Title: Senior Ecologist, Horner Environmental Professionals

Degree: MPH in Environmental Health, 2002

Why he loves his job: "I get to daydream for a living," Batten said. As an ecologist, he meets with developers and landowners to help them determine how to maximize their development potential while minimizing the adverse effects on the environment. Due to the nature of his work, Batten spends about half of his time in the field, away from the confines of an office. He can wear jeans to work every day. But best of all, he knows he's making a difference in helping to preserve Florida's wetlands and the living creatures that call them home.

How USF has impacted his career: Batten started his Master's studies in Toxicology but switched to Environmental Health after taking a course in that discipline. He clicked with Dr. Noreen Poor, one of the Environmental Health professors and worked with her throughout his time in the MPH program. Now that he's a graduate, he still stays in touch with Dr. Poor and periodically returns to campus to share his professional experiences with current students. He's even thinking about getting a PhD in Environmental Health. No matter what he decides, though, he feels confident that he can rely on his former professors for advice and guidance.
 

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health • USF College of Public Health
13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56 • Tampa, FL 33612
phone: (813) 974-1120 • fax: (813) 974-4986
email: eoh@hsc.usf.edu