Panelists include:

Kristen Tharaldson '94, Senior State Planner
Biology Major
Graduate degree: M.P.H. - Community Health Education (University of Minnesota, School of Public Health)
Currently working at Office of Rural Health & Primary Care, Minnesota Department of Health. As a planner, I do research, writing and policy analysis on behalf of the Rural Health Advisory Committee. This governor appointed committee has members from various rural health care settings and includes doctors, nurses, long-term care representatives, volunteer EMS staff as well as representatives from higher education, consumers and four members of the Minnesota Legislature. Another part of my job is to plan various events, including the Minnesota Rural Health Conference. I also serve on several state department workgroups in the areas of adolescent health, mental health, and healthy aging.

Kathleen Giesen-Norlien '80, Research Scientist
Elementary Education major
Kathleen graduated with an undergraduate degree in elementary education (K-6) and also completed credits for a psychology degree. After teaching several years and spending two years in Liberia, West Africa with the US Peace Corps, Kathy attended the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, graduating with a Master's of Science degree in Environmental/Occupational Health. She is currently a research scientist with the Minnesota Department of Health, the Indoor Air Unit. Some of her projects within the past year include working on an EPA grant to research "Preventing Environmental Asthma Triggers" (PEAT) in child care centers, completion of white papers and fact sheets regarding hazards of outdoor wood boilers, wood smoke and fuel oil spills, and work on carbon monoxide-related issues including trainings provided to U of MN continuing education as well as to immigrant populations.


Monika Chandler, Research Scientist
University of California, San Diego – Biochemistry/Cell Biology.
Monika holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Plant Sciences from the University of Minnesota. Her thesis project involved the use of an oat rotation as a biological control of root rot in peas. Continuing in the world of biological control, Monika started her position with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) in 2000 working on a leafy spurge biological control research project. Leafy spurge is a noxious weed that was spreading in Minnesota and threatening native plant species. Monika now coordinates the weed biological control programs for the MDA.


Deepa de Alwis '93, Agricultural Chemical Advisor – Enforcement
Chemistry major
I received my master’s degree in Soil Science from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 1997. I started working for Minnesota Department of Agriculture in 1998 in Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division. Currently I enforce State and Federal pesticide and fertilizer laws. My job is to issue penalty enforcement actions to those who violate the environmental laws. I am also involved in programs to reduce pesticide exposure in children and minority/migrant populations.

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