Major:
Natural Resources with an option in Policy and Management, minor in Soil Science
Why did you choose your degree program/major?
I have been immersed in the outdoors since I was a child, and growing up in a timber town I had a vested interest in environmental policy and management decisions with a special interest in forestry. I chose to pursue Natural Resources over Forestry because I sought more knowledge in a multidisciplinary education after I volunteered for the South Santiam Watershed Council and discovered a passion for watershed management.
What’s the best experience you’ve had as a student?
My favorite professor is Dr. Vernita Ediger from the department of Forest Ecosystems & Society in the College of Forestry. Her career experience has enhanced my understanding of course material, and she has generously provided career assistance and additional opportunities.
Have you participated in any experiential learning opportunities? How has this impacted your student experience?
I have worked at the OSU Research Forest for the last two years under Forest Manager Brent Klumph as a forestry technician. This student position has provided me with invaluable knowledge and work experience that has given me many opportunities following graduation.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be working for the South Fork John Day Watershed Council as a Watershed Technician over the summer. After this summer, I will be serving in the Coast Guard.
What’s one thing (or piece of advice) that you would like incoming OSU students to know?
I advise students to get a planner and write everything down you need to do and to hold a consistent schedule. If you think you will remember it, you won’t.
Have you received any scholarships from OSU or the College of Forestry? If so, what has it helped you accomplish?
I have received a multitude of scholarships from OSU and the College of Forestry. I have a very small student loan, and I have worked throughout the duration of college to pay whatever scholarships did not cover. Earning scholarships has allowed me to be nearly debt-free following college and has allowed me to have flexibility in my work hours so that I could focus on my education. I am very grateful to have received these scholarships, particularly the Larry Hoffman Scholarship and Crahane Scholarship.
What are your go-to snacks?
Motts fruit snacks, apples (Koru), dried mango from Costco, and chewy granola bars from Costco.
Anything else would you like to share?
I think it is important to push yourself in college, to find new people, to experience new things, to work hard, and to find what you are truly interested in to develop into a complete person. I wish I would have done more in my first few years of college, and over my junior and senior years I have found a good group of friends I can count on, I am confident in my life trajectory, and I have developed professional relationships with industry leaders and OSU faculty. Beginning early opens so many more doors and gives students choices both during their time in an undergraduate program and afterward.
