Title: Interpretive Naturalist
Employer: Dune Learning Center, Indiana Dunes National Park
Previous Position: Horticulture and Landscape Intern – UIUC Arboretum

Genevieve graduated in 2021 with a degree in Integrative Biology and was also a former IB292 student. She is excited to help undergrads from the mentoring side of things now!

Genevieve is currently an Interpretive Naturalist with the Dunes Learning Center, which is the education partner of the Indiana Dunes National Park. They have school groups (mostly 3rd-6th graders) come to the Learning Center for field trips and will do activities with them. The naturalists teach visitors about local ecology and history, take them on hikes, play games, and most importantly- have fun outdoors!

“With the flexibility of IB, I was able to add on an NRES minor - Natural Resource Conservation, and a certificate in Biology of Global Change. Overall, it gave me great skills that I'm able to apply to my job and life. I learned how to look at systems holistically! I learned basic biology in my core classes, and then applied these principles to advanced coursework in IB and NRES. I also took advantage of alumni mentoring and posted opportunities to learn more about careers.”

Genevieve is a great person to talk to about environmental education, conservation, and how to prepare for the job market after graduation. Contact Christina Swanson at alumnimentor@sib.illinois.edu if you would like to connect with Genevieve.