When it came time for Ashley Burns to begin her collegiate career, having a family member who already worked in natural resources gave her some inspiration.
"My dad graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in range science back in the eighties," Burns said. "He now works for the Bureau of Land Management back in California and I always loved what he did for his job."
Fast-forward four years and Burns is now a senior grassland ecology and management major who's set to graduate in December 2013. She also currently works for an environmental consulting firm based out of Beatrice, Neb., where she completes GIS and vegetation sampling work.
Burns said she'd like this real-world experience to translate into opportunities where she can share her knowledge about native prairies.
"I hope that in the future this will lead to a job where I can teach people about the important historical significance native prairies have, as well as the essential ecosystem functions that they have," she said.
Walt Schacht, agronomy and horticulture professor, said that Burns' affinity for grasslands is evidenced by her dedication to learning all that she can about the subject.
"She has a love for grasslands, which motivates her to learn about grassland plant and animal communities and their interactions with the environment," Schacht said. "She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for natural resources and learning through her leadership roles in student organizations, classroom activities and as an ambassador with SNR."
During her time at the university, Burns has been actively involved within the SNR and East Campus communities. Her resume boasts involvement with the UNL Range Club and the Sigma Alpha agricultural sorority, the latter of which has Burns serving as president.
"Through Range Club I have gotten the chance to attend several conferences to hear about new research being done in my area of study and build really essential connections with leaders in my industry," Burns said. "My membership in Sigma Alpha has also afforded me the opportunity to teach grade school students about the importance of agriculture and natural resources. Both of these activities have really helped me to network with employers in the natural resources field."
Although Burns hails from California, her hometown of Upper Lake has a population of about 900. While researching and visiting colleges, she said it was important to feel a sense of small-town community – which she found here at SNR.
"I think what I enjoy most about being a student in SNR is the sense of unity," she said. "When I came to college I didn't want to lose that feeling of being part of a community. Initially I looked at smaller liberal arts colleges, but when I found UNL and the School of Natural Resources, I really felt at home."
— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources
Do you know a stellar SNR student who should be spotlighted in an issue of Inside SNR? Send his or her contact information to mrivas@unl.edu.