Muhammed Afsal Athanikkal, Forestry – Oct 1, 2025
I’m from India, currently pursuing a master’s degree in Mediterranean forestry and natural resource management. My journey to an internship with Oregon State University was quite unexpected. I was in my final semester, focused on completing my thesis, and wasn’t planning to apply for any internships. However, I received an email from my coordinator about this unique opportunity, and after a bit of encouragement from a friend, I decided to give it a shot.
Initially, I was concerned about the time constraints, but I found the research of Professor German fascinating, especially his work on how plants respond to climate change. The idea of working in a field I love outweighed my concerns.
This internship turned out to be an incredible experience. It was my first time in the United States, and I was welcomed with warmth and kindness. I had the chance to work alongside a great colleague named Cooper, and we explored the HJ Andrews forests together, gaining hands-on experience with sonic tomography.
One of the highlights was meeting the other interns. We were a diverse group of six, coming from different parts of the world—Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Malaysia. We quickly bonded, shared our experiences, and had a blast playing pool and football together. I feel incredibly lucky to have made such great friends through this internship.
The cultural exchange was enriching as well. My professor introduced me to local culture, took me on hikes, and even to the coast, where I got to see the beautiful views of the beach from the mountains.
Overall, this internship has been a fantastic blend of professional growth and personal adventure!
