The OHIO community is invited to an alumni panel celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Environmental Studies Program, featuring Ben McCament, chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Mineral Resources. A graduate of Ohio University’s Voinovich School, McCament has significantly influenced environmental science through watershed restoration and mineral resource management.
During his time at OHIO, he was actively involved in hands-on environmental projects, such as water sampling in the Raccoon Creek watershed and securing funding for research on abandoned mines. His practical experience included work with the Sunday Creek Watershed Group and an internship with the Ohio EPA, which laid the groundwork for his career.
After earning his Master’s, he worked for the Voinovich School and became the Raccoon Creek Watershed Coordinator. He later joined ODNR, where he advanced to chief, overseeing Ohio’s mining regulations and abandoned mine programs. McCament credits key faculty members with shaping his career and emphasizes the importance of perseverance and learning from challenges.
He encourages current students to explore both the campus and the region’s natural beauty, as these experiences enrich their academic journey. Today, he continues to leverage his knowledge from OHIO to make a lasting impact on Ohio’s environmental landscape.
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