Sara L. Potter
4906 Valley East Blvd Apt. H
Arcata CA 95521
707-407-9383
To Scott Morgan and the Sustainability Office:
This letter is to express my interest in employment as an Energy Innovations Coordinator. I feel my prior
experience and education make me an ideal candidate to assist in creating, installing and demonstrating energy
conservation and renewable energy projects on Evergreen campus. I first became interested in the environment
learning from my aunt, who was an instructor at the Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center in
Maryland. Growing up, I had a hands on science education that helped teach me to honor the earth and led me
to pursue environmental sciences as a career. I am attending Evergreen State College for an MES this fall, and
hoping to teach professionally. I have experience in environmental education through my time creating
pamphlets and informational packets for EPIC in Arcata during my professional internship. This taught me to
translate technical language into digestible form, an important ability while teaching. In addition, I helped
coordinate and create a community garden at Holt Middle School in Fayetteville, AR alongside students, and
have public speaking experience through tabling and fundraising for EPIC in my continued volunteer efforts. I
am very interested in carrying on teaching sustainability and developing interesting and unique approaches to
bring science to the masses.
As my resume indicates, I have graduated with a B.S. degree in Environmental, Soil, and Water Science from
the University of Arkansas. This major allowed me to pursue intensive classes in a wide range, such as Climate
Through Time, Environmental Soil Science, Analysis of Environmental Contaminants, Water Quality, and
Pollution of Lakes and Rivers. I used statistical methodology to present scientific results, prepare and convey
research results in simplistic and scientific writing, public speaking and oral communication skills. Microsoft
Office Suite, SAS 9.1 and ArcGIS 10 were taught and used extensively. Additionally, I have work experience in
professional field and laboratory positions, serving as a research assistant in both soil and stream ecology
research laboratories at the University of Arkansas.
I gained proficiency in organizational skills, time management, and detail-oriented work in these positions. I
have become comfortable working on my own and in a team to complete tasks. I am detail oriented, and an
enthusiastic worker.
With the need for conservation efforts and efficient methods of industry, it is critical to have a knowledgeable
and dedicated staff to pass on information to the next generation. My scholastic and hands-on training,
experience with environmental education, and holistic ecological outlook would be assets in an Energy
Innovations Coordinator.
I look forward to hearing from you. Please contact me to schedule a meeting in person or if there are any
additional questions.
Sara Potter
September 22, 2011
saralouisepotter@gmail.com
potsar09@evergreen.edu
SARA L. POTTER
4906 Valley East Boulevard APT. H Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 407-9383
saralouisepotter@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Environmental, Soil and Water Science May 2011
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
In-Major Grade Point Average: 3.49
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Analysis of Environmental Contaminants, Honors Principles of Biology, Microbiology I&II, Biochemistry,
Chemistry I&II, Organic Chemistry I&II, Principles of Water Science, Water Quality, Pollution of Lakes and
Rivers, Principles of Soil Science, Environmental Soil Science, Ecosystems Assessment, Biostatistics, ,
Biological Engineering Design I,II,&III, Conservation of Natural Resources Environmental Ethics, GIS for
Environmental Science, Geology, Climate Through Time.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
• Trained in biological, chemical, soil and water sciences.
• Exemplary skills in soil and water sample and analysis, from field to lab, including chain of custody and
quality control procedures.
• Quantitative calculation of environmental processes and statistical analysis of empirical data in laboratory
setting.
• Experience designing and implementing experimental procedure.
• Familiarity with lab safety and cleanliness protocols.
• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, SAS 9.1, GPS, ArcGIS 10, and Salsa Interface web
design.
• Effective communication through written word, online media, and through group and individual oral
presentations.
• Evaluation of sources and application of peer-reviewed data to environmental topics.
• Rigorous fieldwork, map reading, and backpacking skills.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Project Analyst and Public Lands Advocate
Volunteer Basis
Environmental Protection and Information Center, Arcata, CA
I participate in field work and document research to fully understand and analyze both short and long-term
effects of proposed activities in National Forest Lands. I use GIS and GPS to locate project areas, physically
visit, photograph, and observe them, gather background information on area resources, and then consult the
relevant literature and project plans for legal incongruence and fallacious or incomplete scientific conclusions.
Environmental, water, and endangered species laws, particularly NEPA, ACS, CEQA, CESA, ESA, and
Standards and Guidelines for Forest Management are used to assess projects. Current projects are focused on
logging and fuels reduction within Shasta-Trinity National Forest Late-successional Reserves with potential
Northern Spotted Owl Habitat.
Stream Ecology Lab Technician
January 2011-May 2011
University of Arkansas Aquatic Ecosystems Laboratory, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
I assisted in both field and laboratory research involving the health of streams in Northwest Arkansas. Duties
include hiking long distances to gathering water, macroinvertebrate, and aquatic plant samples, preparing water
samples for biological and chemical analysis, and monitoring biological population composition. Skills acquired
include macroinvertabrate species identification to order, evaluation of chemical and biological fitness
indicators, and quality control protocols for transporting samples.
Soil Ecology Lab Technician
January 2010-December 2010
University of Arkansas Soil Ecology and Microbiology Laboratory, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
I assisted in the physical analysis of soil, earthworm, fescue, and water samples, by preparing samples for soil
digests and preparing glassware. Work supported graduate student research on soil biotic composition and
populations. Proper lab procedures, safety measures, and sampling and quality control protocols were
emphasized. I helped organize and maintain the laboratory and laboratory tools.
Professional Internship
Summer 2010
Environmental Protection and Information Center, Arcata, CA
I researched and analyzed development projects and worked to provide data to present a scientific base for
campaigns. By working with attorneys, biologists, and local special interest groups, I diagnosed scientific
conclusions of Environmental Impact Reviews and Statements I studied the singular ecology of Northern
California, as well as the particular social and economic circumstances relating to area environmental topics.
Public speaking, website management, and volunteer organization were practiced.
HONORS AND ACTIVITIES
• Dale Bumpers College Dean's List and Honor Roll
• KXUA Radio Host
• KXUA Music Board Committee- New Music Director
• Roosevelt Institute Campus Network, University of Arkansas Chapter- Outreach Chair
• Crop, Soils, and Environmental Science Club Member
• Ozark Society Student Group Member, Headwaters Chapter
• Heifer International Club
• Students for a Free Tibet Association
• American Society of Agronomy Student Member
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Medical Office Assistant
2007-2009
Advanced BodySculpture of Oklahoma
Tahlequah, OK
I was charged with establishing an office filing and intake system under HIPAA guidelines. I sterilized
procedure rooms and instruments, and assisted with patient care and supervision during surgery. Proper
biohazard disposal and safety was of prime importance. In addition, I advanced business through web
promotion and traveling to directly communicate with patients and prospective patients concerning diet and
weight-loss surgery techniques.
Car Hop
2006-2007
Sonic Drive-In
Tahlequah, OK/Fayetteville, AR
My responsibilities included taking orders, delivering food and drink orders, food preparation as well as
providing general customer service. I was offered a managerial position but declined in favor of completing my
degree.
Wait Staff, Greeter, Party Organizer and Banquet Coordinator
2004-2005
Smokey Bones Barbeque Restaurant
Fayetteville, AR
My initial responsibilities at this high volume, franchise restaurant included organizing seating, greeting and
customer intake. I was promoted to a serving position, and eventually performed as Lead Coordinator for large
parties and take-out banquets. I was also secretary of the Safety Team, taking notes and making suggestions to
improve work safety conditions.
Professional ReferencesDr. Sonja Hausmann- Professor, University of Arkansas
Phone:479-575-6419
Email: shausman@uark.edu
Dr. Mary Savin- Professor and Supervisor, University of Arkansas
Phone: 479-575-5740
Email: msavin@uark.edu
Dr. David Miller- Professor, University of Arkansas
Phone: 479-575-5747
Email: dmmiller@uark.edu
Natalynne DeLapp- Development Director, Environmental Protection Information Center, Arcata, CA
Phone: 707-822-7711
Email: natalynne@wildcalifornia.org
Shronn Shuelke: Office Manager, Advanced BodySculpture of Oklahoma, Tahlequah, OK
Phone: 918-207-5201
Email: write__shro@yahoo.com