A Passion for Progress: Jennifer Ruby's Journey from Purdue to Professional Success

07-29-2024

Jennifer Ruby's journey from a Purdue undergraduate to a career protecting the environment, to successful environmental attorney and business owner is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence.

From her early days as a driven student to her impactful career and continuous involvement on campus, Jennifer’s story is one of inspiration and dedication.

A Promising Start at Purdue

Ruby discovered her academic potential early in life. Her guidance counselor began nominating her for various programs, including IUPUI’s Young Scholars Program and Purdue’s STAR program. She earned college credits through the Purdue Pre-College Credit Program (PCCP) and IUPUI's Special Pre-college Aged Non-degree (SPAN) Program.

This early exposure to Purdue's campus and academic camps paved the way for Ruby's decision to attend Purdue University. "I had participated in several programs at Purdue, which influenced my choice to enroll there," she says. While at Purdue, she immersed herself in campus life. She fondly remembers her time at Shreve Hall and serving in the student Senate for all three years, first as Vice Chair and later Chair of the Internal Affairs Committee.

Shifting Gears: From Medicine to the Environmental

Initially aspiring to become a medical doctor, Ruby's path took a different turn after an eye-opening internship with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) after her first year on campus. "I realized I couldn't see myself performing surgeries, but I could use my strong science background to pivot to environmental science," she explains. The experience created an interest in the environment, leading her to earn a master’s degree in environmental planning from IUPUI upon graduation from Purdue.

The job market and economy were not strong when Ruby graduated from Purdue. She obtained a temporary position because of the State's hiring freeze while also pursuing her master and law degrees at night. Within nine months, she had begun her graduate education and been hired as permanent staff with IDEM.

Ruby’s career at IDEM was marked by significant contributions and rapid progression. "I reviewed special waste approvals and solid waste facility permits, then moved from land to air, where I reviewed air registrations and exemptions. When I was appointed to the special planning team, I began working on environmental policy and indicators," she recounts.

Her expertise in environmental science and law was further honed during her tenure as a contract environmental attorney with the New Mexico Environment Department, where she served as attorney to the environmental boards and supported the department in research and litigation proceedings.

Pivoting to Entrepreneurship as a Lawyer

Ruby moved back to Indiana when her step-father passed. But, the taste of entrepreneurship from working as a contract attorney in New Mexico lit the fire for more independence. Although she was not licensed In Indiana and needed to take a management position when she returned, she realized that she wanted to have her own law practice. In 2002, she received her Indiana Law license and opened a part-time practice. In 2005, she shifted her part-time practice to full time operation.

Recognition and Continued Involvement

Throughout her career, Ruby has received several prestigious awards. In 2006, she won the Indiana Commission for Women's Torchbearer Award for Entrepreneurship. The following year, she was honored with Indianapolis’ Best and Brightest in the Law category. In 2010, Ruby was named to the Indianapolis Business Journal's Forty Under 40 list, recognizing her professional achievements and community involvement.

Her dedication to Purdue has remained unwavering. Since joining the Biological Sciences Alumni Advisory Council (BSAAC) in 2011, Ruby has served in various capacities, including as Chair from 2018 to 2021. "I enjoy staying involved with Purdue because it allows me to keep up with advancements in science and biology," she says. "It's a field that interests me, even though it's not my primary career focus."

Life Lessons and Advice for Students

Ruby attributes much of her success to the foundational experiences she gained at Purdue.

 

     "College is like life on training wheels," she explains. "It teaches you time management, budgeting, and decision-making in a relatively safe environment."

 

She emphasizes the importance of experiences like working as a lab assistant in the Biology Lab and Chemistry Demo Lab and extracurricular activities, noting her involvement with Purdue Student Government, the professional chemistry fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma, and the American Chemical Society.

She also encourages current students to embrace change and explore diverse interests. "I continually built new skills and wasn't afraid to pivot when necessary," she advises. This flexibility and willingness to adapt have been key to her professional growth and success.

A Legacy of Leadership

Today, Ruby runs her own law firm focusing on estate planning, probate, and small business advising. Despite her demanding career, she remains committed to mentoring and guiding the next generation of Purdue students. Her story is a powerful reminder that the journey to success is often nonlinear, marked by continuous learning and adaptation.

Jennifer Ruby's accomplishments, both at Purdue and in her professional life, are an inspiration to students and alumni alike. Her journey underscores the value of resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning, making her a distinguished member of the Purdue community.

About the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University

Purdue Biological Sciences is the largest department in the Life Sciences at Purdue University. As part of Purdue One Health, we are dedicated to pioneering scientific discoveries and transformative education at the cutting edge of innovation. From molecules to cells, from tissues to organisms, from populations to ecosystems - we bring together multiple perspectives, integrating across biological scales to advance our understanding of life and tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Learn more at bio.purdue.edu/.

 

 

Writer: Alisha Referda, areferda@purdue.edu

Source: Jennifer Ruby