Hometown: Omaha, Neb
Major: Fisheries and wildlife, with a conservation biology concentration
Anticipated date of graduation: May 2019
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I decided to come to UNL after I visited campus my senior year. I saw a presentation about CASNR and the fisheries and wildlife major and I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to be a part of. I made another visit to East Campus and I was able to meet with John Carroll. He shared stories about his most recent trip to Botswana and showed me some of the pictures. This summer I am lucky enough to be a part of the trip to Botswana. Overall I really liked that everyone I had the opportunity to meet seemed to be genuinely interested in having me attend UNL and succeed.
What is your favorite thing about the university?
My favorite thing would be all of the opportunities the university offers. Being able to study abroad has always been a dream of mine, and I am going to be able to do it this summer in Botswana thanks to the scholarships offered within the Education Abroad program. I have also had the opportunity to be a part of the honors program and several clubs around campus.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
My favorite class so far has been NRES 233, the wildlife field techniques class. We spent our fall break at Cedar Point Biological Station and spent our time learning different skills that will be useful in our future careers. Some of the activities included telemetry, measuring habitat suitability, scoring deer antlers, setting up trail cameras and setting up different wildlife traps. One of my favorite stories from the trip is when the mouse I caught jumped out of the trap and ran up my sleeve. Aside from the class activities I enjoyed the opportunities to explore the area, especially night hiking with my cabin-mates and viewing all of the stars.
What are your plans post-graduation?
After graduation I plan to attend graduate school somewhere out West, maybe in Colorado or Oregon. Ideally I would like to do some research regarding conservation in forested ecosystems. I am also interested in working as a master biologist within the National Park System later in my career. I have always loved Yellowstone and the Rockies, so it would be a dream come true to get to work there doing something I love.
What's life like outside school?
Outside of my classes I am a learning assistant for SCIL 101 and LIFE 120, which is something that I really enjoy. I am also a part of Horticulture Club and the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association quiz bowl team. I also spend my time volunteering at Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue when I can. I recently finished an internship with its rangeland management and conservation group and I am now a part of their regular volunteers. I received my S130/190 (wildland firefighting) certification in February so that I can participate in the prescribed burns it completes. There are always new, interesting events happening on campus and with a little bit of planning, it is a great place to have a well-balanced, enjoyable grad life.