Alumni Profiles
The MSOH-IH degree has many successful graduates in a variety of positions in governments and the private sector. The graduates below are examples.
Cristen Calvin, MSOH
MSOH-IH 2017
Safety/IH Specialist
DTE Energy
NIOSH TPG Recipient
I graduated in December 2017. While in the graduate program I had the great pleasure
of working with Dr. Farhang Akbar and Dr. April Ames through a graduate assistantship.
My current position is with DTE Energy in the Corporate Safety Department. My title
is Safety/IH Specialist and I work in the Fossil Generation fleet. Our plants are
located along the Detroit River from Monroe to St. Clair, MI. In my job, I perform
two roles. I oversee safety for the plant outage/turbine team and out shops division
located in Detroit. Secondly, I am the felt industrial hygienist. The best part of
my job is that every day is very different. My favorite days are industrial hygiene
investigations--utilizing equipment, being in the field and performing detective work
is what I live for!
Advice to students or early career professionals: Work hard, get noticed, be passionate--Stay
true to yourself!
Melissa Kinn, MSOH
MSOH-IH 2013
HES Professional
Marathon Petroleum Corporation
NIOSH TPG Recipient
I work with all organizations to implement and maintain a health, environmental, safety
and security management system. I believe that by adhering to high standards and challenging
ourselves to improve, we show our commitment to operating in a safe, secure and environmentally
sound manner. When done right, we manage risk, improve performance and continually
improve our processes, while also improving relations with internal and external stakeholders.
I enjoy working with the different organizations and learning how they manage their
businesses.
Advice to students or early career professionals: Maintain a customer-focuses mentality.
Identify who your key stakeholders are and focus on what you can do to make their
jobs easier. Take advantage of opportunities that allow you to enhance your expertise,
even if you are outside your comfort zone. Always bring ideas for a solution when
presenting a challenge.
Heather Lorenz, MSOH, CIH, CSPCMLSO
MSOH-IH 2004
Director, EHRS
University of Toledo
I am the director of the Environmental Health and Radiation Safety Department at the
University of Toledo. Our department is responsible for Occupational Safety and Environmental
Compliance for the university, hospital and clinical environments. The most exciting
part of my job is the diversity of the position. With over 500 research labs and a
200 bed hospital, we always are challenged with coming up with innovative ways to
balance safety with new initiatives in both research and the medical field.
Advice to students or early career professionals: The EHRS professional often wears
many hats and there are situations that may be new to an early career professional.
When hiring a new staff member, we always look for individuals that are willing to
research, learn and work independently. Networking is critical in successful candidates.
Derek Newcomer, PhD, CIH, CSP, REHS, CHMM, MSOH
MSOH-IH 2003
Deputy Director
Division of OHS
NIOSH TPG Recipient
I graduated from the MSOH program in 2003 with funded support from the NIOSH TPG.
After gaining experience in the environmental and hazardous waste field, I transitioned
into the occupational health discipline. Presently, I am a Commissioned Officer with
the US Public Health Service and detailed to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
I'm certified in industrial hygiene (CIH, safety (CSP), environmental health (REHS)
and environmental management (CHMM).
I'm assigned as the deputy director of the Division of Occupational Health and Safety.
NIH has provided some of the most interesting, influential and rewarding experiences
in my career as a health and safety practitioner. The work conducted by NIH is state-of-the-art
and the demands of meeting the agency's mission without consequences to the health
and safety of the workforce is my daily motivator. The scientific quest to improve
human health by solving critical health diseases has presented unique safety challenges.
A walk across campus you'll find industrial, construction, healthcare and laboratory
workspaces. Such opportunities encountered in performance of my duties reflect NIH's
dynamic workplace; hence work is rarely rote in nature.
Advise to students or early career professionals: You chose to pursue a graduate degree
for a reason. It is helpful to recall your purpose for motivation as you advance through
the program. During the course of your studies and obligations to work/family will
give reason to question your decision. Having sound reasoning to pursue school while
fulfilling other responsibilities (e.g., family. career) will allow you to persevere
during weak moments.
Discuss your struggles and progress with your family. Classes will distract your from
these responsibilities while homework will consume your time during weekends and evenings.
It is important to acknowledge your family's sacrifice while they support your endeavor.
Their understanding of your trials and tribulations will enable a team-like approach
to your success.
Discuss your graduate school ambitions with your supervisor. In return, your office
may offer tuition assistance or time away during work hours in support of your studies.
Either privilege can alleviate school stress. Maintain a healthy school/work/life
balance. Although your participation may be scaled back, schedule time for hobbies,
social activities and physical fitness. A healthy body complements a health mind.
Certification in the profession is the gateway to advancement. Learn of the qualifications
requirements and plan accordingly.
Ken Smigielski, MSOH
MSOH-IH 2007
Director, EHS
Owens Illinois, Inc.
NIOSH TPG Recipient
I currently oversee the environmental, health and safety functions for 18 manufacturing
facilities in the North American Region. Owens Illinois is the world's largest manufacturer
of glass containers and the North American plants produce wine, food, beer and spirits
bottles. I am inspired by the opportunity to contribute to processes, controls and
developing behaviors that reduce work-related injuries and illnesses.
Advise to students or early career professionals: Our profession is define by the
"Anticipation, Recognition, Evaluation, Prevention and Control of Hazards." Often
times it is easy to recognize a hazard; I challenge all of us in the safety and health
field to be more involved and creative in identifying and implementing the control
of workplace hazards.