WE SAT DOWN WITH STEVEN MAI, AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT IN THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF CROP, SOIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Growing up, Steven Mai always knew he wanted to help people. Learning about food and water insecurity in school, combined with a trip to his parents’ home country of Vietnam solidified his interest in clean water. “I took an environmental science class in my senior year of high school and realized that I enjoyed learning about all the topics covered, especially learning about the negative impacts on people and the environment,” he recalls. “I enjoyed it so much that I decided to major in it at Auburn.”
Always in pursuit of knowledge, Mai recently completed his fellowship project, “A Toxic Love Story: Investigating PFAS Interactions with Aged Microplastics in Sediment,” with the guidance of graduate student and friend Soleil Sklenclar and under the guidance of Dr. Yaniv Olshansky in the AU Soil Chemistry Lab. Now, Steven is shifting his time in the laboratory for time in the field on a new project with Dr. Katelyn Lawson which involves conducting road-stream crossing assessments to better understand stream and roadway interactions.
Steven presenting his research poster at the AU College of Agriculture Graduate Research Poster Showcase
Time management has been a crucial skill for Mai to perfect, especially while balancing multiple research projects, coursework, and extracurricular activities. In addition to being active in research activities, Mai also serves as a College of Agriculture Research Peer Mentor, assisting students in finding research opportunities and helping bridge the gap between faculty and students. Mai is also the President of the Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences (CSES) Club.
“I like to keep myself busy, so balancing my time was a skill I gradually learned throughout the years,” he explains. “Juggling lab work, being a peer mentor, leading a student club, and studying is not easy, but my love of learning and helping others keeps me motivated.”
Steven was recognized at the 2024 Tri-Societies Meeting and received several awards
When asked about advice for students interested in Natural Resources, Mai emphasized the importance of recognizing the impact of their work. “At times, it may be hard to continue because of discouraging factors and external events,” he remarks. “But I encourage other students to remember why the environment is important to them and to become leaders and stewards in their respective fields to create amazing and much-needed change in the world. The work you do is important.”
Mai recounts that one of the most valuable lessons he has learned during his time at Auburn is to embrace new opportunities and to take chances.
“College was the perfect place to discover things that I liked, and, most importantly, what I didn’t like” he says. “I joined fun and professional clubs, took interesting classes, joined the marching band and concert band, studied abroad, applied for things even when I thought I wasn’t qualified—and sometimes, I actually got them! I even went to D.C. to speak with State Senators.”
Mai encourages students to explore everything that Auburn has to offer, as the years go by quickly and opportunities may not come again. “None of this would have happened if I hadn’t taken a chance,” he explains.
Steven assisting with the annual CSES Sweet Corn Sale
When asked about his greatest influence or role model in this field, Mai explains that Dr. Matthew Waters, a faculty member in the CSES Department, has had a profound impact on his academic journey.
“Dr. Waters has taught me the wonders and importance of environmental science in a way that has been fun, impactful, and applicable,” he says. “He makes tough and complex environmental topics easy to understand and his passion for the field motivates me to continue pursuing my journey in environmental science.”
One of Steven’s most cherished memories at Auburn was studying abroad in Mérida, Mexico with a group of students and Dr. Waters’ family.
“The trip was amazing. I met incredible people who are now my close friends, and I got to experience environmental science being applied in the real world,” he shares.
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Waters has been a mentor, offering guidance on coursework, undergraduate research, and the graduate school application process.
“When I had questions about navigating the graduate school application process, Dr. Waters helped me figure out what to look for and things to consider. I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for me,” he adds.
Steven and his peers enjoying their trip in Merida, Mexico with Dr. Matthew Waters
Looking ahead, Mai plans to attend graduate school, where he hopes to focus on pollution remediation in water, aquatic biogeochemistry, and all things related to water quality.
“I’m excited for the next step,” he states. “I want to keep learning and doing research that makes a difference in water quality and environmental health.”
Steven with the study abroad group in Merida, Mexico