2016 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 $10,000. Congratulations to the following:

Julia Scott

Julia is a resident of Mystic and is a senior at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, majoring in Environmental Engineering. Julia’s senior project at WPI involves stormwater management on a highway in MA and creating solutions for better capture, filtration and overall higher quality of the surrounding bodies of water. Julia states in her application, “Becoming an Environmental Engineer has transformed my view on the way decisions should be made and that whatever the issue or the project, an environmental and sustainable perspective should always be considered.” One of Julia’s professors states, “She has a unique combination of intellectual gifts, interpersonal skills, and work ethic that allows her to excel and make impactful contributions to environmental engineering. The quality of her deliverables is outstanding and she is a vibrant participant in the classroom.”

Maxwell Meadows

Maxwell is a resident of Hebron and a senior at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), majoring in Earth Science. While at CCSU, Maxwell has worked on a project researching various land use areas in Lebanon, CT with the overall goal to provide an assessment of the impact of human activities on arsenic and other trace element concentrations. In his application, Maxwell states, “This scholarship will give me the ability to fully dedicate my time to complete this research project in an efficient manner, as well as maintain my academic and career goals. It is my mission to do everything I can to protect, restore, and sustain the environment.” Maxwell’s Hydrogeology professor states: “He proved to be very capable in field geology, environmental geology, geochemistry, and laboratory analysis… I have no doubt in my mind; Maxwell will certainly be an asset to his future employer.”

Kristina Landry

Kristina is a resident of Ellington and is entering her senior year at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), majoring in Geological Sciences. During her time at CCSU, Kristina conducted several geological research/field projects and presented results of her studies at a recent meeting of the Geological Society of America (NE section). In her application she states, “I look forward to utilizing the knowledge and skills I gained in school to learn even more from the seniors in my work field.” Kristina’s professor and chair of CCSU’s geological department states, “…as an undergraduate, within one year, Kristina has had experience with back country field work, meticulous sample preparation, stable isotope analysis, fluid inclusion microthermometry, structural analysis, and a presentation at a professional meeting. As she has demonstrated, Kristina is a dedicated, hardworking student. I give my highest recommendation for Kristina Landry for the Environmental Professionals' Organization of Connecticut Scholarship.”

Gunnar Norback

Gunnar is a resident of Cheshire and is a senior at Unity College in Maine majoring in Earth and Environmental Science. Gunnar currently serves as the Student Body President and has worked as a summer intern at a CT consulting firm.  In his application he states, “As president I sit as a voting member to the Board of trustees, exposing me to the inner workings of an environmentally focused organization and connecting me with professionals in the environmental field.” One of Gunnar’s professors states, “Gunnar’s commitment and level of engagement are commendable and he always maintains a positive work ethic and rallies his peers. Considering Gunnar’s growing success in academics, passion for learning, and burgeoning research interests, I believe he exemplifies the qualities you are seeking for a recipient of this scholarship.”

Marlee NajamyWinnick

Marlee is a resident of Weston and is a part-time graduate student at the University of New Haven seeking her master’s degree in Environmental Science. Marlee is currently employed as an environmental scientist with a CT based consulting firm. Marlee states in her application, “…going to graduate school will advance my technical knowledge giving me a better foundation, further mold my skills in this field, increase my writing capabilities, and help my career in the long-term. I believe it is important for me to have a more technical understanding of the environment in order to better help it.” One of her former professors states, “Marlee’s academic abilities, willingness to work hard, strength in managing and participating in groups, and sticking with the details until she gets them right makes her an ideal candidate for a graduate program.”

Shannon Spezzano

Shannon is a resident of Trumbull and is a part-time graduate student at the University of New Haven seeking her master’s degree in Environmental Science. Shannon is currently employed as an environmental scientist with a CT based consulting firm. In her application Shannon states, “By obtaining my master’s degree in environmental science, I hope to learn more about environmental science in general, but mainly focus on hydrogeology and groundwater modeling. By focusing my studies, I will be able to specialize in an area that can further my career.”  One of Shannon’s professors writes, “Shannon is a hard worker who strives for perfection. She is not afraid to ask questions and wants to be sure that she really understand things before proceeding… I also appreciated her contributions to class discussion taken from her consulting work. This really helped to fill the gap the sometimes exists between academia and the real world." 

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 or visit our website page at: www.epoc.org/scholarship