Student Reflects on Successful Undergraduate Experience and Looks to Future in Education and Environmental Science

As an undergraduate, Rossi expressed her excitement about the professors’ enthusiasm in teaching earth science, which contributed to an engaging learning experience. She noted that having collaborative professors enhanced the classroom environment and prevented students from feeling unengaged. Rather than passively listening to lectures, Rossi felt like her classes were interactive and engaging.

Rossi found that the campus environment at UD was conducive to making friends, despite arriving during the COVID-19 pandemic when few people were on campus. She quickly realized that the friendly atmosphere made it easy for her to socialize and have fun. Even without joining many campus organizations, Rossi never felt lonely due to the welcoming and inclusive nature of the campus community.

Looking ahead, Rossi plans to return to UD in the fall of 2024 to pursue a master of science in environmental science and management. She is eager to be part of this relatively new program and play a role in shaping its growth from the beginning. Rossi has chosen the climate track and aims to focus on renewable energy, specifically policy work related to offshore wind.

As she reflects on her undergraduate studies, Rossi gains teaching experience and expresses an interest in pursuing a career in education. However, she also appreciates how the earth science education program emphasizes effective communication of scientific concepts to the public. Rossi believes that it is crucial to create excitement about earth and environmental science to raise awareness of these important topics. She views her mission as inspiring others to learn more about environmental issues, as she believes this knowledge is vital for addressing future challenges.