Celebrating STEM Week: Charting Your Course for a STEM Career in Environmental Consulting

STEM Week, celebrated from March 14-23, is a national initiative aimed at promoting careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This week serves as an opportunity to highlight the importance of STEM education and careers, and to inspire the next generation of innovators, researchers, and problem-solvers.

At SWCA, we believe that fostering curiosity is essential for driving innovation and addressing the environmental challenges of our time. Our team of scientists, planners, technical specialists, and creative thinkers leverage their STEM expertise to practice sound science and find creative solutions to create a positive impact on the world.

As part of our STEM Week celebration, we had the pleasure of speaking with several professionals at SWCA about their journeys in STEM careers. Their stories are a testament to the power of following your passion, advocating for yourself and others, and finding support within a community. Their individual career journeys offer valuable guidance for young professionals considering a career in STEM.

SHANNON NELSON: FROM THEATER TO UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY

Shannon Nelson, an Assistant Project Archaeologist at SWCA, began her academic journey as a theater major at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. However, an elective archaeology class uncovered an unexpected passion. “I ended up being incredibly interested in it,” Shannon recalls. “I took every class that I could with that same professor.” This newfound interest led her to add anthropology as a second major, ultimately graduating with a double major in Theater and Anthropology. 

Shannon’s interest in archaeology deepened when she discovered underwater archaeology. Inspired by a professor who specialized in the field, she decided to get scuba certified. “I fell in love with diving, which was helpful for pursuing underwater archaeology,” she says. Shannon went on to earn her master’s in environmental anthropology at San Diego State University, completing her thesis on the ethics of coral reef restoration in Moorea, French Polynesia.

Shannon Nelson diving in Kay Largo, Florida on the Hannah M Bell

Shannon’s experience and passion for diving has led to a variety of exciting opportunities including volunteering with the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP), where she has been involved in identifying Revolutionary War-era transport fleet vessels in Newport Harbor, and getting involved with SWCA’s Dive Safety Board. “Working with the Dive Safety Board has allowed me to contribute my expertise in underwater archaeology and diving safety,” she says. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to collaborate with other professionals dedicated to maintaining high safety standards and promoting best practices in diving.” 

Shannon credits much of her career growth to the supportive environment at SWCA. Her supervisor, Suanna Crowley, has been instrumental in connecting her with opportunities, including speaking engagements with the Massachusetts Archaeological Society. “Suanna has taught me a lot about advocating for myself and pushing for my goals,” Shannon notes.

Shannon Nelson speaking with the Massachusetts Archaeological Society about her volunteer work with RIMAP

Shannon Nelson working with SWCA on a Phase II survey

For young professionals considering a career in STEM, Shannon offers this advice: “Keep following your passion and keep pushing forward. There are always going to be hardships, but you can do what you set your mind to.” She also emphasizes the importance of advocating for yourself and finding a supportive network. “There’s always windows to open and other doors to go through, even if you’re walking up to a wall at the moment…surround yourself with people who help advocate for you. It’s really useful and helpful.” Shannon also notes “small steps are really good,” when building your network. “Don’t necessarily turn down opportunities because they might be something different than your current path…you might go down a winding path to get to a place you ultimately really want to be.”

Shannon’s decision to follow an unexpected passion, build a network, self-advocate, and say yes to opportunities — even when their connection to her career path might not be obvious — has led her to build a rewarding career in environmental consulting.
 

LINDA LANNEN: TAKING INITIATIVE AND MAKING AN IMPACT

Linda Lannen, Chief Technology Officer at SWCA, offers a compelling take of how diverse experiences and continuous learning can shape a successful career in STEM. Her career path is a testament to the importance of seizing opportunities, taking initiative, and never settling.

As Chief Technology Officer at SWCA, Linda’s role involves overseeing both employee-facing and client-facing technology. This includes centralized geographic information systems (GIS), data acquisition, field data collection, and custom software development for clients. 

Linda Lannen enjoying time with dogsled puppies in Alaska

Linda’s educational and early career background is not what you might expect for a typical tech executive. She started her education rooted in math and science with a heavy concentration in statistics and had various roles in her early 20s, including operations management in the food industry for well-known companies like Green Giant and Oscar Mayer Foods, followed by technical writing for a small company. A pivotal moment came when the entire IT team at this company quit suddenly, and she volunteered to take on the company’s IT responsibilities. “I raised my hand and said, ‘I’ll do that if you send me to a class,’” Linda recalls. This opportunity marked the beginning of her career in technology. She went back and completed her bachelor’s degree in her late thirties and then earned an executive MBA in her mid-forties. 

She went on to earn technology leadership roles in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry for large companies for over 20 years before landing at SWCA in 2021. The company’s values and North Star aligned closely with her personal values, particularly in leveraging technology to make a positive impact on the environment. When asked about what the driving force was behind her interest in this path, Linda shared “You know how technology can move things forward, right? And especially on the environmental side. I’ve always been drawn to that side of the AEC space, where it’s more focused on how we leave the world better than we found it and leverage technology to do that.”

Linda offers valuable advice for young professionals considering a career in STEM. “Keep raising your hand for opportunities,” she encourages. “Don’t let setbacks impede you.” She also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. “Read widely, not just about technology but also about business, leadership, and how people learn,” she advises. 

Linda Lannen visiting a wildlife glacier with her niece

She also believes in the importance of surrounding yourself with experts in different areas and learning from them. “One of the things about being a leader is learning that you can’t be an expert in everything,” Linda explains. “You need to surround yourself with people who are good at the things you’re not good at.”

When asked about her hopes for the future of STEM careers, Linda envisions a diverse and inclusive space where different perspectives lead to innovative solutions. “We will develop better solutions if our people think a little bit differently and have had different life experiences,” she says. She also highlights the importance of expanding STEM opportunities to more diverse communities.

Linda’s story is a powerful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and opportunity, aspiring professionals at any age can achieve their goals and make significant contributions to their fields. 

MATT PIERCE: A JOURNEY THROUGH A VARIETY OF ENGINEERING FIELDS

Matt Pierce, a Principal Civil Engineer at SWCA, has navigated a dynamic career path in engineering. His journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated with a degree in civil and environmental engineering. “I knew I wanted to do something in the math and science fields,” Matt recalls. “Engineering sounded like it had a lot of potential for me.”

Matt’s career has taken him through various sectors, starting with landfill design, where he gained a broad understanding of land development and environmental management. “Landfill design exposed me to different aspects of civil engineering, from stormwater management to earthwork and construction,” he explains. This experience laid a strong foundation for his future roles.

Seeking new challenges, Matt transitioned into government work but found the pace too slow for his liking. “I enjoy a fast-paced environment with a lot of different things going on,” he says. This led him to oil and gas consulting during the Marcellus Shale boom, where he honed his skills in a high-demand industry. 

Matt Pierce alongside colleagues Jonathan Libbon and Chad Milligan at the Women’s Energy Network Happy Hour at Shale Insight

However, the regional focus and market volatility of oil and gas consulting prompted Matt to seek a more stable and diverse opportunity. He found this at SWCA, where he was attracted by the company’s national presence and diverse service lines, including renewables, generation, and transmission. “I saw SWCA as a place of stability and growth,” he says.

Matt Pierce with fellow employee-owners, Jonathan Libbon and Chad Milligan, at a Marcellus Shale Coalition conference

One of Matt’s most notable achievements at SWCA is his work on a solar development project in Texas. “We took the project from cradle to grave, handling everything from permitting to construction,” he explains. “Seeing the project completed and producing electricity was incredibly rewarding.”

Matt’s role at SWCA has also allowed him to work on projects across the country, from Georgia to California, each presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities. “No two projects are the same, and that’s what makes it exciting,” he says. “It’s a great learning experience and aligns with SWCA’s value of always learning.”

For young professionals considering a career in STEM, Matt advises: “Focus on the fundamentals and be open to exploring different areas. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to try something new. It’s all part of the process of finding what you truly enjoy.” 

JEFF WAKEFIELD: BRIDGING ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Dr. Jeff Wakefield, Natural Resources Technical Director, has a unique background that combines economics with marine biology and biochemistry. Holding a PhD in economics and a master’s degree in marine biology, Jeff’s career path exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary knowledge and the diverse opportunities available in STEM.

Jeff’s role at SWCA involves applying economic principles to environmental decision-making. “I like to tell folks that my group of economists and I, we like to just be useful wherever we can fit in,” Jeff explains. “We tend to be a little bit ‘math-ier’ than perhaps average, so we can certainly help with math and statistics and numbers. But really the economics training is just a formal way to think about making decisions and imposing that structure on decision making.” Jeff and his team are skilled at using economics to make the outcomes associated with different policies or project alternatives comparable to one another so stakeholders can make informed decisions.

A significant part of Jeff’s work involves natural resource damage assessment (NRDA), a legal process in the United States where entities responsible for environmental damage must not only clean up their mess but also compensate the public for the environmental damages that exist while they are cleaning it up. “You can imagine there’s a little bit of biology that goes into that, a little bit of ecology, and a little bit of math,” Jeff says.

Dr. Jeff Wakefield speaking at the 2024 International Oil Spill Conference (IOSC) in New Orleans, LA

Jeff’s economics training also extends to social benefit-cost analysis, where he evaluates the societal impacts of large infrastructure projects. “In the context of big infrastructure projects, instead of asking, ‘Is this a good thing for me to do?’ we ask, ‘Is this a good thing for society to do?’” Jeff emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in his role. “A lot of the work we do involves talking to engineers, ecologists, biologists, and experts who work in construction to understand the process and all the concerns and benefits that people are thinking about.”

Jeff enjoys fishing and spending time with his family

For young professionals considering a STEM career, Jeff advises embracing difficult classes and being willing to fail. “Pick the hardest classes you can find. No one in the professional world after they’ve been out of school for two years is reporting their GPA. They report the things they learned and things they can do,” Jeff explains. He also encourages volunteering for challenging tasks. “Once people are in their professional careers, put your hand up. Volunteer for the thing you don’t understand. That’ll be hard and you’ll probably fail the first time. If we don’t fail a few times a week, we’re not trying hard enough,” he says. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is crucial for growth.

Jeff’s career demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary knowledge. Combining skills from different fields can open opportunities and provide a broader perspective on complex problems. By raising his hand and continuously seeking opportunities to expand his knowledge, he has been able to carve out a unique career path in environmental consulting that combines his drive and expertise.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

The career paths of Shannon Nelson, Matt Pierce, Linda Lannen, and Dr. Jeff Wakefield highlight the power of perseverance and passion in STEM careers. Their stories prove that embracing new opportunities, advocating for oneself, and fostering a supportive network can lead to meaningful contributions in their field and the impact on our world.
As we celebrate STEM Week, let these stories inspire you to explore the possibilities within STEM careers and to seek out the support and opportunities that will help you grow and succeed.

Key Takeaways:

• Diverse Career Paths: Both Shannon and Matt highlight the diverse opportunities within STEM fields. Whether it’s underwater archaeology or renewable energy, there are many paths to explore.
• Advocacy and Support: Finding a supportive network and advocating for oneself are crucial for career growth. Shannon and Linda both emphasize the value of having mentors and colleagues who support your goals. Linda also shares the importance of returning the favor through mentoring others.
• Lifelong Learning: Continuous learning and adaptability are essential in STEM careers. Staying curious and open to new experiences can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. Linda’s willingness to keep learning and take on the challenge of breaking into a new industry has ultimately led her to her role today.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working across disciplines can lead to innovative solutions and a broader understanding of complex problems. Consider Jeff’s ability to connect the right people and ask the right questions to gather the necessary information to make informed decisions.
• Seizing Opportunities: Matt, Linda, Jeff, and Shannon all emphasize the value of raising your hand to take on new challenges, even if they are outside of your comfort zone.

JOIN US IN MAKING AN IMPACT

Inspired by these stories? Explore career opportunities at SWCA and become part of a team dedicated to problem-solving, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Visit our Careers Page to learn more and take the next step in your STEM journey.