A BBE alumna combines engineering and advocacy in conservation work

January 23, 2025

Written by BBE student Eilee Keske

Headshot of Alexis Lipstein smiling and wearing glasses, posed in front of a blank wall

From an early interest in green energy to a career in wetland conservation and water resource management, Alexis has found a way to combine environmental stewardship with technical expertise. Beginning her academic journey at the University of Minnesota as an Electrical Engineering major, she soon realized the program offered limited opportunities to explore green energy. After attending a presentation on the Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE) program during her freshman year, Alexis decided to switch to the Environmental and Ecological Engineering track. The program’s focus on sustainable solutions and natural resource management aligned perfectly with her aspirations.

During her time in BBE, Alexis was particularly inspired by courses and mentorship from Professor Chris Lenhart, whose teachings on wetland systems sparked a deeper interest in their ecological importance. This led to an undergraduate research project exploring the effects of woodchip mulch on CO2 emissions from peatland soils during restoration, a critical topic in environmental management. This research, along with coursework on wetlands and water resources, set the stage for her passion for water resource protection and management.

Her educational experience in the BBE program not only provided a strong technical foundation but also hands-on training in tools and practices widely used in the natural resources field. Skills such as GIS, field methods, and becoming a certified Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) designer proved invaluable in her career. The program’s emphasis on sustainable engineering and innovative practices prepared her for roles that balance environmental preservation with practical implementation.

Before graduating in 2023, Alexis gained extensive professional experience. She worked part-time at the Minnesota Department of Transportation for five years while completing her degree and secured a position as an Environmental Resources Specialist with Ramsey County Parks and Recreation before graduation. This role allowed her to transition seamlessly into full-time work once she completed her degree.

At Ramsey County Parks and Recreation, Alexis works in the Soil and Water Division, where her primary responsibilities include conducting vegetation surveys on lakes, inspecting construction sites for erosion and sediment control compliance, and serving on the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) for Wetland Conservation Act applications. Her work ensures environmentally responsible land use and protects wetlands from degradation, contributing to the overall ecological health of her community.

One of her proudest accomplishments involved successfully advocating against a wetland replacement plan that would have filled in an entire wetland, increasing flood risks in an already vulnerable area. Through her expertise and collaboration with the TEP, Alexis helped ensure that the wetland was protected, showcasing the vital role of her work in preserving natural systems.

Alexis values the fieldwork aspects of her role, which allow her to witness nature’s wonders firsthand, from unique plant species to a pelican migration along the Mississippi River. She encourages students pursuing similar careers to seek internships early and consider engaging in undergraduate research to gain practical experience and clarify their career goals.

Looking back, Alexis appreciates how the BBE program prepared her to excel in her field, blending technical knowledge with a passion for sustainability. From protecting wetlands to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, her work is a testament to how engineering can drive meaningful environmental stewardship.