Major: Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources
Minor or certificate: Certificate in Environmental Geomatics
Award name: E.B. Moore Forestry Award
I decided to be an Ecologist when I was ten years old. Growing up, I was involved in many programs at Lord Stirling Environmental Education Center, in Basking Ridge, NJ . I have the folks there to thank for my initial love of Ecology and the encouragement to take my many questions and turn them to a path forward. After high school, I moved down the Shore and attended Ocean County College. My Associate's degree was cut short due to COVID-19. While there, Dr. Duane Grembowicz showed me the world of options, within Ecology, outside of the ecosystem where I grew up. Once in-person classes resumed, I transferred to Rutgers. I started with a major in Ecology, Evolution, & Natural Resources but eventually added a Certificate in Environmental Geomatics. I am incredibly happy with both decisions.
While here, I took Dendrology, with Dr. Jason Grabosky and that made me decide what I want to do with my life. I fell in love with trees. Dr.Grabosky taught me that hard work, loving what you do, and a sense of humor will open doors you never thought possible. While in that class, I joined the Forestry Club, which I later became the President of. The Urban Forestry class made me realize how important and underappreciated these woody resources are. Because of the Urban Forestry class I did a summer internship with the NJ Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program where I saw what an incredible community there is in forestry and saw viable career paths. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been given at Rutgers.
June 2024