AJ Studer
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
"I knew I loved working outside, with animals, and with people, and NRES seemed to be the best merger of the three."
Our amazing Student Ambassadors are current NRES undergraduates who can provide prospective students insight into the daily lives of students in our program.
Please browse their profiles to learn more about them and why they chose to study here. Feel free to contact them directly if you have any questions about student life - they look forward to hearing from you!
Meet Current NRES Students
Aspen Braun
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
"I really appreciated that the campus feels big enough to branch out in, but students can still find a sense of community and build relationships with others."
Emily Ma
Environmental Science & Management
"My involvement in this field cultivated a passion that has driven me to pursue a goal of sustaining the environment of my community, and ultimately spurring a global change."
Josie Melrose
Human Dimensions of the Environment
"Even though Illinois is a larger university, the faculty genuinely care about building strong connections with their students. No matter what your interests are—like my passion for environmental epidemiology—there's always a professor who has experience in that area or knows someone who does."
Lauren Jones
Ecosystem Stewardship & Restoration Ecology
"The NRES department is very close-knit and friendly. Even as a freshman, you have the opportunity to get to know the professors and graduate students on a personal level, which can open the doors for research opportunities and internships."
Madeline Eversmann
Environmental Social Sciences
"Despite the university’s large size, it has been easy for me to find my community and sense of belonging!"
Maria Raza
Human Dimensions of the Environment
"I love how the major has such diverse class options, and it really gives you the opportunity to not only better understand what you're studying but also the different opportunities in your field."
Molly Creech
Ecosystem Stewardship & Restoration Ecology
"I want to understand what is happening to our climate through research and a scientific approach and find ways to mitigate harmful effects."
Nathaniel Wiesbrook
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
"If you have an interest in any aspects of the environment, there is an NRES niche for you."
Sofia Bellisario
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
"Through NRES, I will be ready to find my niche in environmental science that I will pursue in the future."
Tony Talarico
Environmental Science & Management
"NRES was just what I was preparing and looking for. I felt it only necessary to be a part of a great program and close community. No other university could match it."