Owen St. Aubin graduated in 2025 with a degree in Public Health Sciences, drawn to the program for its broad foundation in health and medicine. Initially planning to pursue medical school, Owen has since shifted his focus to nursing, a path he plans to follow after completing his upcoming deployment with the Vermont Army National Guard.

For his senior capstone, Owen partnered with the volunteer fire department in his hometown of Beddington, Maine, a rural community where emergency medical response times can range from 30 minutes to over an hour in winter. His project aimed to improve the department’s capacity to respond to medical emergencies. He organized CPR and first aid certification classes for department members and local residents, and played a key role in securing a new brush truck to replace the aging 1976 model. The new vehicle features a more reliable water pump and automatic transmission, making it accessible to more drivers and better suited for off-road terrain.

The brush truck was a major milestone for the town, described by residents as the largest purchase in its history. Owen’s efforts significantly enhanced the community’s emergency response capabilities, especially in areas without regular road access. What began as a plan to teach first aid evolved into a broader initiative that addressed critical infrastructure and training gaps.

“Working on this project really helped drive home how important it is to work with community members and find what they need,” said Owen.

Currently, Owen works as an EMT and ER technician in Maine, while also serving as a medic in the Vermont Army National Guard. His capstone experience deepened his passion for rural emergency medicine and sparked an interest in firefighting. He encourages future students to choose capstone projects that align with their career goals and personal interests, noting that meaningful engagement can lead to lasting impact and valuable professional insight.

“Finding a project that is important to you and your future career not only helps your resume,” said Owen: “It’s an amazing way to get a look into that field and a feel for how you’d like it.”