Kathy Halvorsen
Professor of Natural Policy
Michigan Technological University
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
First, I realized I cared about environmental problems.
Went for a degree that could get me into environmental law school.
Found I loved environmental policy.
Had professors who told me I was very talented.
Got a Phd.
Launched a 20 year career as a natural resource policy scientist.
Education
High School
Gilbertsville Central School, NYS
Gilbertsville Central School, NYS
Career
Professor of Natural Policy
I study and teach about human relationships to their environment and solving environmental problems.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Environment & Nature
Science
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
I lead, manage, and work in big, international, interdisciplinary scientific teams studying climate change mitigation and adaptation. My days are a mix of lots of international conference calls, writing, mentoring, leading, and dealing with team crises. I travel a lot and spend a lot of time managing people, relationships, scientific work, and crises.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
You will pick a major, but it might not fit, be open to changing it, dropping out for awhile - I had 4 undergrad majors and four universities before completing my BS and took four years off school. But I worked my way back in, found the area of natural resource policy that I loved, worked hard, had great mentors, and have been very successful (I just won my university's 2014 research award). Your path may not be straight or efficient, but if you go after what you love and work hard, you can succeed.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"You should become a diplomat because you are great at languages."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
