Mason Science Alumni Success: Scientific communicator builds impactful career at Tetra Tech

Adrianna Berk, MS ESP, ’06 has shaped her long, successful career through continuous learning and a commitment to making meaningful impact. Berk spent the past 25 years leveraging her scientific expertise and strong communication skills at Tetra Tech—a firm specializing in delivering solutions for water, environmental issues, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and international development. 

Today, Berk serves as the Strategic Communications and Outreach Lead for Tetra Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Water Division. Much of her work focuses on federal projects with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and more recently has expanded to include outreach, training, and community engagement to support highly visible campaigns for many municipal clients throughout the Virginia and the Washington, D.C. region. She’s worked on a variety of initiatives—from writing guidance manuals on permit requirements to stakeholder engagement activities, and building partnerships to sharing stories of successful environmental initiatives in the Chesapeake Bay region.  

“The variety of projects keeps me engaged,” she said. “I’m constantly learning, and no two days are the same. I get to work on multiple projects simultaneously and help bring about real change.”

Berk said she initially joined Tetra Tech for the company’s mission and their tuition reimbursement benefit, knowing she wanted to return to school for a master’s degree. She chose George Mason both for its location, and also for its environmental science and policy program that provided the flexibility she needed to balance school with her career and family. Her goal, she said, was to gain practical knowledge that would make her a more marketable employee and contribute to her scientific knowledge base. 

“I wanted to be more competitive in my field and broaden my understanding of environmental management,” she said. “It was the perfect fit for someone like me, who wanted to keep working while continuing my education.”

Berk said she never anticipated her career would lean heavily into communications, as her passion was rooted in the sciences. However, when she joined Tetra Tech's outreach division, she quickly realized the powerful impact she could have by not only sharing information but also helping people understand their local water quality problems and the benefits of taking actions to help solve them.

“The connection between science and communication wasn’t clear to me when I first started my career. I didn’t think working in communications was something I’d like as a scientist—yet now I am a team leader in that space,” she said. “I work to bridge the gap between complex environmental challenges and clear, actionable solutions for my clients.”

“I learned early on that to create change, you have to communicate the issue effectively and give people actionable steps,” she explained. “Whether it’s about the success stories in the Chesapeake Bay or environmental conservation efforts across the country, I’m telling their story, and I feel like I’m making a real difference.”

Berk believes the foundation for an individual’s success can be attributed to two skills, organization and communication. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she advises students entering the workforce. “If you’re struggling with something, whether it’s in school or at work, don’t make assumptions and potentially go down the wrong path. Seek help, get clarification, and keep learning.”

She added that students should not fear changing their aspirations and should focus more on finding the work environment that best meets their needs. 

“It’s okay for your goals to change,” she said. “What matters is whether the work environment is helping you meet those goals. Find a place that aligns with your values and gives you the flexibility you need to thrive.”