Current home: Concord, California, 30 minutes east of San Francisco

Degree: BS Natural Resource Management , minor in Forestry, 2002

Why I do the work I do: I believe that this job is a good opportunity for me to gain some good experience for the future.

The work I do on a day to day basis: I inspect trees for powerline clearance. This entails looking at trees in proximity to high voltage distribution lines and determining whether they need to be trimmed/removed to maintain state mandated compliance laws. I also inform customers of the proposed work and deal with customer complaints and tree trimming refusals related to utility clearance.

How my degree prepared me: My degree has helped me to determine tree species as well as growth rates based on the environment that the trees grow in. I speak to customers (sometimes hostile) on a daily basis and my education has helped me to be able to understand where these people are coming from and how to reach a suitable outcome for the situation at hand.

Who was an early inspiration for you? I would say that my father was the earliest inspiration for my hard work. I have always been an outoor oriented person and he helped me see that when I was young.

Of course, I cannot leave out other professors such as Dr. Knight, Rocky Coleman, Paul Gleason and the various graduate students who helped me through my college years. Dr. Redente had the greatest impact on me while at CSU. I took a class from him sophomore year when I had no idea what I was getting myself into just after I figured out my major. He must have seen something in me because he always pushed me to work hard and never gave me any answers, but made me give him the answer that I was looking for. I have a lot of respect for him and the way that he treated me while I was at CSU.

Of course, I cannot leave out other professors such as Dr. Knight, Rocky Coleman, Paul Gleason and the various graduate students who helped me through my college years.

What was your proudest moment at CSU? GRADUATION!!!  Most definetly would be the clear winner.  I worked very hard to get that degree.  The realization that all my hard work was actually worth something and had gotten me somewhere was very satisfying.What was your most memorable moment at CSU? Realizing my potential. One day I finally found my niche and was able to focus on that and have never regretted the steps I have taken to get to where I am right now.

What was your most memorable moment at CSU? Realizing my potential. One day I finally found my niche and was able to focus on that and have never regretted the steps I have taken to get to where I am right now.

What was your favorite class at Warner CNR? Restoration Ecology, with Dr. Redente! I really enjoyed that class and although it was one of the most difficult classes I have taken, if you know him you know that he will challenge you to the maximum. I really learned a good deal of information in that course, much of which I hope to be able to use in my career.

What advice would you give to students? College is hard, it is supposed to be difficult, that is what makes us the professionals in the field. Take advantage of as much of the information you are presented with and use all the resources you can while you are in school.

What words do you live by? Work hard, play harder!

What organizations were you involved in at CSU? Xi Sigma Pi, SAF, Outing Club. Outside of school: TTORA; A four-wheel drive club with the goal of preserving and protecting the environment as well as promoting the sport of off-roading.