Employees from the Bureau of Environmental Enforcement’s (BSEE) Gulf of Mexico Region met with local students last week as part of the PLAY, LEARN, SERVE and WORK outdoors initiative. Eric Hawkins, a geologist, and Alicia Calero, a petroleum engineer, volunteered with the Core Element STEM summer camp on the campus of Delgado Community College in New Orleans.
More than 36 middle school students and their summer camp teachers attended the event where Hawkins and Calero worked with the students to explain the process of oil and gas formation, exploration and production. They also spoke with students about the mission of BSEE and the advantages of a career in public service, with a specific focus on the roles of geologists and engineers within BSEE and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The two shared their excitement of working on the cutting edge of technology, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the responsible development of the Nation’s energy. There was also a discussion of the specific courses needed to pursue careers in geology and engineering to help students prepare for the future.
STEM programs are designed to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Hawkins and Calero are part of BSEE’s Gulf Region recruiting team and were able to encourage the group to pursue careers in STEM focus areas and to consider BSEE when it comes time to look for employment.
Earlier this year Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell formalized an ambitious initiative to inspire millions of young people to PLAY, LEARN, SERVE AND WORK outdoors. The initiative is establishing meaningful and deep connections between young people – from every background and every community – and America’s great outdoors. Through these connections the Department of Interior is investing in the future caretakers of the nation’s public lands.
