Major Exploration: Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences with Associate Professor, Dr. Ron Reuter and two NR students Sam Bango and Laura Mcwhorter - a podcast by OSU-Cascades

In this episode, we talk to Associate Professor of Natural Resources, Dr. Ron Reuter, and two senior-level NR students, Sam Bango and Laura Mcwhorter.

Ron talks about how he got started in the industry after falling in love with a soils class and the time he almost blew up a laboratory in grad school. Ultimately his path in graduate school revealed his love for Natural Resources and for teaching students. His decision to come to OSU-Cascades in 2003 follows the advice he encourages students to follow which is to, "...jump on those opportunities when they come forward...We try and second guess ourselves a lot but sometimes the opportunities come along and you take it." Ron also speaks about the differences between Natural Resources and our newer Environmental Sciences program.

Sam shares how she started out traveling after high school without the intention to go back to school but started to feel the impact of human treatment on the environment which led her to want to be a part of the change. In her advice to other students still exploring, Sam states, "I don't think you're going to find your perfect career, your perfect degree, in a classroom...I think that taking time to reflect and travel or explore whatever that means to you and just take time away figuring out who you are and what makes you tick."

Laura talks about her journey to Natural Resources through her fascination and endless curiosity with the natural world. Her time in Natural Resources has given her not only a strong foundation but has also kept her interested in showcasing the variety of different pathways and career options within the industry. Again, Laura talks about the importance of the advice she once received encouraging her to take as many opportunities to be out in the field and experience different options.

This experiential learning emphasis is what makes both Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at OSU-Cascades stand out!

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