College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
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!
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
"I found a department that would build me up not just as an aquatic ecologist, but as a naturalist and scientist, allowing me to explore multiple dimensions of management ecology and come to a more holistic understanding of the field."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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!"
Environmental Social Sciences
"Despite the university’s large size, it has been easy for me to find my community and sense of belonging!"
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."
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."
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."
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
"If you have an interest in any aspects of the environment, there is an NRES niche for you."
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."
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."
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."