2015 Scholarship Awards

The EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to assist Connecticut residents, or an immediate family member (spouse or child) of an EPOC Member in good standing, who are attending a college or university (in CT or out of state) and have declared majors pertinent to the environmental field.  The scholarships are awarded annually to junior, senior, and graduate level students (full or part-time) enrolled in accepted programs of study leading the student to become a Technical Environmental Professional in the State of Connecticut as defined by the CT DEEP, or a professional in a related service discipline who may render technical assistance to the Technical Environmental Professional. EPOC would like to express its thanks to all the students applying for a scholarship this year. At a recent meeting of the EPOC Scholarship Fund Committee, this year’s scholarship winners were voted on and approved. The total amount of awards for this year was $8,000. Congratulations to the following:

Mara Scallon

Mara is a resident of Sandy Hook and is a senior at Northeastern University in Boston, majoring in Environmental Science. During her time at Northeastern, she served as the Executive Director of Husky Environmental Action Team and worked at co-ops involving remediation of contaminated properties, solar panel installations and air quality issues. In her application, Mara states, “Ultimately, I intend to work in the field of environmental remediation, specifically cleaning up chemical spills and deliberate discharges.” Mara’s faculty advisor states, “Mara is a very well-grounded and dynamic person, with all of the values that you would hope that a EPOC Scholarship awardee would have, to represent your institution for the next year and thereafter.”

Carly Cavanaugh

Carly is a resident of Middletown and a junior at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), majoring in Environmental Earth Science. Carly is currently conducting research with her professor to test the lead levels of the soil at a gun range in Simsbury, and has served as Secretary of the Geology & Planetary Science Club at CCSU. In her application regarding her future career in the environmental field, Carly states, “I can effectively contribute my knowledge of the importance of remediation, the proper use of resources, and the correct management of land to aid in solving environmental problems.” Her Hydrogeology professor writes, “Carley is stellar in the field, and proved to be very capable in field geology…Her dedication to her work and the quality of the work she has done so far is outstanding.”

Kristin Salimeno

Kristin is a resident of Berlin and is entering her senior year at the University of Tampa, majoring in Environmental Science. Kristin has interned during the past two summers at an environmental consulting firm involved in remediation studies. One of her professors of Biology states, “She is notable as a scholar, as a professional, and as a grounded, thoughtful, and mature person. I am very confident that you will be proud to have her as one of your scholarship recipients. “

Austin Granchelli

Austin is a resident of South Windsor and is a senior at Goodwin College in East Hartford, CT majoring in Environmental Studies. Austin became interested in an environmental career after taking an environmental monitoring course that included sampling and analyzing water quality parameters of the Connecticut River.  The Director of Environmental Studies at Goodwin College states, “Because of his drive to succeed, proven abilities, and impressive academic record, I recommend Austin as a worthy candidate for the scholarship.”

The EPOC Scholarship Fund is financed through the support of EPOC programs, proceeds from golf tournaments, and direct contributions from individuals and companies. EPOC is a non-profit organization, and as such, contributions to the Scholarship Fund are tax deductible for most firms. Unlike many other organizations, 100% of your contributions go in the EPOC Scholarship Fund. A committee of volunteers who support its goals and ideals manages the fund. Anyone needing additional information about the Scholarship Fund or EPOC, please contact Seth Molofsky.