Heather Podlipny

Professional Summary

Company

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)

Current Position

Assessment and Restoration Biologist, Inland Fisheries/Natural Resources Damage Assessment Team

Job Duties

Heather is a biologist at TPWD in the Inland Fisheries Division. She participates in natural resource damage investigations to evaluate potential injuries caused by oil spills and releases of hazardous substances, helps develop remediation plans and pursues compensation for spill injuries.

Heather also reviews and provides feedback on incoming documents, such as ecological screening level risk assessments and other soil, sediment and water datasets. Heather previously worked in the Remediation Division at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

What are you passionate about?

Evidence-based scientific approaches to environmental protection.

Describe your educational history:

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry minor – Stephen F. Austin State University
Master of Science in Biology – Stephen F. Austin State University

What advise would you give to the current Aggies interested in entering environmental industry?

Gain as much experience in your field as you can while you are in school. Part-time work off campus, on-campus jobs, and internships are all invaluable.

If you were entering the environmental industry today, what area would you pursue? Why?

If I was trying for a position similar to the one I have now, I would focus on a major that is includes classes focusing on the  environmental impacts of contamination. Geology, environmental science and other classes that include data evaluation will likely be helpful in your career.