Name
Jackson Farho
Which degrees did you earn from CAS?
Undergraduate
Major(s) or area(s) of study
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Graduation year
2025
Who is your employer, and where are they located?
Benesch offers a range of services for infrastructure projects and is my current employer. There are several Nebraska offices and I work out of Bellevue, Nebraska.
What is your job title and what kind of work does it involve?
I am a Scientist in the environmental field. My role is generally centered around National Environmental Policy Act compliance for transportation projects. This involves skills in community and regional planning, environmental studies, GIS, and communication.
What sparked your interest in your major(s) or area(s) of study?
It started with an appreciation of natural and build environments at a young age, inspired by my family and friends. This grew into a desire to create a sustainable future for generations that come after us while still meeting the needs of the present. I felt up for that challenge.
What do you see as the value of your major(s) or CAS degree?
My Environmental and Sustainability Studies major and overall CAS degree allowed me a truly interdisciplinary study to build knowledge and skills. All to which I now apply daily at work. From policy comprehension, soil labs, and language courses, I gained a deeply personal education that makes me a specialist and yet able to converse on a range of topics.
Were there any other people, activities, or events from your time at UNL that helped you get to where you are now?
I believe an equal amount of ones learning occurs outside the classroom. Registered Student Organizations like Sustain UNL was a significant contributor in developing my career. Weekly Sustain meetings turned into Food Waste subcommittee and Dining Services' Student Advisory Board meetings. The result was a successful OZZI reusable container program made possible through collaborative wins. Student and facility leaders continue to grow this program.
Tell us about the path you took to get to where you are today in your career and how you applied your education in your major(s) or area(s) of study to get here.
Internships are the best way to get your career's foot in the door. I find that some of my best learning happens when its experiential. My first internship, required by my degree, was with Lincoln Public School's Sustainability Department. At the operations level, I encouraged school gardens and outdoor learning pathways. Engaging with many diverse groups of stakeholders, I applied my education as I coordinated many perspectives, sometimes competing, to reach consensus.
What are your future professional goals?
I am returning to UNL as a master's student in Community and Regional Planning this fall with the purpose of obtaining my certificate from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and American Planning Association (APA). I intend to complete this degree while continuing my employment at Benesch.
July 22, 2026
