Experience Matters: Randolph grad spends the year working as part of the Chesapeake Conservation Corps

Tyrah Cobb-Davis ’19 has conducted restoration work at various sites in Virginia and Maryland as part of her work with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps.

Tyrah Cobb-Davis ’19 has known for a long time that she wants a career in the environmental conservation field. The hard part has always been choosing a direction. That’s why she took advantage of every environmental opportunity she could find while at Randolph. Her classes, internships, and especially a Summer Research project studying the implementation of artificial seagrass on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, all helped her develop a focus.

Tyrah Cobb-Davis helping load used tree shelters for future reforestation projects.

“Having an academic experience that spanned multiple disciplines gave me great insight on a variety of topic areas and has made me feel more confident in my abilities,” she said.

That confidence encouraged her to join the Chesapeake Conservation Corps (CCC) recently. The yearlong service program works to prepare young professionals for future green careers through leadership and training opportunities. Cobb-Davis is spending a year working with Frederick County Government’s Office for Sustainability and Environmental Resources (OSER).

“I thought that joining the CCC program right after college was a perfect way to kick-start my career in the environmental field,” Cobb-Davis said. “My favorite part of the program is that we get to be involved in a lot of different projects at OSER in addition to attending site visits and assisting other corps members with their projects.”

She is also responsible for verifying that restoration projects in the county are in compliance with the municipal separate storm sewer system regulations, promoting a solar co-op program, researching sustainable business practices, and developing a capstone project.

Cobb-Davis firmly believes her work at Randolph prepared her to be successful with her current position at OSER.

Tyrah Cobb-Davis measuring stabilization during one of her internships.

“The environmental program does a great job of preparing someone for a career in the field,” she said. “At Randolph, I was able to take advantage of the Summer Research program, a geology internship, and independent research on climate resiliency. I am very grateful for these opportunities because I gained valuable skills that are useful to have in my current position.”

She also interned with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and secured her job as a landscape management and administrative intern with Oak Spring Garden Foundation before she even graduated. During that program, she created a guide on native trees and verified recent reforestation projects to assess survival rates of the native species that were planted. She also assisted the organization with public outreach through social media and blog posts.

“I love how the work I do has a positive impact on the environment around me,” Cobb-Davis said. “Being part of the solution is really rewarding because I know that it will make a difference in the long run.”