Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Why did you choose UMaine and the EES program:

I chose EES at UMaine because I saw it as a challenge. Sciences as a whole intimated me as much as they always engaged me. And the department is just so vast! I felt I could explore and grow here while going after something in a place that provided and encouraged opportunities and experiences.

Best hands on experience and why:

I have really enjoyed the experiences in my EES courses such as measuring tree width, pond sampling, and wetland delineation exercises directed with help but mostly in the control of students in pairs and groups. I was also able to do tick drag sampling, and site observations in the process of making a lab report for a biology course, as well as using the microscope on specimens collected or provided in lab as well.

Favorite class at UMaine and why:

CMJ 107 has been my favorite class on campus so far. It was engaging! And interdisciplinary, covering how image perception, social science models, and other functioning parts of environmental science work in communications. The professor and TA were also very supportive and passionate about the material.

Wisdom for incoming students:

As cliche as it sounds, believe in yourself! Trust me more than anyone coming from the experience of being a transfer and having starting fresh off of studying something else before coming to UMaine, adjusting to campus and feeling lost is normal. I am not an extrovert by any means, but campus is very welcoming! Classmates, advisors, and clubs are all your friends. Try to start a conversation even if it feels awkward, or go to an event on campus if you can, it does pay off.