Profiles

Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Profiles

MEET CHRISTINE LEDERER (MAES '12)

Christine Lederer

Degrees:

  • J.D., Cleveland-Marshall College of Law - Cleveland State University
  • M.A., Environmental Studies, Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs - Cleveland State University
  • B.S., Business Administration, Hawaii Pacific University

When did you graduate?
2012

Where are you currently residing?
Houston, Texas

Current Employment:
Position: Environmental Specialist, Rowan Companies
Job Duties: My position is in the health, safety, and environmental (HSE) department for an offshore drilling company. My job varies from day-to-day depending on operations, the needs of our internal and external customers, and inquiries by regulators. Visiting offshore rigs and land facilities is the best part about my job. It gives me the opportunity to meet the men and women who work in the field and learn about their jobs and any particular challenges they have. This is important because streamlining requirements is key to efficiency. Additionally, visiting facilities gives me the opportunity to identify potential gaps in compliance and turn those into opportunities to share information with employees.

Why did you decide to attend Levin?
I was attending law school at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and learned about the opportunity to earn a dual degree with Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs. After attending an informational session, I decided that was the path I wanted to take.

How did your experience at Levin influence your career path?
My education at Levin not only influenced my career path, but changed it completely - and for the better. Each class was more interesting than the next. Had I not enrolled at Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, I may have never obtained a career in the HSE field, or the oil and gas industry.

What piece of advice do you have for current Levin graduate students?

Understand what you enjoy about the education you are receiving. Not everyone has a set career path by the time they graduate. Do your research about potential careers, the requirements for those careers, and how your background and strengths could give you an edge.
 
For example, after earning my MAES and JD degrees, I only learned about the Health, Safety, and Environmental field after doing research. Because much of the "E" in MAES involves regulations, my law degree was something I stressed as a very good complement to the graduate environmental degree. I'm thankful I did not have tunnel vision and pursue a job as an environmentalist. I ended up finding a rewarding job that involves ensuring that my employer is compliant with regulations and helping others to understand environmental requirements.

In your opinion, what is Northeast Ohio’s best kept secret?
The best kept secret in Cleveland is West Side Market. I absolutely miss it.
 
What issues are you passionate about?
I am passionate about inspiring my colleagues and friends to learn about environmental issues. Any opportunity I get to help others improve is a bright spot in my day!