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Classrooms to Careers: Ferris State Environmental Biology major Melanea Strauss’ field experience with ecological consulting firm monitors the health of Michigan’s waterways

Melanea Strauss Environmental Biology internship Ferris State
Ferris State University Environmental Biology major Melanea Strauss at work in the field.
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — 

Melanea Strauss, a Ferris State University Environmental Biology major, sees a bright future as she monitors the quality of Michigan’s lakes and streams, which are essential for the state’s environment and economics. 

This summer, Strauss is interning with assistant professor Doug Workman among the researchers with StreamsideEco, a team of ecological consultants based in Reed City. The group serves industrial and governmental clients. 

Melanea Strauss

Melanea Strauss, an Environmental Biology major at Ferris State University, is pictured using equipment in the field during her internship.

“My tasks support fish population and habitat studies around Michigan,” she said. “We use state and federal protocols to evaluate the health of streams, lakes and rivers. That means looking at aquatic macroinvertebrates, fish communities and habitats as a part of those evaluations.” 

Workman has previously provided this learning opportunity to Ferris State students in the biological sciences. Strauss, entering her last term before graduating, sees value in networking as she continues preparing to present herself as a job candidate. 

“I had taken Dr. Workman’s course on environmental regulations in the Spring 2023 semester. I heard about the internship through another student,” Strauss said. “I am so glad the connections I made allowed me to be selected. It has been a great experience to have this kind of relatable field research since I am weighing my options regarding graduate studies or beginning my professional life.” 

The internship includes one of West Central Michigan’s most well-known commercial products. 

“We do stream monitoring support for a variety of industries,” Strauss said. “That includes manufacturers who have to stay in compliance with groundwater regulation and our tests confirm they meet requirements regarding water quality and stream discharge.” 

Strauss expects her Ferris State education and internship experience will be relatable and valuable, whether she returns to school after graduation in December or starts her career in the sciences. 

“There would be opportunities in marine science, fisheries and wildlife agencies or wetland research. These have real implications whether or not a state has thousands of lakes,” Strauss said. “Water and natural resources are important everywhere, with government and professional consultants focused on proper stewardship of this resource.” 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports environmental scientists and specialists forecast a six percent increase in employment prospects from now to 2032, with a mean wage of nearly $79,000 annually.