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ABOUT EPN

Ohio is home to thousands of environmental professionals who work every day to make the world a better place. The Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) is a service of the School of Environment and Natural Resources that seeks to connect, grow, and inspire environmental professionals through in-person and online formats.

In person, the EPN hosts monthly programs, workshops, and field trips that cover a range of pertinent environmental and sustainability topics, including topics related to wildlife, energy, water, policy and justice, among other key areas. Typically, EPN programs occur during the breakfast hour on the second Tuesday of each month at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4H Center in Columbus, Ohio. Each June and July, the EPN organizes field trip programs to explore exciting environmental initiatives around the state. All EPN programs feature exceptional speakers who are leaders in their fields. Sign up for an upcoming EPN program today!

Online, members of the EPN can access a variety of networking services, including a directory of nearly 2,500 of their fellow Ohio-based environmental professionals. Professionals are thus connected in a "community" of people who share their passion for our world and its environment, natural resources, people, and communities -- local to global. The EPN team is built to help you grow professionally and be more effective in your job, and be inspired about your career. Register an account to become an EPN member today; it's free, quick, and easy!

See how EPN events have grown our network:

Networks create pathways for solutions to arise to environmental and sustainability challenges. Consistent, open, and diverse relationships designed to build and facilitate trust, deepen knowledge, and build a shared understanding of complex issues are necessary for Ohio, our region, nation, and planet to rise above our individual and collective challenges. Learn More >>

Amy Wald
Sustainable Business and Wildlife Management '17
Founder and President, Greenluxe, Inc.

Amy completed her undergraduate degree in sustainable business and wildlife management in SENR in 2017 and is now a leader in sustainable hospitality and tourism. At Greenluxe, Inc., Amy educates and empowers hospitality and tourism professionals to embrace environmental stewardship while enhancing their financial performance, including here in Ohio. Amy will be a speaker at EPN’s February 11^th, 2025, program on sustainable tourism in Ohio.

Chris Yoder
Fisheries Management ‘73 
Research Director, Midwest Biodiversity Institute 

Chris completed his undergraduate degree in SENR in 1973 after studying Fisheries Management. During his time in SENR, he was involved in undergraduate research at the then OSU Museum of Zoology (now OSU Museum of Biodiversity). After graduation, Chris worked part-time for a professor at Wittenberg University, received a Master's in Zoology from DePauw University, worked twenty-five years at Ohio EPA, and is now the Research Director at the Midwest Biodiversity Institute located in Hilliard, OH since 2001.

Mark Dilley
Natural Resources ‘91
Master of Science in Environmental Science ‘03
Chief Scientist & Co-Founder, MAD Scientist Associates

Mark completed his undergraduate degree in SENR in 1991 having majored in Natural Resources with a specialization in Fisheries Management. Among his many involvements during his time in SENR, he was part of the Mountain Honorary and Big Brothers/Big Sisters and worked as an intern at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) within the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. After graduation, Mark got married and received his Master of Science in Environmental Science with an emphasis on wetlands from OSU in 2003. Mark is now the Chief Scientist and co-founder of MAD Scientist Associates located in Westerville.