Graduate Student Spotlight

Daniel Morales
Daniel Morales


June 21, 2022

Hometown: Mount Prospect, Illinois

Major: Natural Resource Science, master’s degree

Anticipated Date of Graduation: August 2022

Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

I came UNL because of the research title they have as a school, and I was offered a National Science Foundation National Research Traineeship (NRT).

What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

My favorite thing about UNL is the research opportunities for undergrad and graduate students. Especially seeing undergrads getting paid to help with research.

What about diversity and inclusion is important to you when you think about your CASNR experience?

This is important for me because I was fortunate enough to be part of the NRT and they provided a lot of support for me. But I also enjoy seeing people reaching out and being inclusive.

Exposure to cultural differences is a huge part of college. What activity have you recently participated in that is different from what you are used to in your culture? This could be something you read, listened to, watched, eaten or otherwise taken part in. What did you learn from this activity?

I honestly like trying new international dishes that are here in Lincoln. I have tried Malaysian, Vietnamese, and South African, and I really enjoy talking to the workers since it's a family-owned business and is usually run by the family. I grew up in the suburb of Chicago but did not see much of the Malakyan and Vietnamese communities. It's been very interesting to me to try new foods and have conversations with the workers.

What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?

I took a short course called environmental conflict management and I liked it because it provided us roles to pretend to be different stakeholders, and later gather up to have a group discussion on how to work with people with different perspectives on the environment.

What are your plans post-graduation?

My plans after I graduate are to hopefully land a wildlife refuge manager position through U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. However, I am open to state or non-governmental organizations' positions that are in natural resources.

What's life like outside of school?

Life outside of school is catching up with friends by getting coffee on the weekends. On weekdays, I train for boxing as a hobby and to stay active. I do enjoy hunting and I am grateful that Nebraska Game and Parks gave me the opportunity to go duck hunting. I also love hiking.

More details at: https://nrt.unl.edu/daniel-morales