Monday, January 20, 2014
joe tumber

Environmental Conservation and Sustainability with a Minor in Forestry
Leominster, Mass. (Born in Humacao, Puerto Rico)

What made you want to choose this course of study?

I gained a passion for the environment while I was a boy scout and won the world conservation award. After that I started a recycling club, and took AP environmental science in high school. AP environmental science helped me understand the issues our world is facing. This exposed me to the field and led me choose this course of study. There is so much left to find out and do when it comes to environmental science, and that to me is exciting.

What stands out as your favorite course, project, or "learning" moment?

My favorite course was forest ecology, taught by Professor Tom Lee. Tom was passionate about the subject and was able to transfer that passion and energy to the students in the class. The class, accompanied with my work-study job as a lab technician, really helped me tune my focus and career goals to wanting to study forest ecology and become a professor.

What is one thing that has surprised you about the field you've chosen—something you couldn't have known in high school?

Before entering the field and coming to UNH, I wasn’t sure what I could do with my degree and I thought I would try to become some sort of environmental consultant. In reality, ECS is a broad field and allows you to have an understanding of many different aspects of the field while having the flexibility to focus on your passion. You can become a research scientist, an environmental lawyer, a park ranger, a consultant, an environmental educator, and you can work for the government or private sector. The opportunities are endless.

If you had to give advice to the next group of UNH students, what would you tell them about getting the most out of your studies at UNH?

Admissions Video

There are so many opportunities available to you at UNH, and the best thing you can do in order to get the most complete education here is to take advantage of it. Join clubs (don’t have to be environmentally related), get involved in Greek life, apply for internships and research jobs, and don’t be afraid to try new things. It is important to become involved because you will learn so much outside of the classroom as well, and if you ever get overwhelmed it is okay to reevaluate your commitments (a lot of people don’t become involved due to the fear of getting overwhelmed or being too busy).

Originally published by:

UNH Today

  • Written By:

    Staff writer | Communications and Public Affairs