COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 19 Oscavich explains that finding opportunities where a Fellow’s interest matches organizational needs also is a primary consideration. “We tend to see what their passions are, and then talk to them about how the work that we’re doing and their passion can advance our work,” Oscavich says. Such was the case with Martinez, who now works as an environmental planner for the commission. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University with a double major in environmental science and political science, he was seeking experience that would leverage his interest in environmental and climate concerns. He found it in his work as a Fellow while earning his environmental policy master’s degree. Martinez says it was a revelation learning he could do environmental work that wasn’t the field or lab work he experienced in undergraduate science classes. His first responsibility as a Fellow at the commission was coordinating a community walk audit program with the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and AARP. Martinez identified potentially hazardous or high-demand locations for pedestrians and volunteer teams “audited” these locations and collected data. Describing it as “a kind of citizen science project,” Martinez says, “We went out and walked around and surveyed, to see the conditions of sidewalks, whether they just ended randomly, or whether they were in poor condition.” He notes that the project ties into environmental concerns because promoting pedestrian safety can encourage more people to walk and bike instead of drive, leading to fewer vehicle emissions. Later in his fellowship year, Martinez transitioned to working on a Climate Action Plan, funded by a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant the commission received from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He conducted a greenhouse gas inventory, assessing emissions in the Lehigh Valley. The project has continued since he was hired permanently. He wasn’t the only Fellow hired that year: Martinez’s classmate Joey Dotta ’23G joined the commission as a regional planner. Dotta now works with current Community Fellow Mary Grace Collins. Full Circle Experience Former Fellows often become a resource for new Fellows. At the City of Allentown Department of Community and Economic Development, Tormann is passing along lessons learned to new Fellow Huda Hagos. In addition to mentoring Hagos to learn more about planning and zoning, Tormann wants to encourage her to leverage her experience as a Fellow to enter the workforce with more confidence. He says the year of work experience taught him how to navigate the workplace, combatting what he calls “young imposter syndrome.” “The fellowship is huge for building your own confidence and for building familiarity with a professional environment,” he says.” “Past and current Fellows continue to work together and forge connections, creating fulfilling careers and making a lasting impact in the community. ● Left to right: Trevor Tormann and Huda Hagos meet in Tormann’s office, Mary Grace Collins, Hagos and Tormann outisde of Allentown City Hall.
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