Bridgette Valdez (BS Environmental Geology, 2007)

After working for the Washington State Department of Ecology in Yakima, I decided to go back to school! Currently I am a master's student at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in the Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development program. I will also be getting certificates in Chicana and Latina Studies and Culture, History, and Environment. My research will be focused on environmental justice issues along the U.S. - Mexico border in regards to municipal sustainable development plans.

The CWU Geology department was great and I'm glad that I chose the Environmental Geology path. In addition to my geology degree, I received a minor in biology. I felt that these two sciences complimented each other very well since they have such a significant influence on each other. I believe that the strong science background needed for my degree has helped me become a better science educator and spokesperson for environmental issues.

Ellensburg has been a great home for Matt Kogle (BS '05) and I and our experiences at CWU Geology were wonderful. We hope to move back to the Northwest after I graduate (hopefully to the sunny side of the mountains).

In other big news, Matt and I are getting married in May of 2009!