Academics: AAS Natural Resources Green River College (2017 - 2020), BAS Forest Resource Management Green River College (2020 - 2022), MSc in Cultural and Environmental Resource Management Central Washington University (2023 - 2025).Work Experience: Adjunct Instructor, Green River College (Jan - Mar 2023), Eastside Natural Areas Steward, Washington State Department of Natural Resources (Mar - Jun 2023), Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, Central Washington University (Sep 2023 - Jun 2025), Biology Lab Coordinator, Gonzaga University (September 2025 - Present)
Share a bit about yourself and what you have been up to since you left Green River.
Since leaving Green River College, I have been finding my place within natural and environmental resource management. I love how diverse this field is, and I have been blessed to explore many different opportunities so far. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I worked in sustainable forest management and natural area conservation, spending much of my time among the trees and unique flower populations.
I also had the opportunity to teach as an adjunct instructor at Green River College, where I discovered how much I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the natural world with others. I wanted to continue teaching and also pursue research. This led me to begin my master’s degree at Central Washington University, to find a job in research, restoration, Geographic Information Systems, land management, or academia.
I recently started my next step and adventure as a Biology Lab Coordinator at Gonzaga University in Spokane, a permanent, full-time position!! In this role, I manage the physiology lab and greenhouse, and I teach weekly labs in ecology, physiology, and biodiversity, both in the classroom and on field trips. It’s truly the kind of job I dreamed of getting!
How did your education at Green River College prepare you for where you are today?
My education and experiences at Green River College prepared me for graduate school by providing me with plentiful professional opportunities, life skills, and confidence, and I left GRC with a resume full of work experience, skills, and references. The professors, supervisors, and mentors I had at Green River encouraged me to ask questions, reach out, and get involved in my community, which made me feel comfortable connecting with potential graduate advisors and programs.
What kind of advice would you give a GRC student who dreams of getting into a top university?
Have an open mind! Some of the best opportunities, whether across Washington, the country or even internationally, can come from unexpected places, and the same goes for friendships that may turn into lifelong connections. Additionally, don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors, advisors, or even future mentors with questions related to university transfer, graduate school, or projects they are working on. More often than not, they want to see you succeed, are happy to answer questions, and support you along the way.
Please share anything else you would like to add.
I am very thankful for my time studying abroad at Green River College and Central Wahsington University! It gave me the chance to grow into the confident friend, mentor, instructor, and leader that I am today.
Naomi working as a Biology Lab Coordinator at Gonzaga University.