Devin Rigolino '13

Some Advice from a CURCA Alumnus

Devin Rigolino, recent graduate from Siena, currently works as a Stewardship Coordinator at Saratoga P.L.A.N. Devin is grateful for his experiences with undergraduate research because it helped him develop valuable skills and connections which assisted him in his search for a job after college. While at Siena, Devin was highly involved in CURCA. Throughout his time at Siena, he participated in several different research opportunities, worked with several faculty members, as well as participated in several internships and independent study courses. Under the Environmental Studies Department, he spent time working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as part of an ongoing research project taking place within the Kromma Kill Watershed, the very watershed that Siena College lies in. He also conducted research under the Department of Chemistry doing analyses where he tested soil samples for traces of heavy metal contaminants. During his senior year at Siena he also spent time working as an intern for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at the Wildlife Resource Center, and co-authored an interpretive text for an international herpetology conservation organization. He also worked on a GIS mapping project for a member of the Biology faculty, which was of joint interest between two conservation organizations, one of which is now his employer.

Devin believes that engaging in research is “a great opportunity to begin the transition from traditional classroom learning to working in a professional setting at your first job. The skills that you take away really help prepare you for life after college, and more often than not, during these research opportunities and internships you will network and meet people who will be able to help you achieve your goals”. Devin presented his GIS mapping results off campus to representatives from Saratoga PLAN, the principle land trust serving Saratoga County. Here was where he was able to begin making connections that ultimately led him to joining PLAN full-time.

According to Devin, “Networking and meeting people within your field of study cannot be emphasized enough”. The contacts he made during his time with CURCA not only served as references during his job hunt, but many of these contacts also helped bring job opportunities to his attention. The faculty members that he had the opportunity to work closely with at Siena have served as major assets in getting him to where he is today. Strengthening relationships with these professors played an important role in his undergraduate experience.

In his current job, Devin says that his research helped him gain time management and organizational skills. It has helped him prepare for his current role in his company and believes undergraduate research will help prepare anyone as they transition into their careers.

Devin’s advice to current students

College can be very comfortable if you allow it to be. It is very easy to just go to class, fill your CAPP report and let your four years fly by. My advice to anyone looking to get into graduate school or wanting to obtain a job within their field of study would be to engage in as many opportunities as possible, and if none appear to you, seek them out or create them. There are colleges and universities all over the county cranking out fresh batches of graduates every year, and the only way to stand out from the crowd is to make you as experienced as possible. Not every academic institution offers research opportunities to its undergraduate students; Siena is special in this sense, so take advantage of it! Devin Rigolino ‘13 Stewardship Coordinator Saratoga P.L.A.N.