We’re glad to present our recent publication regarding our yearly reflection as well as the incoming EBoard for the Thompson Scholars Association and one of our student’s co-op experience. You can find the recent issue on our website under Resources for Current Scholars in our newsletter archive.
Raegan is a third-year forestry major who was recently invited to come back to as a Wilderness Explorer Technician. We talked with Raegan regarding her academic career, her roles, and what current students can do to find opportunities like this.
When I entered college, I had only a general idea of my goals. I knew I was drawn to environmental work with a hands-on, field-based focus. After my first year of coursework and an internship I realized I wanted to broaden my perspective of natural systems, so I added a Wildlife Ecology and Conservation major. Balancing both majors has been challenging but deeply rewarding. Because forestry and wildlife are so closely intertwined, studying both has strengthened my ability to integrate ideas across disciplines and better understand the complexity of the landscapes I work in.
The hands-on, outdoors focus of my program is my favorite part and what truly sets it apart. The practical skills. I also value my peers immensely- everyone brings unique expertise, whether its birds, fungi, trees, or insects. Learning from one another has been just as valuable as learning from professors curriculum does an excellent job of preparing us for field-based careers and building a strong foundation in. The most challenging aspect for me is the technical skills, such as working with different computer programs like ArcGIS Pro and RStudio. While these tools are essential, I’m always happiest in the field. Fortunately, a lot of career paths in natural resources strike balance between field and office work.
I’m excited to work with a more specialized crew and continue developing my technical skills while taking on greater responsibilities. I am also eager for leadership and community outreach opportunities. Last summer, I co-led a trail crew of 15 high school students from Iowa, teaching both trail work fundamentals alongside ecological processes we observed in the backcountry. Teaching others strengthened my own understanding and reinforced my passion for this work, and I am excited to gain more backcountry leadership experience.
The Wilderness Trails Technician (WTT) position is offered by the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church (SBFC) Foundation. SBFC is a nonprofit based in Missoula, Montana that maintains trails in the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness areas. Last summer, I worked with SBFC as a Wilderness Ranger Fellow (WRF), an entry-level role focused on teaching trail work fundamentals. I quickly fell in love with the work, and was offered the opportunity to work on a more specialized crew this summer.
Spending weeks at a time backpacking through wilderness areas has allowed me to know the land intimately, not just as someone who loves our public lands, but as a forester, ecologist, and steward of the land. My education has deepened my curiosity and strengthened my connection to these landscapes.
The natural resources field is full of passionate, curious and dedicated people. While the path forward can feel uncertain, especially at the federal level, don’t let that uncertainty become a deterrent. Let it serve as a reminder of how vital this work is. Let those challenges strengthen your resolve, deepen your connection to the land, and motivate you to advocate for public lands. Now more than ever, these landscapes need informed, dedicated stewards, and pursuing this work is both a responsibility and a privilege.
Recently, Nicole and Tucker were invited to join the Alumni Board of Directors to talk about the Thompson Scholar Program on their Alumni Insider show. Scholar Bethany and Alum Hollis also joined to provide their perspectives regarding the program. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI
Besides the winter and good skiing weather, I really enjoy Michigan Tech’s approach to student leadership and involvement; one that supports its students regardless of the challenge. In my time since starting at Michigan Tech, I have been able to get involved in multiple organizations, and given the opportunities to peruse my passions in an environment that allows me to grow and thrive. The support is overwhelming, and the opportunities for growth are near endless. Over the years, I have worked my way up to being a Senior Resident Assistant – and an RA of two years. Additionally, I have served on two executive boards for various student organizations, and am actively the Chief Engineer of High Powered Rocketry for my enterprise team. All of these opportunities are backed by the support of others around me.
My favorite volunteering experience is with Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly. I enjoy helping to cut up, split, store, and distribute firewood for those in the Keweenaw/UP communities whose homes rely on stove heating to keep warm in the winter – free of cost. Additionally, I recently signed up to help out organizing in their food pantry, and to be a delivery driver.
Volunteering affects my life as it gives me a chance to dedicate my time and energy to something that has a direct impact on the community around me – not just myself. It brings a sense of fulfillment knowing that there are other lives that I am helping to improve.
After graduating with my bachelors of sciences in Mechanical Engineering, I will be starting on my Accelerated Masters in Mechanical Engineering. In the long-run, I will be pursuing a career in industry geared towards launch vehicle and payload development in aerospace applications.
Welcome to the program! You made a good choice in finding something that pushes you to do more than just getting “good grades.” Getting involved in the community around you will help make you into a well-rounded student – and amplify your impact on those around you. Find some exciting things to make an impact with!
Hometown: Midland, MI
I love my small classes and being surrounded by nature all of the time!
I love doing Make A Difference Day every year, and volunteering with the Copper Country Humane Society is always a blast!
It allows me to not only engage with the university, but with the communities of Houghton and Hancock as well. It gives me the opportunity to make valuable connections!
I would like to pursue a career in international relations.
I was in a video made by the Welsh Government when I was on the faculty-led study abroad program this past summer, and I have been given the opportunity to be the secretary of the Archery Club at MTU, the Department of Social Sciences Student Ambassador, and a peer mentor!
It’s so nice to have a community up here that you can go to with questions or just to chat.
We’re posting program updates, features, and other promotions celebrating our Scholars! Our website contains information regarding the Thompson Foundation, our Working Families Scholarship, and program details for our students. The Resources for Current Students shows current policies and resources our students can access. You can email thompsonscholars@mtu.edu with any questions you have, and thank you for checking out our website!
-Tucker Nielsen, Coordinator
-Nicole Piazza, Director