Kayla Sorensen
Kayla Sorensen, ’24 Tech alumna, is currently pursuing a Professional Science Master’s in Environmental Sustainability. From her first taste of this field, she knew this was the career choice for her.
“I initially chose this field after taking a sustainability course in high school,” she revealed. “I was enamored with all of the ways one could sustain themselves or contribute to their community with just the resources around them and that interest brought me to Tech.”
Sorensen noted that her passion in this field is fueled by the work done to restore degraded habitats and to transform urban development into a more sustainable community. She reveals how Tech has equipped her to obtain a career specifically targeting that passion.
“For these projects, problem solving is the most valuable skill that I continue to hone with my academics,” she explained. “I have received an invaluable amount of base knowledge in my undergrad and graduate classes and am thrilled to be able to apply it to real world situations.”
Although there was a transition from her undergraduate to graduate program, Sorensen pointed out that Tech’s faculty played a huge role in guiding her on her graduate school journey.
“[The faculty] has guided me through incredible study options, time management, personal struggles, and more,” Sorensen said. “I feel so lucky to have a department that I know sees me and wants what is best for me, not only as a student, but as a young professional.”
Overall, Sorensen has enjoyed her graduate school experience. She is specifically appreciative of the practical application the program offers.
“By far, the most rewarding aspect of it has been seeing all of my undergraduate work pay off in the research and teaching I have done so far,” she acknowledged. “Graduate school has given me an opportunity to come into my own as a professional in the sustainable world and will be an excellent transition into my career.”
Sorensen is a Graduate Assistant for Interdisciplinary Studies, which has required her to work diligently and manage her time well.
“I block my days out to be dedicated to certain things I want to work on, like coursework, research, etc., and then I divide my extra time between myself and my friends,” she continued. “Similar to making a budget, I know how much time I’ll have each week for each aspect.”
Looking toward the future, Sorensen hopes to work in organizations like Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) or The Nature Conservancy researching and aiding the natural world. She showed great gratitude toward her academic program at Tech.
“Thanks to my program, I have networked with members of the university and the community and have been part of sustainable initiatives in both,” Sorensen appreciated. “My academic career has flourished, and I feel like my work will continue to open doors for my future.”
