Environmental Studies alumni are using their Holy Cross education in a wide variety of careers and as a starting point for further study.
The good news about our climate crisis is that there are a growing number of jobs that address environmental concerns. The Environmental Studies Annual Career Panel held each September is an excellent way to learn about the rich array of careers.
Alumni Spotlights
Vivian Daly ’13
Market Outreach Specialist for the MA & RI Commercial & Industrial Upstream Lighting Initiative
Vivian studied Environmental Studies and studio art at Holy Cross, graduating in 2013. Daly is currently a Market Outreach Specialist for the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Commercial & Industrial Upstream Lighting Initiative, a program working to shift electrical distribution stocking habits to energy efficient options. Vivian has spent five years in the energy efficiency industry, previously managing operations teams for Home Performance Contractors participating in the residential Mass Save Home Energy Assessment program.
Richard DiMatteo ’12
Capital Markets for Highland Electric Transportation
Rich currently leads Capital Markets for Highland Electric Transportation (HET), an early stage startup company in the fleet electrification and energy storage space. Highland is exclusively focused on the U.S. school bus market. Prior to joining Highland, Rich worked for Edison Energy as a business development consultant leading the companies first and largest Community Solar PPAs. As a graduate of the financial management program with business honors, he held diverse roles at different operating units in the areas of financial planning, supply chain finance, commercial finance, and corporate risk management. Rich graduated from Holy Cross in 2012 with a degree in economics and environmental studies.
Casey Dannhauser ’14
Liaison to EPA at Barnstable Clean Water Coalition
After graduating in 2014, Casey went to work for Barnstable Land Trust as conservation coordinator. Her responsibilities there included land management, fundraising, and coordinating land conservation projects. Currently Casey is working toward a master’s of oceanography degree at the University of Rhode Island. As she works on completing her degree, she will also continue to work part time for the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition as their liaison to the EPA.
Kevin Finn ’17
Pursuing Masters in Community Development and Planning
Graduating from Holy Cross in 2017 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies, Kevin is currently pursuing his master’s in Community Development and Planning from Clark University. Between Holy Cross and his return to Worcester, he has worked as both an environmental educator for the State of Connecticut and as an environmental health and safety assistant for a large manufacturing company. Most recently, Kevin spent the last year as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Flint, Michigan, working in neighborhood and park planning. Upon graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in growing environmental consciousness and building stronger, more sustainable communities.
Kristie Giannetto ’07
Associate Director of Philanthropy for the Nature Conservancy
In her position as associate director of philanthropy for the Nature Conservancy’s Connecticut Chapter, Kristie manages a portfolio of major gift donors, liaises with Board of Trustees and Conservation leaders and provides direction for select philanthropy operations activities.
Emily Martin ’18
Environmental Scientist at VHB
Emily Martin graduated in 2018 as a biology major with a minor in environmental studies. On campus, she was a part of the Outdoors Club, XCHROM, COPE, Eco-Action, the Ski Team and Spring Break Immersion. She completed an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) through the University of Virginia during the summer of 2017. After graduation, Emily spent the summer as an intern before being hired as an environmental scientist as VBH at Watertown, Massachusetts. Her work involves wetland delineations, rare species surveys, habitat assessments, preparation of state and federal environmental permits, construction oversight and management of project-related data.
Emily Sullivan ’14
Environmental Planner and Conservation Agent for the Town of Arlington, Massachusetts
Emily Sullivan ’14 graduated with a major in Environmental Studies and concentration in Asian Studies. After graduation, Emily worked for Triumvirate Environmental, a private environmental services firm, for two years. In 2018, Emily earned her master’s of urban planning with a concentration in environmental hazard management from Texas A&M University. Emily now works as an environmental planner and conservation agent for the town of Arlington, Massachusetts.
Elizabeth Gorrill ’18
Environmental Scientist at CarriageHouse Consulting, Inc.
Elizabeth Gorrill graduated in 2018 as a biology major with a minor in environmental studies. She completed an internship with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in the summer of 2017 working alongside the state botanist. After graduation, Elizabeth immediately began working as an environmental scientist at CarriageHouseConsulting, Inc. Her work involves field sampling, application of remedial actions, oversight of remedial activities, preparation of state and federal permits, preparation of state and federal reports ranging from Phase 1 to Permanent Solution Statements, and project management related activities.
Andrew Varuzzo ’15
Leadership Fellow at The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Andrew Varuzzo graduated from Holy Cross in 2015 with a major in environmental studies and minor in urban studies. Andrew continued his studies at Cornell University from 2016 - 2018, earning his master of regional planning degree with specialties in land use and environmental planning as well as real estate. He is now working in New York City with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that manages critical transportation infrastructure