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Features
9
David Cohen
2012 graduate tackles Indiana’s environmental concerns
Ben McHenry
mchenben000@hsestudents.org
E
nvironmental conservation frequents the news almost daily, with wildfires in Australia to fracking water contamination in the United States. While Indiana may not be a hotbed for these extreme concerns, there are countless environmental dangers present in Indiana. 2012 alumni David Cohen is one of those working towards a cleaner Indiana, as he is a permit writer for the ffice of ir uality. Cohen examines the processes and equipment of various businesses and determines the potential air pollution, as well as which state and federal laws apply to that business. “I have permitted for sources ranging from landfills and engine manufacturing facilities to cabinet shops and Panko breadcrumb factories,” Cohen said. “The aspect of my job I enjoy most is knowing I make a difference. e prevent a lot of nasty pollutants from entering the air and work to hold those who violate the law accountable.” Cohen has been passionate about the natural sciences since he was a child, as he would often play with bugs, tend to his garden or wake up early before school to watch Animal Planet. It was at FHS that Cohen realized this passion could be made into a career after taking AP Environmental Science. Cohen was also a very spirited student, owning the renowned Tiger Claus frequently seen at football games. “FHS was fairly new, but there was already a deep sense of tradition when I started as a freshman in 2008 that inspired my school spirit, which led to me becoming a student spirit leader for the football team my senior year,” Cohen said. “It was also very rewarding to attend FHS in an era of firsts such as our football state championship win in 2010.” While FHS sparked Cohen’s environmental
career interest, it was at Indiana University where this passion blossomed, as he earned a bachelor of science in public affairs with a concentration in environmental management through the School of ublic and Environmental ffairs. ohen also forged many relationships at IU that have made him who he is today. “College allowed me to discover my ‘tribe’ of friends who I will carry with me for the rest of time, and for that I am truly thankful,” Cohen said. “There were also a lot of sleepless nights filled with too much caffeine, but those nights were always followed by accomplishment that was always worth the sleep deprivation. Bloomington will always have a special place in my heart.” As Cohen has grown through both FHS and IU, he has taken many lessons with him from beyond a curriculum, first and foremost ensuring that you are passionate about whatever it is one chooses to pursue. “It can be intimidating to try and lock down your path now, but you shouldn’t let it stress you out,” Cohen said. “You have an entire life ahead of you, and it isn’t supposed to be figured out in your twenties. If you do find a career path you love, pursue it and don’t look back. What matters is that you enjoy what you do.”
David Cohen smiles as he sits on a bench in downtown Indianapolis for a photoshoot. Photo used with permission of David Cohen.
