“After graduating from Michigan Technological University with a bachelor’s degree in forestry, I worked for the National Park Service on Isle Royale National Park for two summers, spent a year on the island as a research assistant with Dr. Rolf Peterson studying wolves and moose, and served as a Conservation District forester for Oceana and Newaygo counties in Michigan.

“At that time, I felt I should pursue an advanced degree in environmental studies to help strengthen my career and broaden my experience and knowledge. I decided to go back to school, knowing that a graduate education would provide more opportunities. With the University of Michigan in mind, I moved to Ann Arbor where I started working as a summer intern, and later full time, at the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

“Professor Robert Grese, the director of both properties, became my connection to Natural Resources and Environment and encouraged me to enroll in its master’s program. I chose the Terrestrial Ecosystems plan because it was another step up the ladder in the field of natural resource management, which had been the focus of my studies and work. The quality of faculty and programs also attracted me, as did the city of Ann Arbor, which is a great place to live.

“Professor Grese sparked my interest in restoration ecology, and I thoroughly enjoyed his course on that subject. I also took Professor Burton Barnes’ class on woody plants and worked for him during the summer as a graduate student intern at the University’s Biological Station in Pellston, Michigan. I learned a great deal from Professor Barnes, both in the woody plants course and as his teaching assistant for forest ecosystems.”