Class of 2008, Master of Environmental, Safety and Health Management

Lei Zhao, also known as Michael, is originally from Xi’an, China, and chose The University of Findlay for two primary reasons. The first was the reputation and accreditation of the environmental, safety and health management program, which is nationally accredited by the U.S. Bureau of Education and well-known in the industry. The second reason for Lei’s choice was the peaceful and safe atmosphere that surrounds the campus.

As a graduate assistant in the international admissions office, Lei has been directly involved with introducing new international students to campus and getting them acclimated to their new home. Lei believes that the diverse community the University has created and welcomed also has welcomed him.

Lei expressed gratitude to Penny Gerdeman, director of international admissions, for the opportunities she provided for him while working for her. “Without her trust and constant support, I would not feel so confident and proud of myself. I really appreciate that she gave me such a unique experience.”

Lei, or Michael, works in the Office of International Admissions.

Lei believes his on-campus job and experiences have helped to make him the person he is now and will become in the future. He credits his success at the University to the staff and faculty who have gone out of their way to assist him.

One of his greatest influences is William Doyle, Ph.D., assistant professor of environmental safety and health management: “He is a great inspiration for me, especially during the time we were working on flood issues after Findlay suffered flooding five times earlier in 2007. As an environmental engineer for many years, Dr. Doyle has great knowledge and lots of experiences to share with his students. He always encourages international students to participate during his classes, which makes me feel warmly welcomed.”

Lei has used the connections of faculty, specifically James Jaffe, J.D., adjunct faculty, and Tim Murphy, Ph.D., associate professor, to learn about numerous internship possibilities.

He also completed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Hazardous Waste Site Worker Certificate training program. “During that course, I had the chance to work with many professionals who have many years of experience in this specific field.”

Lei participated in opportunities outside the classroom, including a camping trip to Hocking Hills with the Oiler Environmental, Safety and Health Organization. “I had a very good time and I learned how to set up tents, make fires and other field survival skills. This became my favorite extracurricular activity.” He also remembers fondly when he went on a trip with the art department to Chicago. “I had the opportunity to visit many private galleries to experience many different genres of painting and sculpture works.”

After expanding his horizons and getting involved on campus, “I feel I have a home here in the U.S.,” said Lei.

By Kim Haddix
’07 communication and history major
’08 master of business administration
Fostoria, Ohio