What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
Having lived in such a wild environment myself, I’ve always felt very connected to the natural world and the ocean. From a young age I knew I wanted to become a scientist to study and learn from nature.
In high school I studied the influence of marine plastic pollution and the regeneration of sea stars. After witnessing a curious case of sea star wasting disease throughout my own experiment, it became even more clear that I wanted to explore anthropogenic influence on natural environments.
Seeing environmental change in my hometown and the heavy hand we play in degradation, I’ve grown passionate about a future with sustainable co-existence and mitigative practices inspired by nature.
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
During my undergrad co-op, I worked as a sustainable battery engineer for a start-up company. I learned so much about energy and the potential impact a sustainable approach to energy storage could have in the world of renewables.
The summer of my junior year, I participated in a Dialogue of Civilizations program that traveled to Iceland and learned about the local geology, geothermal energy, Icelandic history, and their environmental significance. I’ve never seen such immense and overwhelming demonstrations of both the earth’s power and beauty like I did that month of camping around Iceland.
Windsyr Maughan ’25, MS Environmental Science and Policy
The summer of my junior year, I participated in a Dialogue of Civilizations program that traveled to Iceland and learned about the local geology, geothermal energy, Icelandic history, and their environmental significance. I’ve never seen such immense and overwhelming demonstrations of both the earth’s power and beauty like I did that month of camping around Iceland.
It’s so exciting to work in a field that continually offers new inspiration and wonder.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I’ve been on the Women’s Varsity Rowing team for four years, explored numerous outdoors and environmental clubs, and been involved with Northeastern’s songwriting club.
Recently, I started working as a volunteer in Professor Brian Helmuth’s lab under PhD candidate Angela Jones where I’ve been able to learn about sea star morphology and begin investigating sea star wasting disease along the Northeastern Coast.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
I have truly enjoyed expanding the scope of my knowledge while in COS. There are so many interesting courses that have given me a broad background of inspiration and appreciation for environmental processes. Hands-on field work, learning, and friendships from my Dialogue of Civilizations program as well as research and diving at the Marine Science Center were definitely highlights of my COS experience.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
I was really inspired by Professor Dan Douglass’s energy and excitement for Earth Systems. During my Dialogue of Civilizations, I was impacted by Professor Malcolm Hill, learning about his career journey and Icelandic connections. When deciding on my master’s and future career path, Professor Ben Dittbrenner was so insightful and helped me get to where I am today. Working with Professor Brian Helmuth, I’ve been inspired by the far reaching societal and scientific impacts of his research and collaborations.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you?
After graduating from the Environmental Science and Policy PlusOne program with a master’s degree, I would love to gain international experience working with the UN / UN’s Environment Programme while also exploring a career in restoration and scientific diving. I hope to also have an opportunity to study the implications of climate change within the environment and mitigative solutions.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
After my time here at Northeastern, I hope to be able to create global impact and contribute to healing relationships between humans and the environment. I hope to be influential with my knowledge of the natural world and contribute to climate change mitigation.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
Don’t be afraid to explore different paths and fields of study, take every opportunity for hands on experience, and maintain the connections you make along the way. You never know what path an opportunity might lead to, and even something that seems unrelated could prove beneficial to your future career path. Interdisciplinary collaboration plays a large role in expanding the world of science and innovation so be curious and think outside the box.
