What's Your Name?
Laurel Shepard

In what University/College are you currently enrolled, or if an Americorps Volunteer, where are you working/volunteering?
Oregon State University

Tell us about your major or current career path:
I'm a double major in ecological engineering and environmental engineering. I'm not sure where my focus lies yet, I just want to focus my career on sustainability and solving some major environmental issue.

Are there any particular segments of the recycling/materials management industry that you would like to work in?
I'm especially interested in plastic reduction & biodegradable plastics (ones that actually biodegrade in a short amount of time, whether in compost or in the ocean!).

Are there any particular AOR members that you would like to meet?
No, but I'm happy to meet any :)

What motivates you to recycle and live sustainably?
We only have one Earth, and it's so beautiful and rich in what it has to offer us; if everyone relies on other people to take action, nothing is going to get better.

If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?
I'd be an elephant, because of their good memory and strong family bonds. Also they're just really cool.

How did you learn about AOR?
Through the Linn/Benton county Master Recyclers program!