Master of Environmental Management student Patty Kwiatek shares her journey to choosing the Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health (EEH) concentration and how it鈥檚 preparing her for a successful career. From initial motivations to key experiences in the program, get an inside look at how this concentration is shaping her future.
What drew you to the EEH concentration and how is it preparing you for your career?
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and while I was in undergrad, something drew me to pursue a minor in sustainability as well. I thought I would go on to do something in materials chemistry, creating novel and sustainable materials to combat waste issues, but a chance conversation with a chemical engineer introduced me to the idea of environmental toxicology. I decided that I would pursue a master鈥檚 91社区福利 in environmental toxicology, but most master鈥檚 programs are for toxicology in the pharmacological field. Duke had one of the few ecotoxicology programs here in the U.S. and the idea that I could pair it with a management focus is ultimately what convinced me to study here.
How does that skillset complement what you're learning in your other concentration?
My management concentration, Community Engagement & Environmental Justice (CEEJ), is something that I have always thought to be important. Everyone has a right to clean water, clean air, and a clean and safe community to live in. There are countless grassroots organizations across the globe that fight for those rights in their communities. My hope with the combination of my concentrations is that I can learn to work with these organizations, build trust, and help them do research and provide scientific evidence of the environmental burdens and demand change for communities affected by the negative treatment of their lands.
What has been the most rewarding experience or project in the program?
The most rewarding experience I have had in my first year as an MEM is joining the Bass Connections group led by Dan Richter. In this research group, we are using various literature research methods (archives, old news articles, blog posts, fire insurance maps and aerial photos) to locate former incinerator sites and determine what the land cover is today. This is a continuation of Dr. Richter鈥檚 work with Enikoe Bihari that uncovered three former incinerators in Durham located in present day parks and tested the soil to find high levels of lead across all three parks.
What advice would you give to someone considering this concentration?
Prospective students considering pursuing the Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health concentration within the MEM program should have an idea of what kind of work they hope to do. Duke has so many incredible opportunities that it can feel overwhelming when you get here. Knowing what you want to do will help you narrow down where to look and what to prioritize so you can get the most out of your two years here.