Although he graduated only a year and a half ago in May 2012, Nate Thompson has wasted no time in jump-starting his career as an environmental scientist.
"The part that I most enjoy is that every day can be different," Thompson said. "That's also what's most challenging. You have to be able to think on your feet at times."
Thompson works for Coranco Great Plains, an environmental consulting firm based in Wahoo, Neb. The firm provides services on an array of environmental, geotechnical and construction-related drilling and remediation projects for clients in the public and private sectors.
A connection he made through the university led him to his current position, proving the importance and value of networking – especially for recent grads.
"I started my current position a week after I graduated," Thompson said. "I was connected to my current employer through an acquaintance at UNL."
Thompson said that his degree in environmental restoration science with the soil science option positioned him to be well-prepared for his budding career.
"I was very pleased with my experience at UNL and the School of Natural Resources," Thompson said. "I would recommend it to anyone."
During his time at SNR, Thompson was actively involved with the environmental restoration science program.
"SOIL 153 taught by Martha Mamo was probably my favorite course – it was the course that first got me interested in soil," Thompson said. "NRES 477 taught by Mark Kuzila was also another favorite soil course. I really liked soil courses – soil is an interesting and underappreciated resource."
He served as a member of the UNL Soil Judging team for two years, which presented him with real-world applications for the knowledge he gained in the classroom.
"It was a great hands-on experience where I was able to apply knowledge I had learned in the classroom to the real world," he said. "It gave me a wider perspective on how all the things we learn in class come together to form a bigger picture. It also gave me a chance to visit some cool places and meet some great people I would have otherwise not had the chance to meet."
Thompson said that for now, he wants to focus on his chosen career field. But as for the future, the possibilities are limitless.
"At this moment I would like to continue to gain experience in the environmental field and see where it takes me," he said. "Our society will continue to need scientists in order to tackle all the environmental challenges we will face in the future."
— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources