Miranda Needham

she/her/hers

Hometown: Carbondale, IL

Major: Environmental Sociology

Minors: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Natural Resources and Applied Environmental Policy Analysis

 

How did you decide to study Sociology?

I took my first introductory Sociology course while I was in high school. I enjoyed the class because it encouraged introspection on my values and socialization. I started my first semester at CSU in the Exploratory Studies program but quickly chose Environmental Sociology after speaking with my professors and advisors. I felt like the program perfectly combined my interest in social systems with my passion for the environment and sustainability.

 

Why did you choose CSU?

When I was a child, my parents and I would take summer camping trips to Colorado. I quickly fell in love with the mountains and was set on leaving southern Illinois to attend college. After touring the university, earning a scholarship, and talking with family members who lived in the area, I saw CSU as the best place to discover myself and take new steps in my academic and professional careers.

 

What skills have you learned and how do you plan to apply them?

One of the most important skills I’ve gained during my time in the Sociology program is the ability to critically analyze social structures and power dynamics across contexts in my scales. In my career, I aspire to foster more inclusive outdoor spaces and shape outreach and education programs that facilitate holistic stewardship of the environment. My studies in sociology, natural resources, and environmental policy have equipped me with an understanding of how complex societal inequities have impacted natural resource management and with the communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills necessary to address them.

 

What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)

I served as co-president of CSU’s chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society for the past two academic years.

 

A favorite class or professor and why:

One of my favorite Sociology courses I took during my time at CSU was SOC-364: Food, Agriculture and Global Society with Dr. Sbicca. This course prompted me to reflect on systemic injustices in my home community and completely altered my understanding of local and global food systems. The focus on community sovereignty and justice inspired me to start exploring careers in community outreach and environmental education.

 

A favorite CSU memory:

In the fall of 2023, the Sociology department and AKD hosted Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a Sociology professor and researcher at the American University, to give a talk on her recent book Hate in the Homeland: The New Global Far Right. It was inspiring to see the number of students, faculty, and community members who were engaged in this event. I loved being able to witness and participate in the discussions that her presentation prompted. This experience showed me how powerful and important it is to bring sociological research and discourse into public spaces and is one of my favorite memories of the CSU community.

 

What are you pursuing after graduation?

Over the summer, I will be working for the National Park Service as a seasonal Interpretation Ranger. In this position, I will be creating and presenting interpretive programs that facilitate connections between park visitors and the environment. I have been accepted into the Master of Natural Resources in Conservation and Leadership program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and will be beginning my online coursework this September. I will also be pursuing graduate certificates in Applied Management and Environmental Education and Interpretation.

 

Anything additional you’d like to share?

I am so grateful to have spent the past three years at CSU. I came to Fort Collins unsure of myself and anxious about my future. Through hard work and the support of my friends, family, and CSU faculty, I made more growth in my career and personal life than I ever thought was possible. If I had to do it all over again, I would choose CSU and the Sociology department again in a heartbeat!