Conservation and Sustainability. A passion for these two words is what often leads students to the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University. Each of our degrees helps students pursue careers where they will have a direct impact on the natural resources and environment around us. Here are four students who are working toward that goal.
ANGEL CAGLE
Forestry
Angel was a volunteer fire fighter in high school. During a call, she met a woman with the Alabama Forestry Commission and realized that it was possible for females to be Foresters. She already loved hiking and being outdoors but being a Forester would also allow her to do something that positively impacted the environment. With forests covering over 70% of Alabama, Forestry has an enormous impact on the economy of our state.
Angel attended her local community college for two years, and then transferred to Auburn University for the summer semester so she could attend the Summer Practicum required of all Forestry students. Once on campus, Angel immediately became involved in the Forestry Club, Save the Bees, the Forest Health Lab, and Student Ambassadors. This summer, Angel was awarded a coveted internship with Resource Management Service, LLC in Florida.
Angel loves being a female forester and the opportunity it provides her. She embraces the opportunity to work outdoors and see the results of her work in the land around her.
ASHFORD BOYINGTON
Wildlife Ecology and Management
Ashford took time away from his academic journey to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity. As a successful business owner, he recognized the need for improved systems in services that must take our environment into consideration. With new regulations and the impact they make on both government and private industries, Ashford knew having a degree focused on ecology would be a great business decision and a smart career choice that opens doors to future opportunities.
Ashford appreciates the small size of the CFWE where he immediately connected to the faculty and his peers. Ashford serves as President of the Wildlife Society and is a member of the Society for Natural Resources, Student Ambassadors, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Auburn Economics Club.
While a huge decision for Ashford, it was “empowering coming back” because of everything the University and the CFWE has to offer.
EVIE PEARSON
Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging
Evie is a third-year student in our Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging program. Her mom graduated from Auburn with a degree in Forestry, so when Evie attended War Eagle Day as a high school senior, she decided to visit the CFWE table. Once there, she learned about how water bottles could be made from renewable materials and she quickly decided to, “Go BIOP!”
Evie is involved in the college as a Student Ambassador, a research assistant, a leader in the BIOP Society and Forest Products Society, as well as other campus activities like Auburn Christian Fellowship and the International Buddy Program. She is also pursuing a minor in Eastern Asian Studies showing her range in interests.
Evie loves how the CFWE provides a small, family-feel experience. She felt comfortable getting involved early which helped her meet classmates, and her professors and advisors know her name as they pass in the halls. Evie is grateful for a college and major that keeps her engaged and challenges her all while learning ways to help our environment.
RORY SMITH
Geospatial and Environmental Informatics
Rory decided to major in Geospatial and Environmental Informatics after talking to her Auburn Band section leader, recent graduate and GSEI major, Victoria Stack. Rory was intrigued by the idea of using pattern recognition to make environmental decisions.
After an internship this summer with the United States Forest Service where Rory not only helped edit roads throughout the Conecuh National Forest but developed software that defines tree species in a specific forest, she knew she had made the right decision. Rory always enjoyed her science classes and GSEI offered her an opportunity to apply those science skills while also developing new skills in computer science and data analysis.
In addition to the Auburn Band, Rory is also in the Sigma Alpha Iota Professional Music Fraternity, and the Honors College. After graduation, Rory hopes to be able to use customer data to make impactful decisions for our environment.
These four outstanding students represent the smallest college here at Auburn making the biggest impact on our environment.