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."
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."
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!"
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."
Madison Kramer
Human Dimensions of the Environment
"I decided to study Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences as it would allow me to pursue my passion for being a voice for the environment."
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."
Lauren MacLean
Ecosystem Stewardship and Restoration Ecology
"As an NRES student, I have found a strong community of motivated, passionate, and incredibly kind peers, who share the same love and hope for our planet that I do!"
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."
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."
Natalie Reed
Human Dimensions of the Environment
"The environment and nature are something that I've cared deeply about ever since I was a kid. The NRES department is also such a big and welcoming community to be a part of which is why I'm so glad I chose this major."
Julia Spainhour
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
"Everybody seemed happy to be there, and happy to help the people around them. I was excited to take part in such a community."
Paola Stoyanova
Environmental Science & Management
"I want to learn how to address environmental challenges and dedicate my career to working towards solutions to the problems related to resource depletion, pollution, and climate change."