Member profile: Daniel Rosenkratz, 34
GPSI Intern with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
First Year Intern
By: Melissa Boehm

What do you do for the IEPA?

A – I’m the Outreach and Policy Specialist. I work on creating a newsletter about carbon sequestration. We’re also working on sustainability in relation to renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and methane. I also work with policy and try to encourage the use of sustainable methods.

What do you want to do in the future?

A – I want to work with sustainability in relation to either renewable energy or planning and management. I also want to work with resource issues and energy use, preferably with a non-profit, government, or private institution.

What do you like about being a GPSI?

A – I like my boss, who I feel is a very positive mentor. I enjoy the work I do, being able to go to interesting environmental meetings, and the hands-on work experience. I really like that GPSI pays for my schooling too. I feel that it’s the best of both worlds.

What is your background in?

A – I have my bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Georgia. I did a variety of different jobs, from government work to computers, but decided to go back to school to get my masters in what I really love.

Would you recommend GPSI to other people?

A – Definitely yes. It’s been a great experience for me so far. It really gives you a good understanding of the possible field you’ll be in when you graduate.

What has been your favorite experience so far as a GPSI?

A – I’ve enjoyed going to meetings with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to talk about carbon sequestration. I’ve also enjoyed going to meetings with Illinois Stewardship Alliance to talk about sustainable agriculture. I got to travel to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to have a meeting with the lieutenant governor about alternative energy.