Laura Webb
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Master in Environmental Management (MEM)
As a young girl growing up in Suffolk, Virginia, it did not take Laura Webb long to develop a strong love of nature. “I grew up near a lake and a river and was outside a lot. Even in high school, I would do projects on things like water quality. Those were definitely formative experiences, as far as my love of nature was concerned.”
It was those experiences that led Laura to earn a B.A. in environmental sciences from the University of Virginia. Though many of her friends went straight into graduate school or consulting after graduation, Laura decided to begin building her resume by working in environmental and historical education. She spent a year volunteering in Eastern Kentucky and two years as Director of Education for Allison Woods Foundation, a historic site and nature preserve near Statesville, N.C. During her time at the foundation, Laura developed environmental, historical, and cultural education programs for school groups and adults. “My favorite part of the job was sponsoring an environmental club called ‘Wood Walkers,’” recalls Laura. “Those kids were so enthusiastic! They loved to hunt for natural treasures in the creek, learn to identify bird and insect species, and write letters to politicians and CEOs as they identified issues of concern.” Laura clearly values the work experience she gained prior to beginning graduate study. “I thought it was important to have those experiences before coming to grad school,” Laura explains. “It just expands your way of thinking so much.”
In the fall of 1999, Laura began pursuing her joint master’s degree in environmental management and teaching. Laura based her decision on both the nature and the quality of Duke’s programs. “There are very few good schools that offer an MEM that is professionally oriented instead of purely research based. Also, Duke’s MAT program is really hands-on — you learn how to teach by teaching.”
Laura has nothing but positive things to say about her graduate experience. “I’ve had a really great experience so far. I am impressed with the quality of the students and the professors. I went to a large public university as an undergraduate, so it’s nice to feel the more individualized attention of a private school.” Laura’s comments on Durham are equally favorable. “I’ve really liked Durham so far. I think it has a unique culture.”
Laura is currently doing assessments of environmental education programs with a focus on changes in environmentally responsible behaviors. Laura’s work takes her into a variety of educational sites such as museums, zoos, and aquariums. She also volunteers with the Center for Environmental Education within the Nicholas School of the Environment. Laura’s volunteer work is geared toward sparking elementary school kids’ interest in science. Laura is also a member of Watts Street Baptist Church and Grad Intervarsity (a Christian fellowship group).
When asked what she values most about her graduate school experience, she replies, “One of the things I missed after undergrad was being in an intellectually stimulating environment. I’m glad to be back in school again.”
(This profile originally appeared in the Fall 2000 issue of The GRIND.)