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Ruby stands in the middle of a stream wearing a cap, short sleeve shirt, and shorts, while giving a thumbs up with both hands.

Ruby Ulrich

Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Environmental Studies and a minor in Sustainable Trails Development
Class of 2025

“I chose WVU because we have great programs for the physical sciences.... and Morgantown is filled with amazing trails.”

Hometown: Lexington, Virginia

Hobbies: Hiking, backpacking, exploring national parks

One interesting fact about you: In high school I helped teach middle school girls how to backpack and helped lead trips on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia 

Q&A with Ruby

  • What are your favorite things about being in this major? 
    • Being able to connect with other people who are passionate about the same things as me, and learning the impact of my decisions on the environment
  • What is the most interesting thing about your major? 
    • Taking GEOL 302 (geology of national parks) 
  • Why did you want to pursue this major? 
    • Because I want to work in sustainable tourism for the national park service.
  • How have your professors and/or staff helped you be successful? 
    • My advisor Tara Robbins has helped me find internships that would directly help me with my future career 
  • What skills and/or knowledge have you gained that you feel will help you be successful in your future career? 
    • Learning how to project manage different environmental issues in West Virginia with Dr. McNeil's Geog 415 course
  • What are your career goals? 
    • Working for the National Park Service. I just got accepted for a position at Acadia National Park in Maine for summer of 2024
  • What is your favorite place on campus?
    • The study areas in Brooks Hall
  • What is your most memorable moment? 
    • Being taken to a farm in Preston county in GEOG 415 to learn about sustainable farming and agriculture 
  • What is your favorite class and why? 
    • GEOL 302 (Geology of National Parks) because it directly relates to my two main interests (geology and national parks)
  • What experience or class has taught you the most so far? 
    • GEOG 415 because each week we would go on a different field trip and be able to see different sustainability issues first hand.
  • Why did you choose WVU? 
    • I chose WVU because we have great programs for the physical sciences and being in nature is something that is important to me, and Morgantown is filled with amazing trails
  • What advice would you give to an incoming student in the same major? 
    • Don't hesitate to make connections with your peers and professors, and take every opportunity you can because this is one of the degree paths with the most enthusiastic professors. 

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