Daniel M. Merchant

Roger Locandro Award for the Outstanding Student in Natural Resources

I was born and raised in Flemington, New Jersey, just off of 202.  Flemington is a fairly typical rural area of Hunterdon County, with a number of farms dotting the area, houses on a few acres, and forests here and there to give the impression of being in “the country”.  I have always been interested in nature and the outdoors and spent a lot of free time in my yard and the woods behind my house, or inside watching nature documentaries.  I went into college expecting to be a Biology Major, since zoology is not offered here at Cook, but then I met with one of the advisers they send you to the first few days. Discussions about course work immediately went to classes like microbiology, biochemistry, and a whole host of other courses that did not sound appealing to me in any way, shape, or form.  It was not until I took my first ecology course, Introduction to Human Ecology, that I realized that there was a field of study that covered all of the things I found fascinating.  Then I took Principles of Ecology the next semester and learned about autecology, population dynamics, predator prey interactions; all things I had learned watching nature documentaries actually had real science concepts I could study and delve into.

I cannot think of a single ecology class that I have taken that I have not found fascinating.  Sure, some where perhaps… less so at times, and a few others stand out.   One class in particular, Winter Field Ecology, I can legitimately say was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  It also gave me hope that I can find a job or some career path in this field that will let me see some of the amazing things in nature, like the top of Goodnow Mountain.  My internship working in the Ecological Preserve on Livingston also provided me with a great deal of insight into what actual research can be like.  Surprisingly enough, I found that I generally enjoyed that kind of work, regardless of whatever frustrations arose.

The Cook Campus has been my second home for nearly four years now, and I could not be happier with it.  I have met countless lifelong friends while here and had some amazing experiences with them.  Few things can compare to relaxing under the giant saucer magnolia in Rutgers Gardens on a nice day when the flowers are in full bloom, or watching a meteor shower while laying on Skelly Field (on one of the few patches left unmarred by the geese… hopefully).

Right after graduation I plan on going on a road trip to see as many National Parks as I can get to.  After that I hope to find a job out west, maybe even in one of those National Parks, ideally working in wildlife management or conservation.  But frankly, I would be happy with any job that let me wander around in nature and get paid for it.