Victor Bowler came to UL Lafayette to earn a degree Ӱר but heӰרll be graduating with two.
He came to UL Lafayette because the Ӱר offered a strong environmental science program with a Ӱרcozy campus feeling.Ӱר
ӰרI loved the campus atmosphere,Ӱר he said. ӰרWalking to class on the sidewalk on St. Mary Boulevard under the vibrantly green live oak canopy is a memory I will have forever.Ӱר
Choosing environmental science gave Victor the opportunity to pursue multiple areas of specialization in a field he is passionate about.
ӰרClean air, drinkable water, and beautiful places to enjoy the outdoors are just a few of the necessities Americans take for granted every day. Many around the world suffer from polluted air or water and can do nothing about it,Ӱר he said. ӰרPursuing a degree in environmental science at UL Lafayette has allowed me to play a part in protecting both the natural world and the people living in it.Ӱר
Choosing a second major
After learning more about the different ways humans can work to protect the environment, Victor decided he wanted to play a larger role in finding solutions for environmental issues Ӱר so he chose a second major: chemical engineering.
With his two majors, heӰרs working towards a dual degree.
ӰרThe environmental science major has given me a lot of good insight into the theoretical and the bigger issues of environmental science and how to find the problems and what needs to be done,Ӱר he explained. ӰרBut the chemical engineering side gives me hands-on experience with things like how to cut out pollutants in the air and water. ItӰרs made me a more well-balanced individual.Ӱר
"ItӰרs made me a more well-balanced individual.Ӱר
Thanks to his dual-degree track, VictorӰרs had the opportunity to take classes that bridge the two areas, including Environmental Remediation (ENVS 349) and Safety, Ethics, and Environmental Policy (CHEE 307).
He does have to take more courses to complete the two degrees, so heӰרll take about two extra years to graduate Ӱר an investment thatӰרs Ӱרdefinitely worth it,Ӱר he said.
After he graduates, Victor wants to work in a desalinization plant that provides clean water, or become a process engineer for environmental health and safety and potentially work for the Environmental Protection Agency.
He feels well prepared for life after graduation, thanks to the support and opportunities he found through his campus connections, including internships, opportunities through student organizations, and mentorship from his professors.
ӰרMake an effort to talk with your professors and become friends with them! I have had many academic, community, and career opportunities unexpectedly open up due to my awesome professors,Ӱר he said. ӰרThey knew I cared about them and what they had to teach. In turn, they cared about me and helped me grow in all aspects of life.Ӱר
