Russell Martin

Name: Russell Martin
Age: 24
SNRE degree sought: M.S. of Natural Resources and Environment in Terrestrial Ecosystems, Environmental Informatics and Conservation Biology
Projected semester/year of graduation: Winter 2010
Undergraduate degree: Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Texas A&M University

Why did you pick this field of study? Why were you drawn to this field?
Terrestrial Ecology builds and expands upon my undergraduate education in wildlife ecology and conservation, while giving me the opportunity to venture into the social sciences related to natural resources. I have always been drawn to the study of our terrestrial resources and SNRE gives me the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the social sciences that I couldn't obtain from a land-grant university that focuses on natural sciences rather than social sciences.

So far, what do you like best about your program?
I really like the flexibility the program provides to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself. It is really difficult to anticipate which opportunities will or will not present themselves while you are in graduate school and it is great that SNRE is flexible enough to accommodate those opportunities at almost any point during your time in the program.

Describe your research interests and experiences at SNRE.
I am interested in studying the sustainability of bioenergy production and its impacts on wildlife populations. I am working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture where I am helping to implement a new bioenergy program and I will be analyzing the USDA's data to determine how sustainable bioenergy production is at various scales.

What do you plan to do after graduation?
I will probably convert to a full-time position with the USDA where I will continue working on my current project.

What advice do you have for incoming SNRE students?
Be persistent and keep your mind open to exploring new options. Opportunities don't fall into your lap; you have to create your opportunities through hard work. And when you do find a good opportunity, don't shut out the possibility of finding the perfect opportunity. And if you find that perfect opportunity, don't be afraid to give up a good opportunity.

What is your favorite environment-themed Web site and why?
The Texas A&M University Wildlife and Fisheries Science job board. It keeps me current on the job market and lets me know what skills I need to obtain in order to become qualified for my dream jobs.

How do you relax when not studying?
I really enjoy listening to the world come alive around me while watching a Texas sunrise and sipping hot tea on a cold, Texas-winter morning. And I enjoy taking my dog, Maximus, to any of the dog parks in the Ann Arbor area.