I am enrolled at University of Kansas Edwards Campus for the Fall 2017 semester to pursue a master’s degree in environmental assessment because I am passionate about protecting and improving our environment and the health of our society.  I was pleased to find that the University of Kansas Edwards campus offers the courses for me to obtain the knowledge I have always wanted to pursue.

I have always had a love and interest in our planet and our environment.  My favorite class in high school was biology and I connected with learning about evolution, ecology, and impacts from our environment.  After earning my associates degree in medical laboratory from Central Texas College I went on to complete an undergraduate degree in biology from Indiana University.  Other life choices outweighed continuing for a graduate degree at that time.  I worked for several years in various careers as a medical technologist, cytogenetic technologist, surgical pathology and morgue coordinator, ethanol plant manager, and ethanol plant consultant.  All while raising three children as a single mother and assisting them with college.

Environmental highlights during my career include achieving wastewater certification and working on NPDES permitting for ethanol plants.  Serving as Chief Scientific Advisor for Sustainable Technology Systems on environmental projects involving renewable energy.  This involved studies and research to improve sustainable energy projects in diverse communities.  After receiving grants to fund a project, we had third party testing conducted by Sandia National Laboratories which collaborated with our research.  In connection, I went to Haiti with a nonprofit group called PPAF, Public Private Alliance Foundation.  My mission in the group was to improve ethanol production and reduce contamination issues so higher proof ethanol could be used in cook stoves.  I am also water certified.

While looking forward to completing a master’s degree in environmental assessment, master gardening and landscaping certification, I am also employed part time at Suburban Lawn and Garden.  Flower Garden Transformations is my own business helping others with their landscaping and flower garden needs.

 

Cara Mullen