Friends University: Master of Science in Environmental Studies

[ ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ]

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Success Students

Norberto (Bert) Castro
Tom Vanatta
Carolyn McGinn

Norberto (Bert) Castro
An early graduate of the MSES Program, Norberto (Bert) Castro had to drive from Tulsa, Oklahoma, every week to attend classes. At the time, he was an elephant keeper at the Tulsa Zoo. Berts research interests were in promoting elephant captive breeding programs, because the number of free-living elephants was (and still is) in serious decline in their native lands. However, male elephants, or bulls, can be extremely dangerous to be around, especially when they enter a period called musth. Many keepers have been killed or injured when a usually docile bull elephant suddenly turns on them. The bulls are needed to provide sperm for captive breeding programs. Bert completed a masters thesis that examined whether the onset of musth could be determined by changes in blood testosterone levels. He collected data on blood testosterone levels from eight zoos in Canada and the United States, and also worked with a colleague in India, who provided data from elephants housed at zoos in that county. His research has helped in the captive propagation of elephants. Since completing the MSES Program, Bert has moved to Audubon Park Zoo, in New Orleans, and Zoo Atlanta, receiving promotions to Curator. Currently, Bert is the Director of the Oklahoma City Zoo.

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Tom Vanatta
Tom Vanatta was a nurse before he enrolled in the MSES Program. He was always interested in science and research, and was not finding either in nursing. During his program of study, Tom worked alongside researchers assigned to the local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). At the NRCS, Tom was introduced to wetlands, and learned of their tremendous ecological and environmental importance. He was also made aware of the acute problems facing wetlands in the United States and, in particular, here in Sedgwick County. Toms path seemed clear. His thesis research consisted of mapping potential wetland sites in the county. In order to accomplish the project, Tom first had to learn to identify signs of wetlands, as well as mapping techniques. Soon after graduation, he was offered a salaried position in this area, and continues to work for a better environment.

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Carolyn McGinn
Carolyn McGinn was hesitant to enroll in the MSES Program. She farms in the town of Sedgwick, located just north of Wichita. Carolyn was also active in the Farm Bureau, and was keenly aware of the animosity that has long existed between farmers and environmentalists. However, she saw this animosity as a challenge as well as an opportunity for her to educate both parties and try to form better working relationships. Her vehicle of choice for creating better understanding between these two groups was environmental education. Her graduate project focused on non-point pollution, some of which comes from farms as fertilizers and pesticides run off and enter the groundwater. Carolyns efforts are ongoing and have been very successful thus far. Soon after she graduated, Carolyn ran for and was elected to the Sedgwick County Commission. She won re-election and currently serves on this commission. Her environmental background and strong working knowledge of local and national environmental issues allow the County Commission to make decisions that will help to improve environmental quality.

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