Science, Technology and Engineering

Environmental Geoscience

Graduates

Michael Ernest

GIS Analyst, EPA Victoria

I began studying Environmental Science at La Trobe in 2001 as a mature age student after completing a diploma in Natural Resource Management. I found the first year of the degree difficult but I was able to work through it. I found the second and third years really caught my attention, and I really enjoyed exploring the variety of concepts that were thrown my way. The environmental project in the third year was a highlight for me and it was this project in the Ovens Catchment of North East Victoria, which inspired me to attempt an honours year. I had a ball during my honours year and think that I learnt a thing or two about field work.

I started working for EPA Victoria as a cadet back in 2002 through La Trobe's Industry Cadetship Program. Once I finished my degree I stepped straight into a role with EPA as their GIS administrator. I also work on a number of other projects such as siting ambient air monitoring stations and maintaining corporate environmental databases. The broad subject range from my degree has allowed my to gain an understanding of client needs throughout the organisation that I simply would not have obtained from another degree. I am still involved in the cadetship program here at EPA, but this time as a supervisor rather than a cadet, which has been a real learning experience.