Q&A
Tell us something about yourself. What is your current position, the nature of the job, key responsibilities, and anything you want to share about yourself?
I grew up in Callahan, Florida, and currently live in Atlanta, Georgia. I am the Senior Environmental Specialist for Hyundai Motor Group and SK On’s battery manufacturing facility. In this role, I oversee chemical waste management, recycling of scrap materials, and ensure compliance with air and water permitting requirements for the site. My work focuses on maintaining environmental compliance, supporting sustainable operations, and ensuring that regulatory standards are met while enabling efficient manufacturing processes.
What helped you to find your first job after graduation? What are some of the memorable experiences that contributed to your career and professional growth?
Before graduation, I spent a significant amount of time speaking with professors across different departments to better understand the career options available to me. I often treated these conversations as informal interviews, which helped me gain insight into various professional paths and align my interests with real-world opportunities.
While completing coursework in the environmental department, I discovered that Occupational Health and Safety was a domain I strongly connected with. This realization led me to pursue my MPH practicum and internship with an occupational safety–focused group. Gaining these foundational skills provided valuable hands-on experience and allowed me to smoothly transition into a safety-related position after graduating with my MPH.
What attracted you to the EHS program at FIU. How did the MPH degree prepare you for the next steps in your career?Any words of wisdom for current and prospective students interested in MPH with EHS degree?
I was attracted to the EHS program due to the diversity of knowledge among the faculty. The faculty were very approachable, easy to communicate with, and genuinely showed interest in my professional development. Beyond that, the program offered a strong emphasis on applied learning, interdisciplinary coursework, and real-world relevance. It provided a balance between environmental science, occupational health, and regulatory compliance, which aligned well with my interests and long-term career goals. The opportunity to learn from experienced faculty and engage in practical, hands-on experiences made FIU’s EHS program a strong fit for me.
For current and prospective students pursuing an MPH with an EHS concentration, my advice is to think early about life after graduation and begin aligning yourself with the resources that will help you get there. Think outside the box when considering job positions and focus on how your prior experience can be built upon and applied in new ways. Network actively and take the time to speak with professors and faculty within the program the more exposure and connections you build, the stronger your future opportunities will be. Take full advantage of the opportunities the school and program offer, and don’t hesitate to pursue internships early and immerse yourself in your future career.