Get to know one of our many fantastic Environmental Scientists, Richie Sleger!
Where are you from and what was your area of study in college?
I was born and raised in Lewisville, Texas, north of Dallas. I graduated from Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 2016 with a B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus on marine and coastal resources.
What led you to pursue a career in Environmental Science?
I have a great love and appreciation for our environment and want to help keep it clean – plus working with my hands while being outdoors is a must for my personal well-being.
How did you come to work at W&M?
During college, I interned for W&M in the Plano and Fort Worth offices through the Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program. W&M had recently opened the Corpus office, and upon graduation I received an offer to come help get the ball rolling in Corpus. After the enjoyable experience I had during my internship, I was grateful to be offered a full-time position and start my career with such a great company.
What is your role here?
I am an Environmental Scientist at W&M. Working in our Corpus Christi office, I have been able to gain knowledge of many projects in the realms of remediation, compliance, and industrial hygiene. While I spend most of my time on remediation projects, when not in the field I work on various reports including SPCC, SWP3, TRI, and Tier II Reports. I attend local professional and industry-oriented events to spread awareness of W&M’s presence in the Corpus area.
What do you love about W&M?
I love the opportunities and support W&M gives us to grow ourselves professionally. The culture here is fantastic.
How would you describe W&M in three words?
We’re Braun Now.
But more seriously: Culture, Opportunity, and Advancement.
What has been your favorite project so far?
I enjoyed the 3,000-acre property wetland delineation in Ingleside/Aransas Pass, Texas. I also always enjoy Phase I investigations in the hill country.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I spend most of my free time fishing from the kayak, wading in the bays, and camping at the beach. I like to skateboard, go to hockey games (yes, Corpus has an NAHL team; Go Ice Rays!), hang out with my girlfriend and our dog, Ziggy, and watch live music at the small venues and restaurant bars downtown. Surf Club is the spot for local music, cold beer, and fish tacos.
What’s on your bucket list?
Hike both the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. I will most likely section hike them, but if I ever get the chance to thru-hike, I will.
Favorite quote or personal mantra?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.