Rushing through a degree wasn't a priority for Mary Munt — she wanted to take time to find what she loved. Given her background in chemistry and a love for environmental work, she transferred from Portland Community College to the biochemistry department at PSU.
Mary knew she was looking for a specific path, and after starting at PSU, recognized she wasn't on it yet.
"I knew I wanted to do something meaningful with my degree," she says.
She knew that part of finding her place would involve conversations and connections, but traditional networking felt intimidating.
"I would go to networking events and would think 'What the heck do I talk to these people about? They are way more qualified than me,'" she recalls.
Choosing what felt like the most approachable avenue, Mary emailed a biogeochemist in the environmental science department. This decision led her to discover biogeochemistry — a field she didn't even know existed, but one where she would quickly find her footing.
Mary started getting involved with labs, staying curious and willing to push herself in a field she was growing to love. In moments of uncertainty, she learned to trust her own experience and education.
"Even though there's 1,001 things you don't know, even if it's hard to feel qualified, there's that moment of realization that the work you've put in has made it so you can do things you couldn't do before," Mary says. "You are trustworthy enough to do things."
As she became more active in her program, she found ways to network that felt right for her. In labs, out in the field, or at events centered on water research, she kept showing up — intentionally curious and open to anything.
"Making myself available and being willing to learn to do hard stuff was a really valuable facet of my experience," she says. Ultimately, all of the hard work led her to an internship with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), working with Anne Timm and Matt Yates on the Bethany Lake project, as well as many other projects.
Mary is still working with USGS today, but her role has expanded and deepened through her commitment and enthusiasm for new challenges. Her one-year internship was extended, and now she will stay at PSU to pursue a Master's in Environmental Science and Management, funded through PSU's partnership with the agency — the next step toward her long-term goal of becoming a professional water scientist.
Through uncertainty and changes, Mary has stayed steadfast, leaning on PSU advocates and finding unconventional ways to stay connected to USGS for as long as there are opportunities for growth.
Seven years into the journey, never rushing the pace, Mary shows she knows exactly where she stands.
"If nothing else, I will come out the other side incredibly qualified," she says.