NAME: Collin Eaton
HOMETOWN: Columbus, Nebraska
COLLEGE: College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
MAJOR: Plant biology with a minor in horticulture
WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating means that all of my effort and time have finally culminated into something I can be very proud of.
INVOLVEMENTS:
I had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant under Dr. Christian Elowsky for two years, participate in research projects through both UCare and under Dr. Samuel Wortman, and am a member of the Plant Biology club and Pi Alpha Xi, the horticulture honors society.
Courses that I've taken that have gotten me excited about the information I was learning include Botany, Wildland Plants, Into to Plant Physiology, Forest Ecology, and Ecological Interactions. I was once told to look for the thing that makes me sit back and think to myself, "This is incredible!" These courses did that for me. One of the most challenging courses I've taken was Organic Chemistry. This was transformational in that it showed me I could take the harder classes and succeed. Having that growth mindset has been invaluable.
I've been fortunate to have the encouragement and support of a wonderful group of people during my time at UNL. Cheryl Dunn, Dr. Christian Elowsky, Dr. Samuel Wortman, and Dr. Sabrina Russo have all played huge roles in my education and professional development.
Under Dr. Sabrina Russo, I was able to work in the Niobrara River valley for a summer, and it's what motivated me to ultimately change my major to Plant Biology with an emphasis in Ecology and Management.
Every experience, interaction, and challenge has all shaped me into who I am — both those listed and those I have not. I have been so fortunate in my undergraduate experience, and I'm thrilled to have finally completed my degree program.
PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:
I will be headed to Palau to help re-census a Smithsonian ForestGEO plot.
After graduation, I am most looking forward to being able to apply the things I've learned and get experience in the field.
The best thing about being a Husker is all of the wonderful people I've met along the way!
More details at: http://agronomy.unl.edu