'25 Environmental Science Major from Eagan, MN
Meet Danielle Stiel, an Environmental Science Major from Eagan, MN. Danielle plans to graduate in May 2025
Why did you decide to come to NMU?
I decided to come to NMU because it felt like a home away from home. I attended a two-year environmental high school called the School of Environmental Studies and one of my teachers is an alumni from NMU. I expressed to her that I felt lost, that I knew what path I wanted to take, but had no idea where to even start looking. She suggested NMU to me because she felt like it's where I'd most fit in, and that the Earth, Environment, and Geographic Sciences program is something she thought I'd enjoy. During my campus visit, I was excited to see that buildings and dorm halls on campus were LEED certified, which is something a few of my classmates were working towards for our school. After that, I focused on my few criteria: access to outdoor recreation, a band, specifically a major in environmental science, smaller in size, and opportunities to be social and make friends. After talking with Dr. Susy Ziegler about majoring in environmental science and the EEGS Department, Dr. Stephen Grugin about finally getting to March Piccolo, and the beautiful scenery on and around campus, I told my mom it was the first place that felt like home.
How did you decide your major/minor?
While at the School of Environmental Studies, I was in a career development class in which we had to choose 3 careers to do a project on and explain what interested us about it, research on a required degree/education, salary pay, and more. After many searches, "park ranger", "naturalist", and "outdoor education" were three options that I had never really considered I could pursue as a career that really ignited a fire in my heart. I selected "interpretive park ranger" which included all the interests, and most websites listed suggested degrees as fisheries and wildlife management, environmental science, biology, outdoor recreation, environmental studies, etc... I decided on environmental science because of the diversity of education/classes. It's a degree that will allow me to learn a little bit of everything, biology, physics, geology, wildland firefighting, environmental communication, soils, and more. I wanted something that would be flexible, give me enough of everything that I could change and adapt to careers and opportunities that change as my life does.
What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major?
The support from the EEGS department is one of the most helpful things I have had because of my major. There were times when I wasn't confident in myself and questioned continuing my degree, but with their support, I achieved more than I could've ever imagined. I worked a lot with Dr.Ziegler to narrow down what I wanted to do for my capstone, mainly, I was too ambitious and excited and needed to narrow it down. Without her and the support of the department, I don't think my project would've gotten off the ground. She allowed me to be flexible with my final class, which helped me reach the goal of doing research on mammals in the park I work in, which is truly one of the coolest experiences I have had so far. Engaging with visitors and being able to be a direct connection to ask questions and have conversations with them is something I feel helped my project greatly. Seeing someone light up because they got to tell me about the wolf they saw, excited to contribute, is something that will stick with me forever. Watching what your peers do while attending NMU and even after graduating from NMU is really special too, I'm always rooting for EEGS students!
What are you involved in on- and off-campus and what has been the most rewarding experience?
I was in the marching band and participated in pep band my freshman year, worked for Audio/Visual Services for 3 years, and volunteered a few weekends when I could at the Moosewood Nature Center. I think my most rewarding experience was getting to work at the concert of one of my favorite bands! Hippocampus was selected by NAE a few years ago, and I immediately called dibs as a joke. While yes, I was excited about seeing Hippocampus, I was more excited about learning more about the job and more about what my bosses do. I was there from set up to tear down, and it was just so cool to see the event in full cycle. Controlling the lighting and sound at a concert is a lot more tedious than one might think, I asked a lot of questions and they were patient enough to answer them all. I sat there learning and fangirling as my favorite songs played all at the same time. I also spent my last semester on campus cherishing my Monday mornings at work because I got to check the sound system and projectors in Jamrich 1100 with Noah Kahan, a quick minute or two with me, an empty lecture hall, and good music. It's something I secretly looked forward to, and I may have checked it the final time with Hot To Go by Chappel Roan.
Prior to settling on my chosen career, I wanted to pursue production and had volunteered a lot of time at the local television company. Getting to work as an A/V student employee let me pursue this interest while on campus, and it's provided me with a lot of skills that will help me in the future. It also connected me with departments on campus I might not have had the opportunity otherwise to work with and learn about.