Forestry Graduate Student Spotlight - Katie Frey
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EmailKatie Frey, a hybrid master's student, shares her forestry journey.
Hometown: Lansing, MI
Degree working on: Master’s degree (Hybrid Online)
Expected graduation date: Summer 2027
Research focus: While we don’t select a research focus in this program, I’m interested in silviculture, forest management and planning, and conservation.
What inspired your interest in pursuing a MS/PHD in forestry?
I wanted to change my career to something I was passionate about: forests. I want to work in forestry and forest management, and pursuing a master’s degree will provide me with the training I need to begin a new chapter in my life and career.
Why did you choose to study at MSU?
I chose to study at MSU because they had a program for people like me who do not have an undergraduate degree in forestry but would like to get a master’s degree in forestry. The hybrid online model works well with continuing to work full-time as a communications professional while working on my master’s degree.
What has been one of your best experiences within graduate school so far?
The best experience so far has been FOR810 – spending nine days in Northern Michigan/Eastern U.P. learning foundational forestry skills, learning from a wide range of professionals in forestry, and connecting with other graduate students in my cohort.
A second opportunity I was able to participate in because of graduate school was the Gary E. Everhardt Park Break Program, an experiential program for grad students focused on park management, conservation and outdoor leadership. I was able to spend a week at Great Smoky Mountain National Park learning about park management and creating website content detailing hikes in the park – it was a neat blend of learning about their forests and using my background in creating content to work for GSMNP.
What do you want others to know about this program?
The people who are part of this program — the instructors, professors, industry professionals and other graduate students — are fantastic! I get a lot of questions about this program because it is new, so here’s a little bit about it: This is a hybrid program, so we have two in-person courses – one at the beginning and one at the end of our program, with a mix of required and elective online courses in between. We’re also required to complete an internship during our course of study. You can take the program at a pace that works for you – 1-5 years to complete. The people in this program are from so many different backgrounds – it has been amazing to get to know the other grad students and stay connected!
What are some of the best things about being an MSU student?
I have undergrad degrees in French and professional writing, and an M.A. in strategic communications, all from MSU – I love being a Spartan and all the people and opportunities here – and I’m so grateful to continue my education here as I shift my career into forestry! There are many ways to connect with the community here, and that’s one of the things I love most.
Any thoughts or advice for current students?
My first piece of advice is that life can take so many twists and turns, to stay open to opportunities and connections – you never know where the journey will take you. My second is to prioritize connecting with people – it can be difficult, especially in an online program, but find ways to connect – go to forestry meetings, go to office hours, seminars, job shadowing, be curious, stay connected with fellow students.
What are your future plans?
I have some pretty open-ended plans at the moment, but the dream is to find a job or internship in forestry once my other coursework is complete and begin my forestry career from there. I’m open to a range of jobs in a variety of places – and I’m trusting in the unfolding of things!
