William Rud

I was born and raised outside Smiths Station, AL, on a small piece of land, where my best neighbors were the trees and water. This lead to my love of the outdoors. I was lucky to become involved in The Boy Scouts of America at a young age. I first started at the age of six in Cub Scouts not knowing where this organization would take me. It started as a way for me to travel and see varying wildernesses, but became a teacher of servant leadership. Since then, I have taken leadership positions in my community, across the southeast, and at national events. Scouting has taught me how to treat the others, the outdoors, and myself with respect.

​

I chose to pursue a degrees in Biosystems Engineering because I wanted to apply my knowledge of math and science to the natural world around us. Growing up outdoors has made me want to preserve our natural resources for all others to experience it. In my opinion, Ecological Engineering encompasses all of these elements along with providing hands-on experience. Using the engineering method to solve problems in our natural world has kept me interested in learning new ways to apply my knowledge. 

​

My career goals have always been simple: to have a job that makes a positive, lasting impact on the natural world and to never stop learning. I truly hope to find a position that is research based, and allows me to work with others. Working with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management has given me the opportunity to better define my career goals. I currently see myself pursuing a graduate degrees in Ecological Engineering or Biosystems Engineering in order to continue my career in research. I feel research in water quality, emerging contaminants, and nonpoint source pollution treatments would satisfy my desire to invest in the future and to preserve our planet.