Forestry Graduate Student Spotlight - Erica Muller
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EmailErica Muller, a hybrid master's student, shares her forestry journey.
Hometown: Neptune, New Jersey
Degree working on: Master’s degree
What inspired your interest in pursuing a MS/PHD in forestry?
I began working in forestry soon after graduating with an undergraduate degree in environmental science and years later, I went on to become the owner of the forestry consulting firm I was working for. By pursuing a graduate degree in forestry, I knew that I could better serve my clients by deepening my knowledge and expertise, all while achieving the dream I always had of going back to school to get my master’s in forestry!
Why did you choose to study at MSU?
I was so thrilled to see there was a hybrid program where I could continue to work full-time and earn the degree in a time-frame that worked for my schedule. MSU is so well respected in the forestry world, too, so to be able to get a degree from this school was also a huge draw.
What has been one of your best experiences within graduate school so far?
One of the best experiences so far would be the initial in-person class (FOR 810) that takes place at the Biological Station in Pellston, Michigan. This 9-day course was so enriching and filled to the brim with useful information. Even with a background in forestry, this course really expanded upon and improved my skillset. It also felt a bit like camp, where I got to get to know and spend time with an amazing group of people, people who have become friends who I plan to stay connected with for a lifetime!
What do you want others to know about this program?
Whether you are looking to get into forestry for the first time or are someone who has practiced forestry for years, this program will provide you with everything and more that you will need to be a great forester, in whatever capacity that may be (private, industry, government). Things I have learned in classes like Natural Resource Policy, for example, have helped me to advance in ways in my professional career that I could not have imagined before and have been so incredibly helpful.
What are some of the best things about being an MSU student?
Even as a hybrid student, I feel so immersed in the school and have loved connecting with the incredible professors who teach these courses through Zoom office hours and email. They all care very much about the students, near and far, and communication has been great. MSU also offers so many seminars and other ways to stay connected outside of the courses that are available to all students.
Any thoughts or advice for current students?
When taking the forestry skills you have learned here in this program and are looking to apply this in the real world, don’t be afraid to try something you may not feel “ready” to do. You will never know what you can or can’t achieve if you don’t try things that may intimidate you, and you may just discover something that you excel in that you never would have thought of before! When I graduated from college, I never would have thought I would be the owner of a forestry consulting firm, but here I am eight years into business ownership and on my way to getting my master’s in forestry!
