Raising the bar: Assistant professor helps expand environmental science curriculum

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | sophia.fahleson@okstate.edu

Growing up in Norman, Oklahoma, Julie LaBar never imagined she would find herself in Stillwater, shaping the next generation of environmental scientists. However, as an assistant professor for Oklahoma State University’s environmental science program, she is doing just that.

LaBar’s journey into environmental science was not straightforward.

Initially a chemistry and music major at the University of Oklahoma, she soon realized her passion lay elsewhere, a shift she credited to her undergraduate research experience, she said.

“I thought, ‘I want to solve problems,’” she said. “I gravitated toward environmental science, and that’s what I did for my bachelor’s degree.”

During her final year of undergraduate studies, LaBar discovered her passion for mining reclamation through her capstone project, she said.

The experience sparked her interest in research and problem-solving, leading her to pursue graduate studies in environmental science, she added.

While earning her master’s degree at OU, she worked as a research scientist in a mining remediation lab. After earning her doctorate at OU, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, researching coal mine fields before spending four years teaching at Centenary University in New Jersey.

Although LaBar enjoyed working with students, she found it challenging to incorporate research and applied projects in a teaching-intensive setting, she said.

“I like to do research with students and get them involved in more applied projects, so I knew I needed a different environment,” she added. 

As LaBar began looking for opportunities, Oklahoma became a forerunner for many reasons, she said.

“The position at OSU was just everything I wanted to do,” she said. “It was teaching, mentoring, advising and researching in a truly student-centric environment. OSU, especially the Ferguson College of Agriculture, has a concentrated and deliberate effort to maintain connection with students.”

Karen Hickman, OSU environmental science program director, was part of the hiring committee that brought LaBar to the university.

“Julie and I met in 2022 during her interview for the first assistant professor position in environmental science,” Hickman said. “Before that, we never really had a dedicated faculty member for environmental science, so it was a big deal for our program.”

LaBar’s teaching philosophy was shaped by her time at Centenary University, she said, where she was known for making science logical to non-science students.

“I became known as the professor who could finally make science understandable,” LaBar said. “My classes were open to all students to fulfill their science credits. I learned reaching non-science students isn’t that different from reaching science students. It’s all about their mindset.”

At OSU, LaBar expanded her teaching into more hands-on learning experiences. One of her newest courses, ENVR 4113 Advanced Environmental Sampling and Analysis, reflects her commitment to preparing students for the field, she said.

The decision to combine ENVR 4113 with ENVR 3113 Environmental Sampling and Analysis to create a two-semester sequence was influenced by student and faculty feedback, LaBar said.

“They collect samples, analyze data, write reports, perform statistics, and learn quality control measures to ensure their data is defensible,” she said.

The faculty in the environmental science program had analyzed hundreds of job postings to identify key skills students needed, LaBar said.

“I took that list and incorporated as many of those skills as possible into the two-course sequence,” LaBar said. “I want to make sure all of our students are prepared.”

LaBar’s expertise has played a significant role in the program’s growth, Hickman said.

“She really solidified environmental science as a discipline within the plant and soil sciences department,” Hickman said. “She brought in relationships and perspectives we hadn’t had before.”

Hickman highlighted LaBar’s contributions to interdisciplinary studies, particularly in the crossover between environmental science and plant and soil sciences.

“Her academic home is in plant and soil sciences, which creates great opportunities for crossover,” Hickman said. “She stepped in to teach environmental soil chemistry, which is a critical course for students in both plant and soil sciences and in environmental science. 

“Not many faculty members are willing to jump into a class that wasn’t originally designed for them, but she did it with real confidence and skill,” Hickman added.

One of LaBar’s key contributions has been exposing OSU students to the different protocols and quality control measures as well as helping them understand various organizations, Hickman said.

“She has experience with federal and state agencies, so she knows exactly what they look for,” Hickman said. “This means our students are now exposed to different agency standards, making them more prepared for careers in the field.”

Scotland Souders, who graduated in Spring 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, said LaBar’s classes helped shape her career path. 

“Taking her class solidified my decision to work in environmental science,” Souders said. “I really enjoyed the lab work we did.

“It was very hands-on, and we spent a lot of time working outside,” Sounders added. “That experience made me excited about working in the field as a job and ultimately led me to become an environmental specialist.”

Beyond coursework, LaBar played a critical role in guiding Souders through her research, she said.

“Dr. LaBar did a great job of not only helping me understand my research topic but also teaching me the research process as a whole,” Souders said. “She showed me how to balance lab work while analyzing results, which has been really valuable in my career.” 

Whether helping students navigate complex research topics or guiding them through hands-on fieldwork, LaBar said seeing them thrive is the most rewarding part of her work.

“The biggest thing I want students to take away is they are capable of doing the work,” she said. “The resources are always there, and if they can’t find them, I’m here to help. Our support doesn’t stop when they graduate.”