Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Why did you choose UMaine and the EES program:

I chose to study EES at UMaine because of the extensive opportunities students can engage in. There are a large number of extracurricular clubs and organizations on campus that fit my niche interests that relate to EES. I wanted to join a community of people who shared similar interests in protecting the environment and wildlife conservation.

Best hands on experience and why:

My favorite hands-on experience at UMaine was the RLE experience and the classroom sessions of EES 117. EES 117 is a prerequisite course in the EES major. In this course, we simulated field work and performed our own experiments out in nature. I’m an officer of a club here at UMaine called Wasteminimizers. We have done several campus-wide clean-up events and done activities promoting sustainability.

Favorite class at UMaine and why:

Anthropology 225 Climate Change Societies and Cultures. My professor Dr. Isenhour in this course did work with the IPCC and her insight on climate change was really informative. I learned about how communities have learned to adapt to the progression of climate change events. I believe climate change is a crucial problem that should demand our attention as a society. To learn ways that small communities and indigenous communities have adapted has left me hopeful for the future and eager to engage more with the course.

Wisdom for incoming students:

Engage with other EES majors and get involved with campus clubs. There’s a large chance that you’re going to share classes with people in your major, so you must familiarize yourself with them. A lot of my friends I’ve made at college have been people who are EES majors, where we’ve met in our shared classes. These people have helped me stay on top of my classes with study sessions and have become crucial to my enjoyment of the time I’ve spent here at UMaine.