Fourteen undergraduate and four graduate students from UT and the Tennessee Chapter of the Society of American Foresters (Forestry Club) attended the national SAF Convention in Loveland, Colo., from Sept. 17-20.
Students met with employers such as the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Barlett Tree Experts, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and others. They heard from U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore and other presenters about new technology and research findings.
“Learning about cutting-edge research and being involved in networking conversations with industry professionals from around the world cannot be replicated inside a classroom,” graduate student Kayla Stuart said. “I am thankful for the support of the School of Natural Resources to ensure that opportunities like this are available for students to become more dynamic professionals.”
Stuart added she was thankful to attend the Women in Forestry meet-up and talk to two undergraduate students from Salish Kootenai College and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry about their experiences and future careers.
Doctoral student Tara Skiba says this was her first national SAF Convention. “It was so amazing to hear about and experience forest systems that are so different from what we have here in the Southeast,” Skiba said. “This was also a great place to learn about internships and what career paths are available post-graduation. I also reconnected with many people I met at other national conferences but haven’t seen in a few years and got closer to my fellow graduate students.”
Undergraduate students Josie Calhoon, Sean O’Tool, Jackson Daniels, and Brendan Hogan participated in the Convention’s annual quiz bowl.
“We thank the department for all their help as we couldn’t have done it without them,” student Caitlin Embry said.
Students also visited Rocky Mountain National Park while in Colorado.
