| Baylor > Environmental Science > Student Spotlight > Trey Crumpton |
After earning a dual bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and Environmental Science in 2005, he chose to stay at Baylor to pursue advanced studies. "One reason that I think the Graduate School and the university as a whole is unique, is its commitment to historic Christian values and its pursuit of excellence in scholarship," Trey says. "There are very few institutions of higher learning remaining in the world that so successfully defend the Christian faith, and foster proper scholarship and a quest for truth."
In his third year, he is working on his thesis, called "The Oaks of Independence", which surveys the environmental history of the original site of Baylor University in Independence, TX and the also the surrounding historic district. "This research brings together my two primary fields of interest, ecology and history," Trey says. "I will survey the area in and immediately around the town if Independence, and conduct interviews of landowners and professionals to determine the history of the landscape and important vegetation features." He hopes that the project will consolidate some of the documents concerning the town, where so much Texas history occurred.
In addition, Trey works for the Mayborn Museum, where he researches conservation and preservation in museum collection, best practices in natural history collections and Baylor and Texas history. "The support, flexibility and freedom we get, whether through our professors, the Graduate School, or endowed scholarships allows us to pursue our relevant research and generally broaden our horizons, making us more marketable," he said. "That is what has made my undergraduate and graduate studies in Environmental Science such a great experience."
Trey and his wife, also a graduate student, hope to move back to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to be near family after graduation. He sees himself with a position in a natural history museum or nature center or in collection management and administration. "I would recommend this program to anyone who has interest in pursuing authentic scholarship with competent, interesting people, in an uplifting (yet not sappy) environment," he says. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Baylor, and plan to have a connection with this institution for the rest of my life."
