What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am the Research Project Coordinator at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln's Barta Brothers Ranch.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
My parents and some of my grandparents are Husker alumni. After a couple years at Nebraska Wesleyan, going to UNL seemed to be the obvious choice. While I was there as a fisheries and wildlife student, my experiences with IANR staff and faculty helped get me where I am today. After completing my master's degree at Texas Tech University, the position at the Barta Brothers Ranch was very enticing as it allowed me the opportunity to pay that mentorship aspect forward to new researchers and students.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
The ability to help answer research questions is one of my favorite parts of working within an academic institution. I am a curious person by nature and by being able to work with graduate students and faculty, we can begin answering some of these questions we ask about the world around us. It is also rewarding when we can take those results and disseminate the information to producers across the state.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
When I finished my degree, I graduated summa cum laude as well as being a Chancellor's Scholar by upholding a 4.0 GPA. I would consider that my greatest achievement so far.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
Music has always been a big part of my life. While I am not part of any concert bands anymore, I do my best to play tuba every year at Tuba Christmas. It is a fun gathering of tuba and euphonium players who get together and play Christmas carols. I have attended them about every year since I graduated high school and participated at this event in Kearney, NE and Lubbock, TX. It is my favorite way to kick off the holiday season.
What is your life like outside of work?
My wife, Sydnie, and I live on the ranch with our dog, Camper, and just enjoy spending time taking in the sights of the Nebraska Sandhills. I hunt turkey and waterfowl out here as well as run a trap line for furbearers. I also enjoy coaching up at Rock County High School in Bassett where I assist with the strength and conditioning programming for some of the high school athletes.