William Ballesteros, Ph.D. student in the School of Natural Resources, has received the Graduate Student Research Award from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (NSA).
"The School of Natural Resources has been an important pillar for developing my career," Ballesteros said. "They have given me support since the first day I arrived here."
The NSA Graduate Student Research Award is given to recognize outstanding graduate student work in woody plant research in Nebraska.
Ballesteros said that his adviser, SNR professor Jim Brandle, has been an integral part of his success at the school.
"(Brandle) gives me advice and guides me to keep focusing on my research project," Ballesteros said.
Ballesteros is a Fulbright scholar from Colombia whose research focuses on reducing the release of gases and increasing carbon storage in soils and woody products.
Although Ballesteros plans to return to Colombia after completing his Ph.D., he said that leaving the university will be more difficult than he thought.
"Many Fulbright scholars are afraid to come to UNL, but after my experience here, I (tell them) that the only worry is wanting to stay," he said.
— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources