Q: Why did you choose to come to the University of Missouri?
A: I chose the University of Missouri for two main reasons: its excellent School of Natural Resources and its respected Army ROTC program. I’m from KC, so the proximity and cost were unbeatable too.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue your degree?
A: I chose Natural Resource Science and Management (NRSM) with an emphasis in Forest Resources because I enjoy being and working outdoors, and I want to help steward the vast natural resources in and beyond Missouri.
Q: Did you partake in any research, study abroad, or internship opportunities? What did you enjoy about those experiences?
A: I went on three study abroad trips through CAFNR and loved the experiences I had on each one. I enjoyed experiencing other countries’ cultures while simultaneously learning more about natural resources and the environment. Each one had a different area of academic focus, so the new places brought new topics to learn about too.
Q: What is a favorite memory you have during your time in CAFNR?
A: My freshman year during CAFNR Week, one of the promotions was a concert at the Blue Note for an artist I really liked. I bought tickets with some friends I met in the dorms who were also in CAFNR and we had an awesome time. For me it started the semester off right and I am still good friends with that whole crew today.
Q: How did your degree program prepare you for the future?
A: NRSM taught me a lot about the science of how trees and the forests work and also a lot about the technical side of harvesting and applying treatments to improve the forest. Most importantly, in my opinion, it taught me about working with the people who live and work on the land. Managing forests for an objective that improves people’s lives while protecting the inherent value of the land as creation is the ultimate goal, and the NRSM degree set me on the path to doing so.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: My plan is to accept an officer commission in the Army and spend some time in active-duty service, then hopefully work for a conservation agency or company here in Missouri or even out west in the mountains.