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Josh Bakelaar '04

Graduate Student, University of Vermont Department of Plant and Soil Science

Major: Biology

Hometown: Ringoes, N.J.

Description of studies: Soil Ecology/Soil Nematology applied to winter pasture and bedded pack management of nine Vermont dairy farms that use intensive or rotational grazing in three counties- Addison, Franklin, and Orange.

How I got started: I’ve always had a passion for the environment and an appreciation of working landscapes. Experiences at GMC- the HRBC (Hudson River Block Course), the ELA core, philosophy of science, organic agriculture, all of the great biology courses—all had a huge influence. After GMC I managed to get some ecological work with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and upon returning to Vermont I landed a position at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington. As an environmental exhibit specialist there I cared for the entire animal collection and delivered fun and educational animal demonstrations for the guests.

Most important thing I learned at GMC: There’s more than one way up the mountain. Activities while at GMC: Dancing, hiking, swimming, sustainable living floor, botany lab assistant, biology club.

Advice to GMC students: Persistence pays— always strive for improvement. Take as many volunteer/internship experiences as possible and leave GMC a better place than when you arrived.