B.S. in Biological Sciences and M.S. in Environmental Studies Alumna Promoted to Environmental Inspector Supervisor

Meet Hana Rydl

Job Title & Employer: Environmental Inspector Supervisor, TruHorizon Environmental Solutions
Majors/Programs: Biological Sciences (molecular/cellular, organismal, environmental science), Environmental Studies-M.S.
Minor: Chemistry
Graduation: 2015, 2016
College Activities: Cross Country team and graduate assistantship
Scholarships: Athletic scholarship for undergraduate and assistantship for graduate school
Hometown: Lanskroun, Czech Republic
High School: Gymnazium (Lyceum) Lanskroun
Now Living In: Canonsburg, Pa.
Hobbies & Interests: Running, biking, swimming, hiking and traveling

“Hana was the perfect candidate for the environmental inspector supervisor. She is a hardworking, dedicated employee who focuses on empowering her team. She has the natural ability to be a leader and is constantly striving to improve her skills. Hana’s studies at Point Park gave her the fundamental knowledge needed to perform her job duties at an exemplary level. Throughout her schooling, she gained a deep technical understanding of environmental risk factors and the regulations protecting the Commonwealth. She has been able to share this knowledge with her team, as well as the rest of the employees and has been a true asset to the team.”

Ben Olcott, General Manager, Northeast, TruHorizon Environmental Solutions

"When I think about Point Park, I remember how all the faculty and staff members were knowledgeable and willing to help me. As an international student coming alone from a totally different culture, this was priceless. I knew that I was never alone when I had any academic or personal issues. I also loved gathering in the library for studying or just chatting with my classmates."

Hana Rydl

Tell us about your promotion to environmental inspector supervisor.

I had been working at TruHorizon Environmental Solutions for one year and 10 months as an environmental inspector for well sites when our manager came to us and announced an expansion of our contract.

My department expanded by 14 new inspectors and, as one of the most experienced and educated employees, I was promoted to supervisor. We now inspect in multiple counties in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and one county in Ohio.

Why did you choose our biological sciences and environmental studies programs?

I was always interested in biology. As an athlete, I was first interested in how a human body works so I could improve my athletic skills. My interest continued with nutrition and how what we eat influences our lives. I started my college education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore near Salisbury.

After two years, I transferred to Point Park University and continued my B.S. degree in biological sciences that I started in Maryland. Point Park's position in the city, class sizes and the full athletic scholarship I received were the biggest factors for why I transferred to Point Park.

I remained interested in nutrition and its impact to human health (like spraying pesticides to crops and these issues that are similar to environmental issues) after I completed my undergrad education. However, I was also eager to start working and making some money. When I found out about the opportunity to apply for a graduate assistantship — which meant working part time during school while pursuing an M.S. in environmental studies at Point Park University —I didn’t hesitate for a second.

How have your Point Park classes helped you in the work you do?

Both my B.S. and M.S. classes at Point Park taught me how to cooperate and communicate with my coworkers. Exposure to public speaking while presenting my projects in school helped me tremendously, and still does daily in my work. The M.S. program also taught me time management, critical thinking and expanded my knowledge about environmental issues that I need to know for my work.

What are your favorite Point Park memories?

When I think about Point Park, I remember how all the faculty and staff members were knowledgeable and willing to help me. As an international student coming alone from a totally different culture, this was priceless. I knew that I was never alone when I had any academic or personal issues. I also loved gathering in the library for studying or just chatting with my classmates.

What advice do you have for our students studying biological sciences and environmental studies?

Take advantage of the small class sizes at Point Park and ask as many questions as you can. The professors are knowledgeable and willing to help every student.

B.S. in Biological Sciences and M.S. in Environmental Studies Alumna Promoted to Environmental Inspector Supervisor Alumni Profile