Involvement within the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment student organizations provides opportunity for students to exercise leadership skills, build relationships with their classmates and foster community between students and professionals in the varying occupations associated with forestry, wildlife and natural resources. In his own words, learn how participation in student clubs has positively impacted Nathan Kurtz’s experience at Auburn and his career potential after graduation:
Major: Geospatial & Environmental Informatics
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023
Involvement: Forest, Environment, and Wildlife Leadership Academy, or FEWL, ASPRS, The Imaging & Geospatial Information Society, Auburn University Student Chapter
Why did you choose Auburn?
I chose to attend Auburn because my dad came here and because of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, or CFWE. Growing up, I always watched Auburn Football with my dad, so Auburn has always been in my family. When I heard about the opportunities within CFWE, I knew I had to apply to The Loveliest Village on the Plains!
What led you to choose this major?
I chose Geospatial and Environmental Informatics because it incorporates Geographic Information System, or GIS, technology and programming, as well as forestry, watershed and other natural resources management knowledge. I always had a love for the outdoors, so this major was right up my alley! My dad also works with geospatial data for his job, so I had been exposed to it before I came to Auburn.
What is your favorite part about being a student in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment?
My favorite part about being a student within the college is the personable qualities of the faculty. I am never afraid to talk with them or ask any questions because I know that they want me to succeed in their courses.
Describe a class that you have taken as a student of Geospatial & Environmental Informatics that has left an impact on you.
I am currently enrolled in the course Geospatial Information Systems taught by Dr. Donn Rodekohr and it is really opening my eyes to all the professions I can go into. Whether it is utilizing ArcGIS, typing Python code, writing metadata, or flying drones for landcover or canopy data, there is an extensive list of niches that I can get into after I graduate.
What opportunities within the college have helped ensure your academic success?
The Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Leadership, or FEWL Academy has been an incredible opportunity to meet leaders within policy and natural resources industries across the Southeast and to attend conferences. It has taught me many valuable lessons and could ask for a better group of people to be a part of.
If you are involved in a student organization within the school, describe the group’s purpose and why being a member is important to you.
I am the President for the Auburn Chapter of the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, or ASPRS. Our chapter’s purpose is to advance knowledge and improve understanding of mapping sciences and promote photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS and supporting technologies for our members. We plan monthly meetings with members and host guest lectures and demonstrations of GIS technology. I love remote sensing technologies like LiDAR and UAV drones, so being president of an organization that involves my passions is especially important for me.
What are you doing right now as a student that is giving you supplemental experience in your desired field?
I have been fortunate to attend a conference and a recent career fair hosted by the college. I have met and talked with many employers about how they are utilizing GIS in their work, especially in the forestry industry. These were great opportunities to expand my professional network.
What are your plans after you graduate?
After graduation, I plan to get an internship with NASA for their DEVELOP program in Huntsville, where I hope to be working on a 10-week GIS research project and gaining practical experience in the GIS field.
What are you passionate about? How does CFWE allow you to pursue those passions?
I am passionate about utilizing GIS technologies to help others. Whether it is gathering useful landcover data for a landowner or mapping out certain locations susceptible to wildfires, or all the above, I want to help others to the best of my ability. CFWE has given me the opportunity to learn about those technologies and how to implement them in the real world.
What advice would you give to upcoming CFWE freshmen?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are no bad questions and everyone in the college is there to help you to succeed and to guide you on the right path.
Interview is lightly edited for clarity.
(Written by Avanelle Elmore)
