"Coming into IRG, I was originally leaning towards the IPE or International Security tracks. They were what all of my friends were choosing, what IRG 301 seemed to emphasize the most, and it was clearer what people who picked these might do after graduation. However, I felt that they were oversaturated and after deciding what I was most passionate about, I picked STE. I chose Science, Technology, & Environment as my track because I believe the climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation, and I want to be a part of the solution. My favorite course I’ve taken so far is Energy Technology and Policy, where I gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges the energy industry faces and how it might move towards a more sustainable future. What makes the STE track great however, is that environment is just one of its three parts. There are more than just purely sustainability related courses, and a wide range of science and technology topics that tie in well to IRG. If you have any interest in sustainability, environmental justice, technology, or health, I highly recommend the STE track.
- Andrew Butemeyer, STE & LAS, UT '21+