Ryan Barretta ’23

I work in the Office of Environmental Planning within the Environmental Resource Compliance Unit in the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Our team is responsible for inspecting and monitoring active state construction projects involving sensitive environmental resources, from pre construction through post construction, to ensure that transportation projects are delivered with minimal degradation to the environment. In addition, we oversee habitat and wetland creation sites and perform monitoring to ensure the sites we construct are ecologically effective. We also conduct endangered species monitoring as well as coordinate and oversee fisheries enhancement projects in watercourses near roadways throughout the state. 

I chose to go to Eastern due to wanting to receive affordable in-state tuition and because of their strong Earth Science program that focused on learning critical skills for the current job market while giving me the opportunity to learn about a field that I am passionate about. I stayed at Eastern due to the friends and community I met playing rugby, and am very thankful for my coaches that dedicated their all the program and formed a brotherhood. 

One faculty member that I am forever thankful for is Dr. Steven Nathan. He helped me fully apply myself and always encouraged me to try and learn new things. He also guided me from the start of my degree to the end, helping me obtain the skills and knowledge needed for the current job market as well as preparing me for grad school, and gave me many opportunities to succeed and grow. I would not be where I am today without the enthusiasm and passion from all staff and faculty within the EES Department, and I am thankful to have spent time with such a great group of individuals that always encouraged me to do my best. 

I use a lot of the skills taught in my classes. For instance, I was able to learn CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) skills that are critical to my job and field during my major. One class in particular that has helped me a lot with my current position that I did not expect is Coastal Geologic Hazards. This class taught me how to use sustainable practices to mitigate coastal flooding when planning and reviewing transportation projects by the sea, and effectively interpret tidal datasets. I am also thankful for the time spent learning soil classifications and mineral identifications, as they have helped me better perform wetland delineations at my job today.”