Growing Up Outdoors, Working Beneath the Surface: Maddy Hummer's Path into Environmental Consulting

Maddy Hummer’s career path mirrors her wide-ranging Spotify library — a mix of heavy metal, surfer rock, and classical pieces. That appreciation for complexity and variety is exactly what led her to environmental consulting, where every site has its own story beneath the surface. 

Q: What first inspired you to pursue geology and environmental science?

I’ve always felt connected to the environment. My dad is a landscape architect, and our family is full of forestry folks, so being outside was simply part of life. I explored forestry and even electrical engineering in college, but geology ended up being the perfect balance — a hard science that still let me stay connected to the natural world.

Q: Was there a project that really challenged you or shaped your growth?

Absolutely. One of the more impactful projects was a gas station cleanup that I followed from start to finish over multiple years. I worked on it from initial site characterization through final closure — drilling, groundwater monitoring, reporting, and coordination with regulators for no further action. As the project evolved, so did my role. It really grew with me. 

Q: How did your upbringing influence your connection to this work?

My family didn’t take big vacations — we camped. We took annual trips to Ashland, Oregon, where we’d camp, bike, and go to the Shakespeare Festival. My dad also did volunteer landscape work at our church and I volunteered with EarthCorps in high school and college – helping at these events taught me the value of community involvement early on. 

Q: What’s a lesson from when you were growing up that you carry into your career?

My dad has modeled what it means to work hard, lead when necessary, and step back when others’ strengths should take the lead. That shaped how I support my team — knowing when to guide, when to follow, and how to place people in roles where they can thrive.

Q: If you could teach outsiders one thing about your field, what would it be?

That we don’t just “look at rocks” all day. Being a geologist in Environmental Consulting is about understanding how contaminants move in the subsurface and how to protect human health and the environment. We’re making sure people have a safe place to live if a building is constructed on a contaminated site, that they’re not exposed to harmful vapors, and that the surrounding environment remains protected.

Q: What’s something coworkers might not know about you?

I’m a big music person — everything from Turnstile to WAVVES to classical pieces like Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, and even Tate McRae. Live music is a huge part of my life, especially shows at the Gorge.