Welcome Paige to Sweet Water!

Are you originally from Wisconsin?

No, but I grew up nearby in Lake Zurich, a northwest suburb of Chicago.  I spent the past few years in the western US and am happy to be back near Lake Michigan.  I can’t wait to explore more of the Wisconsin outdoors.  

How did you learn about Sweet Water?

I learned about Sweet Water through a job posting online and was excited to discover a local water conservation focused organization in Milwaukee.

Can you describe your professional background?

My background is in environmental science with a focus on applied ecology and surface water resources.  I spent the past year with the National Park Service Water Resources Division where I researched instream flow protections on National Wild and Scenic Rivers.  I also have experience analyzing water quality data collected by citizen scientists and researched aquatic invertebrates in local streams as water quality indicator species during my undergraduate degree.

Where did your interest in water come from?

From a young age I knew I wanted to be involved in environmental work, but it wasn’t until college that I discovered the field of water resources. Through coursework and fieldwork I learned about the importance of healthy water bodies and the interactions humans have with these waterways especially in urban settings.  I am so excited to work with Sweet Water to implement watershed programs and help improve water quality in the Great Lakes Region.  

What do you do when you aren’t at work?

 Outside of work I try to get outdoors as much as possible whether that be exploring new hiking trails, swimming, or riding my bike.  I also love creating art, especially ceramics and painting.