how their actions and decisions affect the environment” (Environmental Education Association of Indiana, 2024).
In 1990, the EPA passed the National Environmental Education Act, and with it, established the Office of Environmental Education (OEE). The OEE supports environmental education programs throughout the country by providing professional development, educator and student recognition, and grants to fund environmental education programs. With the passing of the National Environmental Education Act, many states began to implement environmental education programs into state curriculums.
In 2008, the Environmental Education Association of Indiana developed the state’s Environmental Literacy Guidelines. These guidelines provide information to educators on environmental literacy competency areas and are a key step in Indiana’s effort to introduce environmental education in grades K-12. The goal of the environmental literacy program is to create an “Environmentally Literate Citizen”. This person “has the knowledge, tools, and balanced perspective to weigh various sides of environmental issues to make responsible decisions as individuals and as members of the community” (Environmental Education Association of Indiana, 2024).
Why should you care about environmental education exposure at a young age? When children are exposed to environmental education, they are more likely to grow into adults who are passionate and care about our environment. Laying a strong environmental foundation at a young age will help to create a robust and passionate EHS workforce in the decades to come. Although I never went into traditional classroom education, I consider my current work as an environmental consultant a form of education. My main objective is to educate professionals on environmental regulations and the most effective environmental management practices. Although it's often said that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, environmental education is something that should never be discontinued.
Many institutions throughout Indiana and the surrounding states offer support to educators and families in order to meet states’ environmental literacy benchmarks. Below is a list of several of the most well-known and robust environmental education programs in and near Indiana:
Indianapolis Zoo: https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/learn-explore/
Louisville Zoo: https://louisvillezoo.org/education/
Indianapolis Children’s Museum : https://www.childrensmuseum.org/educators
Indiana Department of Environmental Management: https://www.in.gov/idem/iee/
Environmental Education Association of Indiana: https://www.eeai.org/
Kentucky Association for Environmental Education: https://www.kaee.org/
Kentucky Science Center: https://kysciencecenter.org/education/classes-and-labs/
Marian University: https://www.marian.edu/about-marian/nina-mason-pulliam-ecolab/programs
Indiana DNR: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/programs/school-and-group-programs/
Sources:
Environmental Education Association of Indiana (n.d.). Environmental Literacy Guidelines. Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://www.eeai.org/
Altered Reality’s Role in Transforming Environmental Health Services
In an era where technology intersects with every aspect of life, environmental health services stand on the brink of a significant transformation. Altered reality —encompassing both augmented (AR) reality and virtual reality (VR)—is poised to revolutionize how professionals and the public engage with environmental health issues. As the planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges, from climate change to pollution, innovative solutions are not just desirable—they are necessary.
The potential of AR and VR in environmental health is vast and varied. For professionals in the field, these technologies offer new avenues for education and training. Imagine, for instance, a VR simulation that immerses trainees in the aftermath of a chemical spill, teaching them how to respond safely and effectively without real-world risks.
Augmented reality technology could emerge as a critical ally in high-stakes scenarios. For example, AR-enabled helmets or goggles could enable firefighters to instantly receive detailed chemical information about the substances present within a facility, directly overlaying this vital data onto their real-world view of the site. This immediate access to information about flammable materials, toxic gases, and other hazardous chemicals could allow them to make informed decisions on the fly, ensuring they adopt the safest and most effective approach to controlling the fire and preventing environmental contamination.
The past decade has seen rapid advancements in AR and VR technologies, opening up a new world of possibilities in the environmental health and safety sector. By combining emergent technology with the current methods of maintaining and tracking environmental health, the field might see vast improvements in both safety and workflow. While the potential is exciting, only time will tell how it will affect the field of environmental health services.
Retro Rewind: How Did I Get Here?
This story starts in a magical place called The 90s when an optimistic, strong-willed 19-year-old packed up her belongings, her beloved Boston Terrier, and moved to Bloomington to complete her degree in Entrepreneurship.
I got lost riding my bike to my very first class in the basement of the Rec Center and showed up dumping sweat. I felt defeated after my first day and even worse as the semester went on. The School of Business was NOT my thing, and I could tell those in my classes were not my people (you know, the ones you’re told you’ll find when you leave home for college). So, I rounded out my first year at Indiana University, still staying the course with business as my major, and tried to fulfill my personal interests in subject matter through books.
Sidebar: To set the stage a bit better, this was the early 2000s, and while home internet was readily available on our personal computer (PC), it wasn’t as robust as we now regularly take for granted. I was carrying a Nokia 5120 phone, which was wildly cool because I could play ‘Snake’ on it.
Having always loved animals, I was drawn to a book titled Next of Kin: My Conversations with Chimpanzees, a remarkable story of Roger Fouts’ journey in human–chimpanzee communications through sign language.
I finished the book quickly, perched myself in front of my pressboard corner desk that held my PC, and opened my favorite search engine, askjeeves.com. I quickly located the website dedicated to this book and Fouts. I emailed the general information address on the page to ask how to get into the field of human-chimpanzee conversation! I was shocked when I received an email back directly from the AUTHOR! Feeling I’d won the World Wide Web, I eagerly absorbed Mr. Fouts’ words advising me to change my major to anthropology and take two semesters of sign language. Following a year of sign, I was encouraged to enlist in a summer internship at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute on the campus of Central Washington University.
Sadly, I didn’t get the opportunity to attend. As it turned out, I was not at all interested in Anthropology (I was mostly just interested in finding out what secrets chimps held!). I did, however, sign up for a course in Wildlife Management that piqued my interest, and, as luck would have it, an engaging professor who encouraged me to enroll in other courses in Environmental Management.
I joined my peers at the (then) School of Public and Environmental Affairs and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management in 2004, when AOL Instant Messenger still existed but everyone preferred Yahoo Messenger because Chat Rooms, DUH.
With the ink on my diploma barely dry, I started an “intermittentship” (their word, not mine) at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a Fisheries Aide. The good people at the State quickly realized I knew how to use the interwebs, so I was tasked with writing facts sheets on aquatic invasive species to publish on their website. After nearly a year with the DNR, my time was up, and I was forced into finding a real long-term position and start officially adulting.
*me circa 2007 on a job site in Plymouth, Indiana; before Carhartt had a women’s line (but I still wear this gem)
Sitting on the laminate flooring of my first home, I cried while reading my first rejection letter from a private environmental consulting company. I had my degree but no experience. Like every time before when my heart hurt, I called my parents (landline because it was 2006). My dad answered and, just like every time before, he had a solution. Through my father’s professional network, I was granted an interview with another environmental consultant in Indianapolis for a field position doing Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I ESAs), soil surveys, and indoor air quality assessments. My manager would later tell me that he hired me because I went to IU (his alma mater), and I had a great personality that he knew would fit in with his team.
While I am no longer with that company or in the field, I’m grateful every day that he gave me a chance to shine so that 11 years later, I could find my way to Cornerstone in a role supporting clients with EHS and sustainability goals.