Jonah Turner, EIT
BSc, Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University
I graduated from Northwestern University this past spring with a bachelors in Environmental Engineering and minors in transportation and earth sciences. My education has provided me a basis in a wide range of environmental topics and experience working with ArcGIS and AutoCAD. Beyond the classroom I was a member of the marching and basketball bands and
the ASCE sustainable solutions team where I helped design sustainable mixed use districts and data centers. My time in marching band gave me an appreciation for working with teams and I’m excited to learn in the collaborative environment provided by Grayling and the engineering profession. Environmental engineering provides the basics needed for everyday life and business, providing those services and understanding how it intersects with transportation and other fields drives me to continue to work and grow my skills in environmental engineering.
In my free time I enjoy hiking, exploring public transportation, and visiting museums. I also enjoy playing soccer, golf, and basketball or watching those sports and more on TV. Having been a member of the marching band and other ensembles during my time in college, I continue to enjoy playing the trombone and finding community through music. As a lifelong railfan, I also enjoy exploring railroads of the area and volunteering at museums and other related events.
Where would you take a month-long road trip?
I’ve wanted to travel to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to experience their unique geography, seafood, and folk music. A month-long road trip would be the perfect way to experience the area’s outdoors and culture.
What’s the best live music show you’ve seen?
I’m not much of a live music person so I rely on friends to take me to shows if they have an extra ticket or need someone to go with. My friend took me to a heavy metal show headlined by Anthrax which was such a unique experience that its stuck with me ever since.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I was one of those kids who was obsessed with trains and always wanted to be a train engineer. Which isn’t my job, but I have gotten the chance to do which was an incredible experience.
What do you listen to while working toward a deadline?
I listen to upbeat 70s and 80s disco and new wave music or just bluegrass. Whichever happens to call to me at that moment.
If you were to get a new degree or certification, what would it be?
During my last quarter at college, I had the opportunity to take a welding class. I would love to go to a trade school or community college class to continue to improve my welding skills and create different furniture and art pieces.
