Meet Alec Weisser, a junior water science major at the School of Natural Resources.
Hometown: I am a Lincoln, Nebraska, native.
Major: I am a junior water science major with an emphasis in hydrology. I have minors in mathematics and environmental restoration science.
Anticipated date of graduation: Spring 2021
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I decided to attend Nebraska because it is one of the few colleges that offer a water science major. Water science with an emphasis in hydrology is a unique major that combines my passion for water, natural resources, math, and physics. With such a good program in my home town why go anywhere else?
What is your favorite thing about the School of Natural Resources?
My favorite thing about SNR is how personable everyone is. All of my professors are very down to earth and accessible. If I need advice or help with anything I could go to any professor and they would be more than happy to make time for me and help me out. I also have the best adviser on campus, Sara Winn, who always helps me to get the most out of my time in college and keeps me on track. SNR also helps support their students financially, which has been a huge help for me.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
A class that I took last semester that I really enjoyed was Soil Conservation and Watershed Management with Dr. Aaron Mittelstet. I liked this class because we went on several field trips around Lincoln and performed hands-on activities to learn applicable real-life skills.
What is life like outside of school? In what ways have you gotten involved in the SNR or university communities?
Lots of my time outside of school is spent working as a server at Famous Dave’s. I actually really like my job, the fast-paced work, my coworkers — and it pays for my tuition.
I am also involved in a mentorship program called NHRI, or Nebraska Human Resource Institute. The focus of the program is to invest time and energy weekly in order to build a relationship with an elementary-aged student to help them understand and develop their strengths for leadership. I also meet weekly with other mentors to discuss student growth. NHRI has led to many new friendships and connections along with a lot of personal development.
In the past couple of summers, I also worked for a water quality lab here at UNL and then I worked for the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District. I enjoyed both of these jobs, and I learned a lot about different areas in which water science is used. I hope to find another internship for this coming summer.
What are your plans post-graduation?
After I graduate, I hope to get a job as a hydrologist. There are many different job options, but at this point in time, I am leaning toward hydrology consulting work. I would get to travel to advise those who need help protecting and preserving their water resources. I am also considering going on to get a master’s degree.