Armila (Francis ’13) Aeilts

Environmental Science

Biography

I am an example of the importance of a liberal arts education! I started at Taylor as a biology pre-med major. As a requirement of the major, I was required to take a plant biology class. I may not have taken this class of my own volition. In that course, I became enamored with the plant kingdom and was introduced to environmental science. I completed the undergraduate program in 2012, and I enrolled in the master’s program in environmental science at Taylor, which I concluded in 2013. After graduation, I have worked in agriculture. I have been employed on small-scale organic farms and campus gardens. I am currently employed in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin—Madison.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

Studying abroad in Ecuador was one of the most formative experiences I had at Taylor. The opportunity to be out of my normal routine, see life from a different perspective, and evaluate my priorities was invaluable. Participating in life together was another valuable experience. The structure of Taylor enables and promotes personal and corporate growth through meaningful interactions with peers and faculty.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

Because of the openness that professors cultivate in their classes, the learning environment is highly conducive to curiosity and intellectual stimulation. Classes were not just about going to a big lecture hall and listening to someone talk for 50 minutes. We learned how to think, reason, and ask questions. This model of facilitating learning (rather than merely projecting information) is something I have been able to incorporate in my classroom.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

Diversity undeniably results in better science! People from various backgrounds ask different questions, and this leads to interesting research and innovation in any field. Interdisciplinary integration is paramount as we seek solutions for a greener future.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Get as many experiences as possible! Do not worry if you do not have a direct path to a dream job, you are in good company. Rivers meander, and they change their landscape as they themselves change.