Tuesday, November 12, 2024 1201

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Just four years after graduating from Fort Lewis College, Claire Stellick (Chemistry, ’2020) spends her days traveling through the Utah backcountry, collecting snow measurements and monitoring weather conditions, often riding a snowmobile to reach remote sites.

It’s a career she never imagined while studying chemistry at FLC. Still, Stellick credits her time on campus with preparing her for a role that perfectly combines science, adventure, and a deep connection to the environment.

“I never would have imagined this when I started college,” said Stellick, a hydrologist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), part of the USDA's Utah Snow Survey. “I didn’t even know this job existed back then. But now, I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than working outdoors and contributing to the future of water conservation.”

Stellick’s career path began when she transferred to FLC in her junior year, drawn by the region’s rugged beauty.

“The community, the landscape, and the history of the school all drew me in,” she said. “Even though it was a bit scary to make the jump, I’m so glad I did. It was a great decision.” 

FLC offered Stellick the hands-on learning experience she was seeking. The college's small class sizes allowed her to connect directly with professors and participate in place-based research that laid the foundation for her future career.

“I was able to get a really intimate learning experience that many people don’t get at larger universities,” she said. “The small classes and advisors who see you day-to-day made a huge difference.”

Research projects gave her direction

Stellick decided to major in chemistry because she felt it would provide a solid foundation for various scientific careers. As an FLC student, she participated in two research projects that prepared her for becoming a hydrologist. The first project focused on studying allelopathy—when plants can prevent other plants from growing too close to them—in the oxeye daisy, an invasive flower.

“It was my first semi-professional experience going out into the field, making sure I had all the equipment I needed and dealing with the elements,” she said. “It really exposed me to what fieldwork is like, and that has been invaluable in my current job.”

Her second project involved studying volatile molecules in local hard ciders, a project that connected her with regional cider makers.

“It allowed me to see the full process, from apples grown locally to the final product,” she explained. “That project was especially valuable because it gave me a hands-on approach to using scientific instruments, which is pretty unique for undergraduates.”

Stellick attributes much of her success to the mentorship she received at FLC. Callie Cole, Ph.D., a professor in the chemistry and biochemistry department, was particularly influential.

“She offered me a research opportunity as soon as I transferred, and I worked with her until I graduated,” Stellick said. “She taught me the general principles of research and how messy it can be. It’s not always straightforward. But she also encouraged me to get involved in professional, scientific communication, a rare opportunity as an undergraduate.”

 

She also credits Andy Gleason, a geosciences professor who introduced her to meteorology, and Julie Korb, Ph.D., who taught her about snow telemetry (SNOTEL) in her advanced forest ecology class. Snow telemetry is how data is used to monitor temperature, precipitation, and the amount of water stored as snowpack at remote mountain sites across the West.

“They were pivotal in guiding me toward my current career,” Stellick said. “Dr. Korb introduced me to snow telemetry, which is the network I work with now. I wouldn’t have known about it if I hadn’t taken her class, where we got to dig snow pits and do full snow profiles.”

Fieldwork and analysis

Stellick’s role as a hydrologist combines fieldwork and data analysis, combining her love of the outdoors with her scientific background. She spends about two days each week in the field, traveling on snowmobiles or skis to maintain sensors, install data logging programs, and set up new snow depth sensors across a network of sites, including 141 in Utah, 59 in Nevada, and 31 in California.

“An average day might involve heading out into the Wasatch on a snowmobile to take snow measurements and ground-truth data from automated weather sites,” she said. “Then I’ll return to the office to work on the data calibration, making sure it’s accurate before it’s released to the public.”

In the office, Stellick performs daily quality assurance and quality control on telemetered data accessible to the public. This data produces monthly water volume forecasts for various stakeholders, including municipalities, farmers, and recreationists. During winter, she also conducts manual snow course measurements at the end of each month.

Stellick monitors a network of over 200 weather stations across Utah and neighboring states. The data collected is used by various stakeholders, such as land managers, water managers, tribal councils, and farmers.

“Our data is a public service. It helps people plan for the future, ensuring that our water resources are understood and preserved,” she said, adding that one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is seeing how many people benefit from the data she helps collect.

“I’m always surprised when I meet someone who knows what SNOTEL is and hear how they use our data in new ways. It’s rewarding to see how our work can benefit so many people,” she said.

Making connections

Stellick’s path hasn’t been without challenges, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated STEM field.

“There are subtle differences that come up when you introduce women into traditionally male spaces, but that shouldn't deter anyone,” she said.

She focuses on building strong connections and supporting other women and marginalized groups in the workplace. She also encourages women to recognize the traits they bring into the workplace that can be overlooked, such as organization and a focus on safety. While these may be seen as softer skills, they can enhance the workplace and be as critical as technical expertise.

Stellick advises students interested in hydrology or environmental science to talk to professionals in the field and ask them about their career paths and the roles of the people they work with. This research can reveal job opportunities they are unaware of.

She also recommends that students spend time on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website before graduating to understand the requirements of federal jobs.

“It’s crucial to know what qualifications are needed for the roles you’re interested in,” she said. “Some students, unfortunately, miss out on opportunities because they didn’t realize they needed to take a specific class, like a second calculus or physics course.”Stellick also advises students not to feel like they have to pursue a postgraduate degree first to enter the field.

“I don’t have a master’s degree, and I’ve learned so much through on-the-job training, working alongside experts in the field. Sometimes, experience can be just as valuable as a formal degree,” she said.

Stellick’s first steps into federal government work began with seasonal positions that allowed her to explore different aspects of land management. After graduation, she worked for the National Park Service (NPS), gaining hands-on experience in fieldwork and environmental monitoring.

Her NPS roles introduced her to the network of federal agencies and helped her build the skills needed for her current role with the NRCS. Those seasonal positions gave her the foundation for her full-time position with the USDA's Utah Snow Survey.

Work-life balance

Despite the demands of her job, Stellick has found ways to balance her busy schedule with her love of outdoor activities. She’s an avid mountain biker, skier, rock climber and hiker.

“There were so many recreational opportunities at Fort Lewis, which helped me learn how to balance work and play,” she said. “Now, even though I’m traveling long distances for work, I’ve managed to maintain that balance.”

Stellick’s work with the NRCS is closely tied to broader environmental goals, particularly water conservation.

“I hope people start to prioritize water conservation and understand how important it is to plan now,” she said. “We need to quantify what we have and anticipate what we’ll need for the future.”

The data she gathers is crucial in helping communities prepare for future challenges. She likens the data to a public library for snow information, accessible to all and valuable for various purposes, from land management to understanding the impact of climate change.

Although early in her career, Stellick has already begun helping those interested in the field. She works with Professor Cole to assist Fort Lewis College students with their job searches and provides guidance on navigating the transition from college to career.

“I think it’s important for students to know what’s out there and to connect with professionals in their field,” she said. “It’s always good to have a lot of options and see what’s possible.”

Stellick feels fortunate to have found a career that combines science, adventure, and a sense of purpose.

“I feel incredibly lucky to be doing what I do,” she said. “It’s a perfect blend of everything I love.”