Major: Biology

Work Study Position: Project Manager for Sustainability

Ellen says things are lining up nicely with her work-study position and biology major. Working with Luther’s sustainability program has definitely increased her interest in that field, she says, especially when it comes to local food systems.

What are your primary duties?

Writing newsletters on behalf of the Center for Sustainable Communities, coordinating food education events (like cooking classes), and doing related research.

How did you find out about the job?

I went on an immersion trip as a first-year student led by the sustainable foods director. We talked about my interest in sustainability and she had me do a couple projects during fall semester. I was offered a full work-study position that January Term.

What have you learned about yourself in this role?

I’ve learned that I really enjoy being able to research something I’m passionate about and then share the knowledge from that research with others in a way that (I hope) gets them excited about it, too!

What has this job taught you?

I’ve become quite familiar with several design programs (for the email newsletters I write), and I’ve learned a lot about communication: how to present information visually, how to write in a way that is interesting to your audience, etc. I’ve also picked up some decent cooking skills from assisting with Luther’s cooking classes, so that’s an added bonus!

Has anything surprising/crazy happened while working in this position?

I was fortunate enough to be chosen to present some of my research my sophomore year at the national AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) conference in Nashville, Tenn. It was an amazing experience and not something I was expecting to do with my work!

What do you like best about the position?

I’ve learned so much about Luther and about the area food system—it makes me proud to go to school here and to live in this region. I love that I have been able to form relationships both with those in the Luther community and the larger community through my work study. It’s so fun to go to the farmers market and know a lot of the farmers I’m buying food from!