What degree(s) did you earn from UNL and in what year(s)?
Fisheries and Wildlife: Wildlife Ecology and Management 2021-2023
How do you feel your SNR education prepared you for your career?
SNR prepared me for my career by giving me the resources needed to learn more about wildlife management, human dimensions in conservation, and many other avenues that pertain to my career. The professors really care about their students as well as our natural resources, and it shows in their lectures and conversations. It is also a great environment to begin networking in.
Who were some of your favorite (or most memorable) professors and classes?
I enjoyed classes with Chris Chizinski, such as Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, or Natural Resources Policy. He was always down for some friendly banter, and he would often call me out in front of his class! He was a large contributor to my career and prepared me for the challenges related to our field. I also enjoyed being a lab instructor for our “Principles of Ecology” course, where I learned a lot about hands on education.
Describe your non-academic activities during your time at the university. For example, were you involved in any SNR-related student groups? Did you study abroad?
I was not involved in many non-academic activities, but SNR allowed me to network with professors and grad students, which led to my first conservation job as a research technician working with grassland birds. This gave me experience conversing with landowners, and some of those landowners still communicate with me in my current position. During school, I surrounded myself with friends who were equally driven, and we considered class to be fun!
Describe your post-SNR career path. Did you attend graduate school (when/where)? If so, what did you study and how did you determine your research interests?
I thought long and hard about grad school, but never attended. Post SNR, I worked as a rivers and streams technician for Nebraska Game and Parks. In that position, we worked with non-game fish species doing research on how they interact with our state’s waterways. After that I worked in the private sector of wildlife management for a company that specialized in wildlife depredation in airports.
When did your professional career begin to take shape?
My professional career began to take shape while I was at SNR. It was there that staff and instructors helped me form a plan based around my interests. From there, I was able to pursue those goals and develop the entry level skills needed for those jobs. After some time, and no shortage of patience, I was able to equip myself with the skills needed to serve my current role. The network I developed at SNR is what enabled me to progress further in my professional career.
What position do you currently hold? What do you most enjoy about it and what do you find most challenging?
Currently, I am the Southwest District Manager for the wildlife division of Nebraska Game and Parks. In this role, my duties involve public land management, big game management, wildlife disease response, public relations, wildlife depredation, prescribed fire, and other things as they arise. We try to manage our resources for the enjoyment of all Nebraskans, including future generations. The team is passionate, credible, and talented! We are lucky to have professionals who truly care about our wildlife and hunting access.
Would you change anything about or take anything back from your time at SNR?
I wouldn’t change a thing, but I would probably be more active in student activities if I had a chance.
What advice would you give to current SNR students who aren’t sure or don’t feel confident about their postgraduate future?
I would say the best way to boost confidence is to ask questions. Make phone calls, send emails, and even job shadow for a day. The more information we receive on a given subject, the higher our comfortability becomes. With that we feel an increased level of passion and credibility. Don’t be afraid to rely on others for information, and feel free to step back and watch others accomplish their objectives. Learn as much as you can and get as hands on as possible!
Any additional advice for current students?
Never underestimate the importance of surrounding yourself with driven peers. Find friends and help each other out. If you can build off each other, then success will come!