Trevor Litwiller ’14

Environmental Science

Biography

After graduating with an environmental science degree at Taylor in 2014, I began a career in the environmental consulting industry. I married fellow Taylor graduate, Morgan (McFerran) a few months later. My first job was with August Mack Environmental in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was able to work on many dynamic and innovative environmental remediation projects. An opportunity with August Mack led to me to Columbus, Ohio, for a year-long residence. After this residence, I accepted a position with GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. in Michigan. I have been working at GZA for three years. Most of my work has be focused on complex remediation projects. I have worked with large-scale excavations, removals, and restorations of environmentally impacted river systems. Managing work from the engineering and design phase on through the contractor implementation and final restoration has been the highlight of my work. It has been especially satisfying to witness my designs come to fruition while achieving a tangible improvement to the environment. I greatly enjoy the challenges of environmental consulting. However, my greatest joy is my family. Morgan and I are the parents of two little boys, Calvin and Lewis.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

I was involved with many courses that offered travel opportunities. I was able to experience the incredible Blacks Hills of South Dakota along with a week-long field trip through the National Parks in a summer field course. I was also fortunate to be a part of the Irish Studies Program. Studying abroad imprinted a love of travel and connected me with fellow Christians. Ireland will forever hold a special place in my heart. I learned so much about the world and my own spirituality through friendships and experiences. I highly encourage every student to participate in a travel abroad program. You will step outside of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

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

I was given a number of excellent opportunities at Taylor to pursue professional interests. I also was able to construct coursework around my goals. The Environmental Science program has a number of excellent professors, and I was very fortunate to have mentors in Professor Reber and Dr. Guebert. They made the coursework engaging and fun. I also was able to spend a semester in Ireland as part of the Irish Studies Program. My professors in this program brought history, literature, art, and music to life in ways that I never thought possible. The relationships and memories made at Taylor in and out of the classroom will remain with me for the rest of my life.

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

Working in the engineering and environmental consulting industry, I interact with many scientists and technical experts on a daily basis. The liberal arts foundation at Taylor has allowed me to distinguish myself from this group with a well-rounded education. Many foundational core classes benefited me in areas of project management. I learned many leadership skills in these classes. These skills have helped me in the workplace. My Taylor education prepared me as an environmental scientist but more importantly, it prepared me as a Christian leader, father, and husband. I am prepared to take on future challenges.

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

I would highly recommend pursuing research opportunities and working with your advisor to design classes, opportunities, or internships around areas that interest you. Do not be afraid to pursue study abroad programs. They may not contain many of your degree coursework, but they may contain foundational core courses. They also will give you the opportunities to experience places you may never again visit in your lifetime.