Student Spotlight - Liliana Kijek

Introduce yourself

My name is Liliana Kijek. I am a first-year Master of Science and Environmental Studies student at the Voinovich School. I am from the Cleveland area, I got my bachelor's degree in political science from Cleveland State University at the end of 2022. And I'm expected to graduate from the program in May of 2025. 

Why did you choose the Voinovich school and the MSES program? 

So I chose the Voinovich School's Master of Science and Environmental Studies program for a variety of reasons, but mainly the interdisciplinary nature of the program and their learning-by-doing approach. With that being said, I absolutely adore the Appalachian region, and with the location of our campus, it gives us firsthand experience and a broad range of connections in the field of environmental studies. 

What research have you conducted and what did you learn? 

I started the program working on analyzing and summarizing injection well suspension reports for the Division of Oil and Gas. I've also done research on lead in groundwater within Athens. I am also currently working on a Stream and Wetlands Foundation wetland restoration project with another Voinovich School student collecting and analyzing water samples. I have also recently begun assisting in the Ohio Nutrient Pollution Reduction Strategy. 

What project are you currently working on? 

I have begun formulating a project that studies microplastic contamination in rural Appalachian Ohio drinking water sources and I will be looking at the socio-economic aspects of the region as well. 

What is the best leadership advice you have received? 

I would have to say the best leadership advice that I have received has been from Dr. Geoffrey Dabelko; his advice has been from a purely professional point of view. Whether it's the way that we speak, the way that we present, the way that we communicate with other students, his advice has really increased my confidence in a professional setting. 

Why was the Voinovich School the right choice for you? 

This program has given me the opportunity to study and collaborate with people from all over the world from different walks of life, and the relationships and friendships that I have made in the program so far will stick with me for the rest of my professional career and my life, and I'm forever grateful. 

What are your future career goals? 

So I'm not exactly sure of what I want to do in the future, but I do know that I want to be able to make a positive impact in the world that not only affects the environment but also society as well. 

What would you tell someone interested in getting their MSES degree? 

Come to the program, it's so much fun!