Elaine Guel
Human Dimensions of the Environment
"I’ve had the opportunity to have hands-on classes and even go to Mexico with one of my favorite professors. NRES became the close-knit community I wanted while attending a big state school."
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
Nguyen Ha
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
"Every single professor is excited to share their experiences, knowledge, and different opportunities with their students, giving everyone the opportunity to have hands-on experience."
Lilly Kooyenga
Human Dimensions of the Environment
"I loved science throughout high school, but I felt like I would be more passionate in the law and policy route of this field. I chose NRES because I knew that I would have endless opportunities within classes, internships, career development, and more."
Maddie Kramer
Environmental Science and Management
"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."
Gary Liu
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
"NRES has a very huge reputation in UIUC, and here, I am able to find a lot of student organizations, undergraduate research opportunities as well as volunteering events where I can get more deeply involved. I am able to obtain more useful hands-on knowledge and skills through these resources."
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!"
Michela Ossola
Ecosystem Stewardship and Restoration Ecology
"Overall, choosing NRES was one of the best choices I have made and has provided me with wonderful academic opportunities as well as future career opportunities that allow me to be outside as much as possible!"
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."
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."