Marinell Chandler

Chandler in NPS uniform with dog
Position: 
Park Ranger

Graduation Date: 12/13/2013
Degree Received: Environmental Studies (BS)
Other Degree: Geography minor

Here's what I've been doing since graduation:
In the spring of 2014 following my graduation in December I returned to Alaska with my second internship through the Student Conservation Association in Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali is home to the only sled dog kennel within the National Park Service system, and my job was to assist in the daily care of these amazing animals, as well as give interpretive presentations to up to 300 visitors daily about the history of the dogs in the park and their legacy of protecting its wilderness for future generations.

Last winter, I spent three months volunteering during the offseason in Sitka, AK with Sitka National Historical Park as an VIP Interpretive Park Ranger, giving interpretive talks as well as assisting in educational programs in partnership with local organizations and schools.

This April I returned to Denali National Park and Preserve and am currently working in the Denali kennels as a seasonal Park Ranger, my first official job in the National Park Service! My "office" is 6 million acres of Alaskan grandeur, and I am here to stay.Don't be shy, tell us about your proudest achievements since graduation: Living and working in AK with the National Park Service has been my proudest achivement so far. It has been my dream for several years to become a Park Ranger, and I feel incredibly fortunate to begin my career with the National Park Service in a place as wonderful as Denali with people who challenge and inspire me.

How did your SD Degree prepare you for life after college?
My degree in SD has provided me with the building blocks upon which I have begun my career with the National Park Service as an interpreter and proponent for natural, wild places.

One thing that constantly impressed my about the program was the diversity of the students within it - the range of interests we had, and what we hoped to do with everything we learned. The faculty and staff in the Sustainable Development department gave individual, personalized attention to each of us to make sure that we would be prepared for our individual goals while also ensuring that we left with broad knowledge of all branches of sustainability - environmental, economic, agricultural, and global.

I hope to educate and inspire a new generation of environmental leaders and wilderness protectors, and I am proud of the knowledge and experiences given to me by the SD program that has empowered me to make a difference.

If there is anyone interested in pursuing a job in the National Park Service, or would like an internship through the Student Conservation Association, I am more than happy to be a contact for them.

Contact Marinell:
chandlermk1@gmail.com
225-505-1079

Quote: 

My degree in SD has provided me with the building blocks upon which I have begun my career with the National Park Service as an interpreter and proponent for natural, wild places.

One thing that constantly impressed my about the program was the diversity of the students within it - the range of interests we had, and what we hoped to do with everything we learned. The faculty and staff in the Sustainable Development department gave individual, personalized attention to each of us to make sure that we would be prepared for our individual goals while also ensuring that we left with broad knowledge of all branches of sustainability - environmental, economic, agricultural, and global."