Hello

Childhood for me was at the edge of a forest preserve in Illinois parallel to a piece of the Mississippi River that flows east to west. Trains from across the river and state lines whistled every night. Flooding was and still is a yearly, springtime experience. Farms covered in monocultural landscapes dominate what extends past the preserve. I have great admiration and curiosity for the environment, geography and human perception, action, and utilization of our world.

When I first engaged in a course on the social dimensions of environmental studies, I felt invigorated by both the power of framing in social movements and approaches to environmental social and ecological injustices. Following the course, I became a research assistant under my advisor in collaboration with another student to research the college's footprint and relationship to the greater community. This experience strengthened my interviewing and researching skills, as well as opened my eyes to the value of community-based research and my passion for it.

I enjoy engaging in rhetoric related to environmental humanities ideologies. Especially in relation to sense of place and human norms and values towards environmental care. This research interest of mine has grown from a research project that I completed titled Perceptions and Attitudes of Stakeholders in Hickory Creek Watershed. Interviewing and coding about perceptions and attitudes from diverse land use stakeholders gave me insight that generational farmers and people that live in a small town built in the 2000s can live in the same watershed, but have vastly different perceptions on water and life.

This research expanded my perception of perspective within environmental care. Gathering qualitative data through these methods and on similar topics is something I aspire to have a role in my life permanently. I want to conduct research that supports sustainable thinking and reformation.

Along with my environmental studies degree, I minored in anthropology to strengthen my understanding of humanity. The works of Zora Neal Hurston and Ella Deloria cultivated my interest in storytelling. Their literary works inspired me to realize how instrumental raising various community voices is to the narrative of humanity. In more recent days I have read "Braiding Sweet Grass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer and "Seed Keeper" by Diane Wilson. They have reminded me of my interests in understanding people, specifically American culture critiques in relation to environmental reciprocity and land management. While also, supporting community-based efforts in attempts to fight climate change, respect natural resources, and understand the place of humans as being within the context of fauna in the phrase flora and fauna. We are not above it. We should learn and support species diversity, ensure regulation to maintain environmental health, and culturally understand the ecosystems around us. 

​

Experiencing a small liberal arts college gave me freedom to learn and conduct exploratory community-based research. Because of these experiences, two research program directors asked me to be the Sustainability Interface Manager for their research centers following my graduation. Their interest in my application was based on my effective contributions during my senior capstone, previous research, and my ability to integrate organization into a group seamlessly while supporting everyone. The research center titles are, The Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness and The Upper Mississippi Center for Sustainable Communities. They made this position possible to increase research capacity for the two community-based centers.

My personal research has been and is in the realm of exploring perceptions and attitudes regarding natural spaces, integrating historical and social data to address key environmental questions, and investigating the intricate relationships among wildlife, trees, watersheds, and human land use. I have a particular interest in understanding how human actions impact, interact with, and influence in the natural environment. I have presented my findings at various conferences at local, state, regional, and global levels. My work has been essential in meeting deliverables for the Illinois EPA for our local community and enhancing local resources for ecological testing and human health initiatives.

​

As an Instructor for Introduction to Liberal Arts, I had the privilege of guiding students through their academic journey and advising them over multiple terms. Mentoring students through the research process was also a fulfilling experience. Overall I spent ranging from 20%-100% of my weekly time mentoring students. My teaching philosophy centers around meeting students where they are and utilizing holistic approaches to connect concepts, promote collaborative learning, and expand our collective knowledge base.

​

Long term I seek to work for a non-profit or agency such as Forest Services, Fish and Wildlife, Environmental Protection Agency, or something similar. I will have two years working experience as of June 5, 2025, and I hope to complete a Masters program from August 2025-May 2027. If you have any advice or questions please do reach out in the form below.

​

Best and thank you for taking the time to read this,

​

Peyton Heisch