Julia Glatt

 Julia Name: Julia Glatt 

Hometown: Freehold, NJ

Anticipated graduation: Fall 2024 

Major(s): BS Geography: Environmental & Spatial Sciences 

Internships/Research/Projects: 

  • Applied for internship with Property Solutions Inc., Summer 2024

    • I am waiting to see if I am accepted to an internship this coming summer, in which the company specializes in environmental and engineering consulting.

    •  Some of my responsibilities would include emailing and updating clients, going into the field and helping with land surveys, and usage of some ArcGIS software.

    •  I can’t wait for this opportunity!

  • Research for undergraduate thesis

    • I am currently in the process of researching for my honors thesis, which is focused on environmental justice and racism issues within Chester, PA. Having the nation’s largest waste incinerator, as well as other energy companies and factories, the residents of Chester have suffered through decades of health problems in the neighborhoods.

    •  I am currently working on policy that could be made to aid residents or critiquing current US environmental policy, as well as working with the Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL) and students from various colleges to make an interactive map for their website. Hopefully, it will bring more awareness to those in the area.

    •  I plan to defend my thesis in Fall of 2024.

  • Presented research project at Made in Millersville 2023, “Environmental Classism involving Superfund Sites in Burlington County, NJ”

    • Stemming the idea for my eventual honors thesis, I worked on this project with my partner in GIS I: Vector Data Analysis.

    •  The study was looking at how close in proximity superfund sites were in Burlington County, NJ compared to minorities living in the area. Since NJ is such a diverse and densely populated state, we chose it for evaluation because it best met the criteria for our studies.

Inspirations (for major, research, internship): 

Interestingly enough, I decided to take an environmental science class in my high school and that’s where the main interest started. We talked about basic discussions of climate change and watched documentaries about it, and I got so riled up about how much humans have impacted the world AND ourselves. My teacher, Mrs. Jessop, was a huge inspiration for me to go into this field, but my overall love for the environment just continued to grow ever since I was at Millersville. From actively planting trees in my class, to being in the computer lab and using geographic information systems (GIS), all have driven my curiosity and passion to try and help make a notable difference.

Highlights (from courses/internship/research): 

Some of my most notable highlights were from courses and research here at Millersville.

One aspect of the university I loved was having one on one time with professors during their office hours. Not only do I ask a lot of questions, but it also felt very personable to talk to professors about their classes and the material they are teaching, not to mention also getting to know them a bit! Usually bigger schools had teaching assistants, but I knew I might need a bit more aid than others with understanding what was going on in the course.

I really admired being a part of the geography department, as I became close with a lot of the students in my classes. Dr. Kelly’s US Environmental Policy class (GEOG 307) included learning about the different practices around legislation here in the United States, and her class also inspired me for my research later. Not only is Dr. Kelly my academic and thesis advisor, but she really cares for her students and has helped me thrive so much throughout my time here.

Other highlights include planting trees off-campus in Dr. Schreiber’s Biogeography class (GEOG 336) and going into the Conestoga River, with waders of course, to measure velocity and depth of a stream directly in Dr. Earman’s Environmental Hydrology class (ESCI 322).

Takeaway (from courses/internship/research): 

During my time at Millersville University, my classes and research deeply required me to challenge myself, whether that be solely my classes or on my own personal path of life. I appreciated and am humbled by the recognition the school has given back to me, and each experience I will take with me when I pursue my future career, as well as fond memories to look back on. I truly feel being here has contributed to my personal growth.

Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes): 

Go for it, no matter if you are unsure about something or not. From joining a club and discovering a new interest, to delving into research you might be interested in, or even just finding yourself going into an unfamiliar situation, I promise it’s not the end of the world. Get yourself involved, whether it be clubs, community-based events, arts or sports, it will be a great way to get to know people and have similar interests to you. Even if an organization does not exist, create one!

If struggling, try to ask upperclassmen or other people around you, as they might have different outlooks or have even been in your same shoes before. There are plenty of resources to be successful here, and there are tutoring services, student success coaches, and other academic support systems to help.

Career-wise and postgraduate, start building your future resume for your new career!

You got this. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.  

Aspirations (upon graduation): 

After graduation, I hope to find a steady job in environmental/engineering sectors, like my internship, or even within a federal government job, such as the DEP or EPA. With a little break in between working and school, I aspire to reach for a master's degree and possibly further my research inquiries.

 

Scholarships awarded while attending Millersville University 

· The Beideman Scholarship

· MU Presidential Scholarship