Austin Barlow with his proud parents – Class of 2012
Tell us about a memory or reflection related to the concentration:
Over the course of my education at the University of Delaware, there was one facility on campus that was singularly responsible for my academic and professional success: The Disaster Research Center (DRC). As a student within the Emergency and Environmental Management Concentration, I saw the DRC as a wonderland of sorts. Whether it was exploring the library or working as a student researcher, I frequently stopped to reflect on how lucky I was to have access to such unique resources. Above all, I value the mentors who guided and inspired me over the course of my college career; none of whom I would have met otherwise.
Where were you placed for your practicum?
One of the best elements of the Emergency and Environmental Management concentration is the practicum. My advisor was willing to give me credit for a previous internship I had with the Red Cross over one summer, which created the opportunity for me to pursue other internships during my academic breaks. I was able to work with the University’s Emergency Manager during one break and was provided with extensive opportunities to give back to UD and further my professional training.
What has been your academic, employment, or volunteer path since graduation?
After I graduated, I spent a year as a Field Team Leader in the AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps program. I led a disaster response team across the US and assisted in the federal disaster operations for both Hurricane Sandy and the severe winter storms that pummeled the New England region. We learned to live and breathe “National Service”. The experience was rewarding beyond expression, and I never would have come across it if I had followed any other path.
Why was the concentration valuable to you?
It gave meaning to my passion. I knew I wanted to make the world a safer place, but this concentration showed me how to do it.