Paige Scott

Name: Paige Scott

Hometown: Mountain Top, PA

Anticipated graduation: May 2026

Major(s): Emergency Management, BSEM/MSEM Accelerated Program

Minor: Occupational Safety and Environmental Health

Internships/Research/Projects:

I did my internship with Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency, which is my home EMA. I loved every second of it and have stayed on as a volunteer! I collaborated on updating and digitizing the Notification and Resource Manual for LCEMA and I am on their planning committee and am working on updating their emergency operations plan with another intern.

My research includes

Scott, p., Green, N., & Bermejo, A. (n.d.) Ebb and Flood: Tidal Effects on Zooplankton Presence. an NSF S STEM research project

Scott, P.E. (n.d.). Forcasting the Future: Takeaways from the 2024 Annual Conference. a project on the National Weather Services change from deterministic to probabilistic forecasting.

Inspirations (for major, research, internship):

My inspirations for my major came from a few places. One was a love for weather, as I started at MU as a meteorology major and quicky decided I didn't like it. I changed to emergency management because it allowed me to still do weather related work while making an impact on my community.

My Grammy and my Grampa are also other inspirations. I lost my grandmother 4 months before going to college and my grandfather days after moving in for sophomore year. I carry their legacy of love and perseverance with me every day.

Another inspiration comes from my family and friends, especially my mom, dad, and boyfriend. My mom and dad have been there for every decision and even though they may not understand every one I've made, their love and support has never wavered. And my boyfriend, who may look at me like I'm crazy, but who believes in me like no one else.

And of course, the emergency managers who have come before me. I hope to leave a legacy of love and compassion for others in the way many of them have done.

Highlights (from courses/internship/research):

Courses: All of the cool things I've learned, like how and why people react the way that they do during disasters and all about Hurricane Katrina, the mistakes made during before, during, and after, and how far we've come since then!

Internship: Getting to work on multiple projects, meeting the amazing people that help protect my hometown, and collaborating with the other intern who also happens to be my boyfriend!

Research: Presenting at the International Association of Emergency Managers conference in Louisville, Kentucky in November 2025 and getting to present and do research alongside some of my closest friends. 

Takeaway (from courses/internship/research):

Courses: To be a good emergency manager, you need to remember to include the whole community. Listen to other opinions and know that differences only make you stronger. You don't know everything and you don't have to, so don't be afraid to ask for help. Oh, and there are 5 C's of emergency management, but the most important is cake!

Internship: You know more than you think you do and you're qualified to do it! You are meant to be in the rooms that you're in, even if you don't feel like it. Being a good emergency manager means you think about everyone and everything, even if it sounds crazy.

Research: It is so hard to do research, especially when you're often looking at data involving real people. People sometimes make crazy decisions during disasters and we walk a fine line trying to help them make better ones, but we have the power to give people tools to make those decisions easier.

Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes):

Don't be aftraid to take risks. As my dad says, taking chances will get you in the game and taking chances will get you out. It can seem so daunting to start college and establish yourself, but it's so rewarding when you look at yourself as you look to graduation and you know how far you've come. Go to your professors' office hours and get to know the people who are there to support you. For those specifically going into emergency management, Dr. Hagelgans and Dr. Yalda will be some of your best resources and biggest fans. You'll learn that you can go to them for anything, whether it's a million degree related question or to see if they'll let you start a podcast with your friends. Also, don't forget where you came from. Make time to call home and bug your mom and dad every chance you get. 

Aspirations (upon graduation):

After I graduate in May, I'll be staying at Millersville for another year to get my Master's in Emergency Management. After that, I'll likely move home or to South Carolina, ideally finding a job in response and recovery!

What has been the most significant and/or exciting aspect of your work?

The most significant part is knowing that the career I have chosen is saving people's lives! The exciting aspect is definitely the danger behind what I do. It is often talked about among the emergency management community that we're a different type of people. We look into danger and decide to run toward it. I think that it's such an exciting thing, even if it terrifies me sometimes.

Scholarships awarded while attending Millersville University

MU Presidential Fellow Award