If you’ve ever wondered why we have an Environmental Club at RCBC, look no further than alumna Hana Katz, who formed the group in 2017. Under her leadership, the club mobilized and became proactive in the local community.
“Off-campus, we did everything from trash clean-ups along the Delaware River, to tree plantings in Mount Holly, to assisting the Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees, to working with the P.I.N.E.S. program in Whitesbog. On-campus, I invited speakers to teach students about wildlife tracking, outdoor survival, solar energy and the workings behind clean water filtration at the Mount Laurel Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA). We also started a sustainable herb/veggie garden at the Mount Holly Campus,” Katz said.
Katz, of Mount Holly, also secured her first real job at RCBC as a student worker within the STEM department. By fully immersing herself in the RCBC student experience, she was able to form lifelong connections that lead to many opportunities. In fact, she was recruited in 2017 to be the first "Young Women's Representative" of the Burlington County Women's Advisory Committee, where she works to mentor women, advertises women's programs and promotes gender equality throughout our county. She still serves on the committee today.
A former Liberal Arts and Sciences major, Katz chose a path that combines all of her interests - chemistry, biology, economics, politics and history. After graduating from RCBC in 2019, she enrolled at New Jersey City University, where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences. When she isn’t busy studying, you can find her painting, volunteering, traveling or working as a part-time employee for the National Park Service.
“I am working a very fun job at The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) analyst. My position encompasses working directly with park administration and utilizing computer science to better understand the history and archaeology of the area,” Katz shared.
In the future, Katz hopes to pursue a career in environmental resource management. She is extremely passionate about protecting clean water and air rights, and her ultimate dream would be to pursue a career in environmental law or to work for an organization that promotes environmental sustainability, such as the UN Environment Programme.
Wherever she lands, Katz is well-equipped for many possibilities due to her diverse range of skills and interests. She hopes to continue volunteering in her local communities of Hudson and Burlington Counties while finishing her bachelor’s degree and eventually earning her master’s degree.
Hana’s story is part of RCBC’s 50 stories for 50 years. In honor of the college’s 50th anniversary, RCBC is profiling students, faculty, administrators, alumni and the college community. Anyone interested in being featured can contact rcbcnews@rcbc.edu. To follow along on social media, use #RCBC50Stories.