Name: MIRA JASMIN

Major/Minor/Area of study: Forest & Natural Resource Management with a focus in Parks & Protected Areas Management, and a minor in History of Science, Technology & Medicine

Expected graduation date/year: Spring 2026

What inspired or motivated you to pursue your major/minor/area of study? When I entered college I had planned on pursuing a Biology degree. I always felt a connection to the outdoors and natural resources, but I wasn’t confident about what I wanted to pursue as a career. After spending a year in the Bio program I was feeling uninterested in my courses, and discouraged by my performance. After learning more about the degree programs in the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) I decided to switch my major to Forest and Natural Resource Management. Although I was nervous about my choice, I immediately felt at home after only a few weeks in my new program. While taking classes like Dendrology and Forest Ecology, I was able to actually put the skills I was learning into practice as I was learning them! I felt much more confident and engaged with these hands-on learning experiences. The following summer, I took a job treating ash trees in the Twin Cities Metro Area for Emerald Ash Borer. Spending the summer working outdoors and creating a direct impact on my local community was invaluable, and has certainly inspired my future career path.

What is your dream job after graduation? I’m hoping to find a job that allows me to work outdoors, preferably researching or managing invasive species. I’m also extremely interested in natural resource work being done by, and in collaboration with tribal agencies.