CMU student Anna Lubbers turns classroom knowledge into real-world impact

Central Michigan University student Anna Lubbers never expected that a simple internship application would lead to one of the most meaningful experiences of her college career.

Anna first discovered the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) internship through a job board shared by Geography and Environmental Studies faculty member Dr. Mark Francek for members of CMU’s Geography and Environmental Studies Club. “I didn’t think that I would actually get the job,” Anna admits. But during the interview, she connected instantly with her future supervisor while talking about Dan Egan’s books on Michigan’s climate and history, and she was offered the position.

This past summer, Anna spent her time studying PFAS “forever chemicals” and using ArcGIS Pro to create a map showing the risks those chemicals pose to Muskegon’s drinking water. “It was an amazing opportunity to take the knowledge I’ve gained at CMU and use it in a professional setting,” she says. “Everyone I met there was absolutely wonderful. I made a lot of friends that I will hopefully be able to call coworkers after I graduate.”

As a transfer student, Anna came to CMU with one clear goal: gain the experience and knowledge she’d need for her future career. She found that through CMU’s Integration of Science, Technology, and Engineering (InSciTE) program, which she first heard about when CMU InSciTE Director Dr. Wiline Pangle visited one of her classes. “I realized it was just what I was looking for,” Anna explains. “Dr. Pangle very kindly worked with me one-on-one to fit the program into my schedule, and I had some awesome experiences creating projects with other students.”

Beyond her coursework, Anna also serves as a member of the College of Science and Engineering Advisory Board, where she helps provide student perspectives that shape the future of the college.

Anna credits InSciTE as a key factor in landing her internship, but she also values the friendships she gained through the program just as much. “I met an amazing group of friends through InSciTE that I now share an off-campus apartment with,” she says. “I would highly recommend anyone with an interest in science to join the program. Especially if you’re feeling like a fish out of water, you’ll find an amazing community there.”