Mia Ramirez (BA, 2020)

Mia Ramirez entered Stony Brook University looking for a multidisciplinary career path and she graduated in Spring 2020 with a BA in Environmental Studies. The ENS major at Stony Brook gave her the opportunity to study ecology, environmental history, GIS, science communication, and gain hands-on research experience through Dr. Sharon Pochron’s Ecotoxicology “Worm” lab. Mia had the privilege to study abroad in Madagascar and study endangered wildlife and learn from Malagasy expert scientists. Every time she sought out a new experience, Stony Brook was there.

After graduating, Mia joined the New York State Parks as an environmental educator at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center. Currently, she is the lead educator overseeing a team of educators and operational staff, providing excellent public service. Mia coordinates programming that explores dune ecosystems, responsible energy consumption, sustainable living, and encourages environmental stewardship. One of her favorite programs was a series of art workshops sculpting migratory bird species of Jones Beach. All of the patrons’ sculptures were displayed in the museum, and Mia was filled with pride seeing the joy on their faces. 

Opening a brand-new educational facility during a global pandemic is no walk in the park, but environmental educators must be adaptable. In one day, Mia could lead a beach field trip for a class of fifth graders, introduce a patron to geothermal technology, and respond to an abandoned duckling stuck in a storm drain. If you are looking for a field of study that makes you ready for anything, the ENS major may be for you.