Allison Foster

Contact Info: gsg.president@maine.edu

Degree Program(s): Forest Resources (M.S.)

Home Country: Tampa, Florida USA

Role in Graduate Student Government: President

Reason behind joining the GSG as an officer: I strongly believe that the GSG can be instrumental in benefiting graduate students at the University of Maine. I previously served as a Grants Officer and now as President I hope to strengthen the GSG to continue providing support to students through financial support and social events, as well as communicating to higher administration.

As an officer in the GSG, how would you like to contribute in such a way that you improve the situation for graduate students?: I hope to make GSG more accessible and transparent to all graduate students, by putting more information out there about initiatives we are doing, and ensure that GSG in the future will be a sustainable and active organization. I want to increase communication to graduate students across all departments at the University to make sure students are aware of what is going on.

Long Term Career Goals: After graduate school, I hope to work in environmental policy to advocate for sustainable change in the forestry industry.

Involvement in clubs and other organizations: I am involved in the School of Forest Resources Graduate Student Committee on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion organization as their treasurer. I am involved in the Enhancing Conservation Science NRT and a Mitchell Center Sustainability Graduate Fellow where I am involved with transdisciplinary research.

Research at UMaine: My research is focused on Maine’s spruce budworm outbreak, and using remote sensing technology to monitor & manage the outbreaks. Looking at forest managers perceptions of spruce budworm and current monitoring & management approaches through a survey, and using a cost-effectiveness analysis to understand the economic tradeoffs of different approaches.

Hobbies: I love to read, as well as explore the outdoors! Maine is a wonderful place to be and I love spending time in the woods and along the coast. I love playing tennis as well, and trying out new baking recipes!