Student Profile: Emma Bruemmer

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Why did you choose the major and option you did?

All of my life I have had a love for the outdoors. Nature continually amazes me and its beauty and the study of its complexity provides me enjoyment. Also, I have a compassion for people and want to improve the quality of life for others. I feel that a career in urban forestry is a great way to share my love for the environment as well as improve the communities in which we live.

What do you like most about your major?

I love the amount of variety in my daily routine. Many other students spend all of their class time sitting in windowless, large lecture halls. I on the other hand, have many opportunities for outdoor labs and hands on activities. Also, the class sizes in the NREM Department are rather small and provide a better teacher-student interaction.

What do you think is most important/beneficial about NREM Department?

I like that the NREM Department has as emphasis on collaborative and interdisciplinary learning. I think that is beneficial, as a forester, to belong to the same department as Animal Ecology because it helps students prepare for the collaborative work we will use in the future.

What do you think most people do not know about the NREM Department that could be beneficial to them?

The NREM Department is very friendly and welcoming. After a sudden change in majors the NREM staff was informative and eager to get to know me, which made my transition into the College of Agriculture happen with ease. This Department is filled with intelligent and kind faculty that enhances my learning environment.

What clubs/organizations have you joined that relate to your interests?

I am currently involved in five clubs at Iowa State , three of which are related to my major in forestry. Forestry Club is a larger club that helps students participate in events that relate to the forestry field. Many of the club activities are service projects that allow forestry students to connect with the Ames Community. Another Forestry club that I participate in is the student chapter of the Society of American Foresters. This group has a focus on enhancing the professional development of forestry students. The other forestry related club in which I am involved is Arboriculture Club, which is the student chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. Arboriculture club has a focus to enhance the professional development of forestry students as well, but with an emphasis on students who are going into the fields of Urban Forestry and Arboriculture. The other clubs I participate in are The Student Health Advisory Committee and Circle K. The Student Health Advisory Committee or SHAC is a club that addresses health concerns on campus and acts as a liaison between students and the Thielen Health Center . Circle K is the college extension of Kiwanis and is a provider of community service projects, with a focus on children.

What advice would you offer to incoming students?

I believe participating in clubs is a great opportunity to enhance your learning as well as a way to socialize and network. Clubs have helped me realize how important time management and a good daily planner are to being successful. I know that the skills I am developing here will be integral to my future employment opportunities.