Transforming a love for water into a purposeful career

Story by Ericka Bethel

August 29, 2024

Celebrating those making a difference during Water Quality Awareness Month

Days spent on the shores of numerous lakes in Michigan, hunting for rocks with her sister, and fishing with her grandfather are where Natural Resources and Environmental Science alumna Isabella Foster’s passion for water began.

She recalls a pivotal moment watching the television coverage of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico when she was nine years old. "I remember that summer clearly and watching the coverage of the spill as scientists talked about the impact that would have on our environment,” Foster said. She believes that was the moment she realized that keeping our waterways safe was important. “I was angry even as a child that something like that could happen, and I knew I wanted to do something to be a part of the solution. That was the moment that water quality became a passion for me."

Though she initially viewed it as an interest, she learned through her high school agriculture program that she could turn that passion into a career. " I wanted to work in water, but that was all I knew. I started my college search by simply Googling ’water’ and ‘careers in water,’ and that is how I found the NRES program at Purdue." NRES has six concentrations including watershed management, which Foster selected as her major.

"My program did a great job teaching me about soil and weather, and I enjoyed all my field courses. I have felt very prepared for the steps that have led me to the career path I have chosen."

Foster was given multiple opportunities for real-life experiences and hands-on learning at Purdue. She obtained a research internship at the end of her sophomore year at as part of the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. The project was an EPA research-funded project focused on the human side of water quality.

"Muskegon, Michigan was our area of concern,” Foster explained. “The government had been working to clean their water, so our research was to engage with community members to see what they thought the project's impact had been over the past 30 plus years.”

Since her grandparents were from Muskegon, and she had spent much time there, this project held personal meaning for her and provided an opportunity to learn how science and government work impact citizens.

Last summer Foster interned with August Mack Environmental in Indianapolis in their water resources department. Thanks to a connection with an NRES alumnus who had spoken to the sophomore-level career class, Isabella was hired for this hands-on position.

"We were focused on working in Sullivan and Greene counties, and I was able to do in-person chemical analysis on their wastewater. I also had the opportunity to get a lot of experience in business development. This included ensuring factories in the area followed safety protocols with effluent discharge and proper reporting.” She credits that work experience with solidifying the direction of her future career as she learned more about what was happening in different parts of the state.

Foster started her senior year by participating in a study abroad program in Vienna, Austria. While overseas, she began to navigate a job search for post-graduation. Her goal? She wanted to use what she learned at Purdue to work in water quality and be a part of the changes she believes need to occur.

After applying for several jobs, she landed a job with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as a water planner. The department she has joined is focused on watershed stewardship. “I'm thrilled with where I landed and what I'm doing because part of what I will do is go to public meetings and help municipalities make decisions,” Foster said. She is excited to do something that can play a part in tangible changes to the water quality in Indiana and beyond.

Just a few months into her career Foster is already enjoying putting into practice what she learned in her classes to make a difference.

It's not about me wanting to leave my mark. It's never been about that. I want to say I helped the environment. My end goal is for the environment and our waterways to improve in even a small way because of the work to which I have contributed."

- Isabella Foster, Natural Resources and Environmental Science alumna

Celebrating Water Quality Awareness Month

Water Quality Awareness Month is a time to recognize the significance of clean and safe water. It's important to raise awareness about preserving and protecting water quality in our communities and beyond. We celebrate the efforts of individuals like Isabella Foster, who have dedicated their careers to making a positive impact on water quality and the environment. Read below about some of the work being done by our faculty, students and alumni in the work of water quality.