One of the core values in the Environmental Studies program is to Go Beyond the Classroom. The curriculum provides students with opportunities to meet and work with experts in the professional field, which furthers their personal and education goals. Former Husker and Environmental Studies alum Dakota Staggs answered a few questions regarding his time in the program, and the opportunities made available to him.
Q: What did you study during your time at UNL?
A: "I graduated from the Environmental Studies program in the spring of 2018, and I was a CASNR student [with] an emphasis in natural resources."
Q: Could you give a brief overview of your current position?
A: "I work for Beyond School Bells, which is an initiative of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. We are Nebraska’s statewide network supporting afterschool and summer programs. I was first connected to BSB by my ENVR advisor in the summer of 2018, and I took a 2-week position to accompany 3 high school students on a trip to conservation organizations across the state. I continued to work on environmental education projects with BSB while I was in grad school and began full time with the organization in October of 2020. I like to think of myself as the unofficial environmental guy, but my official title is “Assistant VP, Beyond School Bells”. The best part of the job is collaborating with afterschool professionals to create unique environmental programming for students across the state."
Q: As you know, one of the core values of the Environmental Studies Program at UNL is to Go Beyond the Classroom. In what way were you able to make this a reality during your time at UNL?
A: "My ENVR 319 project was one of the first times that I felt like I applied my knowledge and experiences outside of the classroom. Myself and one other student chose to work with Legal Aid of Nebraska to identify Environmental Justice issues relating to the Salt Creek floodplain just South of Hardin Hall in the Clinton neighborhood. We were able speak to community members, organizations, and city and state officials who could explain the challenges and gain their insight for solutions. We then used their perspectives and our own insight to recommend a plan of action to Legal Aid of Nebraska."
Q: How did your involvement with the program prepare you for internship/employment experiences down the line?
A: "I think the Environmental Studies focus on collaboration was key. I remember thinking it was a little cliché while I was in the program, but looking back I think it really did create a mentality of collective action that I believe is a huge skill in my work. Even when I have personal projects or goals at work, they always fit into a bigger picture for my organization or for the network of professionals I am working with."
Q: What advice would you give to a new Environmental Studies student looking to develop attributes that will help them be successful in their career?
A: "I would encourage new Environmental Studies students to join an environmental group or attend a few environmental meetings of an environmental organization off-campus. I attended some Mayors Environmental Task Force meetings while in the ENVR program and I think they provided a lot of insight into what environmental work can look like outside of the classroom."
Q: How did the program (classes, professors, etc.) motivate you to be proactive and seek out opportunities outside the university?
A: "I think the internship requirement to graduate was a big motivator. I also think the courses that either brought in community partners or that sent me out into the community were key to open my eyes to opportunities for me off campus. Seeing organizations like Legal Aid of Nebraska, Neighborworks, and Conservation Nebraska provided examples to look up to on how to work for positive change and how to be involved outside of a classroom. I was able to intern with Civic Nebraska and Legal Aid which, in a round-about way, connected to environmental justice and equity within and across communities. I also interned with Conservation Nebraska and learned a lot about environmental nonprofits and impacting policy."
For more information about UNL's Environmental Studies program, go to https://esp.unl.edu/