Sebastian, a dedicated forestry student from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), recently embarked on an enriching exchange program at the University of British Columbia in Canada. Reflecting on his academic journey, he shared insights into how his time at Oregon State University (OSU) significantly advanced his research skills and professional growth.
“In my home country, I’m doing a degree in forestry — a five-year professional degree that’s divided into a bachelor’s and a master’s. I’m at the master’s level at the moment,” Sebastian explained. His passion for forestry is deeply rooted in childhood experiences, inspired by his grandfather. “I enjoyed spending time in the forest. I had a grandfather who would always take me out hiking and walking in some of these beautiful old growth forests near where I lived. I wanted a profession where I could do that every day for the rest of my life, and that’s forestry, I guess.”
Sebastian’s time at OSU was a transformative experience, offering him a rare opportunity to engage in hands-on research. “It gave me a lot of insights into the practical process behind doing research — getting to participate in a research project, being part of things not going exactly to plan, and having to work your way around that, finding new solutions. That was very helpful,” he recalled.
His work at OSU focused on wildfire research, particularly examining the carbon consequences of wildfires. “We were working on the carbon consequences of wildfire, and especially working with some of the rapid response wildfire research protocols that Oregon has. I think it would be very interesting to try to do something similar back in Sweden. We have increasing problems with wildfires, and our boreal forests are very carbon dense. We do not really know what the carbon consequences of that are.”
Sebastian’s daily routine at OSU was dynamic, combining lab work, data analysis, and fieldwork. “It was like three different things. I did lab work quite a bit, quantifying density of both uncharred and charred material. I did a lot of data analysis, breaking down big data sets from the field and preparing them for analysis. We also had some fieldwork, although it was cut short because of the fire season.”
Despite the challenges, including limited field access due to wildfires, Sebastian adapted quickly. “We lost access to our research site pretty early on, so we only got a little bit of fieldwork done. We ended up doing a lot of lab work and data analysis instead, just waiting for the wildfire to be contained.” This adaptability and problem-solving mindset reflect the realities of conducting environmental research.
Sebastian’s most memorable moments combined both work and leisure. “Getting out to do the fieldwork was very memorable, getting a practical feel for what burned areas actually look like in Oregon’s ecosystems. Seeing some of those enormous widow makers hanging from burnt trees was unforgettable.” Outside of research, he explored Oregon’s natural beauty. “I went to Crater Lake, spent a weekend in the Deschutes wilderness, and hiked up South Sister — that was probably the most fun experience. We also spent a weekend at a ranch in the interior.”
Reflecting on the key skills he gained, Sebastian highlighted the importance of data analysis. “I got a lot more comfortable with data analysis, wrangling large data sets. It’s a crucial skill to have in research, and one I felt was lacking. Anyone interested in research would benefit a lot from that.”
For students considering similar opportunities, Sebastian offered practical advice: “Plan early and know what you’re doing on day one when you hit the ground. I had very good contact with my supervisor before arriving, so we could start working right away. Some others spent a couple of weeks just getting to know their supervisor and understanding their work, which meant they did less during their time there.
Sebastian remains connected to OSU, collaborating with his supervisor as their research moves towards publication. “I’m going to stay in touch with this project and try to help out as we move it towards publication. It looks like I’m going to end up being a co-author on the paper.”
Ultimately, Sebastian’s exchange experience at OSU was a stepping stone for his future in forestry research, blending practical skills, professional growth, and unforgettable adventures.
