M.E. Housewright has a B.S. in Geology with a biology minor from Mount Holyhoke College and is currently working on her M.S. in Environmental Engineering at Michigan Tech.

I did my undergradaduate degree at Mount Holyoke College in geology and biology. Having spent a good portion of that time in a research lab (environmental microbiology/groundwater remediation), I knew that science was for me but a career in a lab was probably not. I liked field geology and many aspects of mining. This fascination with mining and the like threw me into a brief period of angst. On the one hand, I label myself an environmentalist because I believe we all have obligations to each other through the preservation of our natural world. But, on the other hand, I really like the thought process that goes into digging humungous holes (and, admittedly, I like the visceral feeling of satisfaction one gets from digging such a hole). Luckily I was not destined to be torn apart by these two competing desires. My senior year of college I happened onto the Peace Corps web site, which led me to Michigan Tech’s Engineering Master’s International Program. I was relieved to find out that there was a way to help people and the environment, while still being able to dig holes (albeit modest holes). I was doubly relieved to find out a) I could do all of this while gaining an incredible experience in the Peace Corps and b) my science and math background was sufficient enough to allow for earning a masters in environmental engineering with just a bit of catch-up work. I am planning to join Peace Corps in fall of 2003; I would love to go to Mongolia, but really I’d be happy anywhere. Eventually, I plan to get an additional degree in engineering and public policy and work on water rights issues.