Recent alumna Lauren Thompson (Forest and Natural Resource Management major, 2024) and undergraduate Emma Ihlenfeld (Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management and Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology majors, 2025) were selected to join the SAF Student Diversity Scholar program! This competitive program, which only accepts 20 students across the nation every year, "aims to empower students from underrepresented groups in forestry and natural resources to help them navigate, grow, and thrive in the profession," describes SAF. Members of this elite cohort are paired with mentors who align with their career goals; develop leadership and networking skills; cultivate community; and also earn SAF membership for the year.
This is a huge honor. Congrats, Lauren and Emma!
Image description: Over a maroon background, white text reads, "Two UMN students accepted into the SAF Student Diversity Scholar Program!" Below that are two portraits placed side by side. On the left is a young light-skinned woman with dark hair and bundled in a hat, scarf, and coat giving the peace sign while hiking on a snowy day. On the right is a young light-skinned woman with shoulder-length auburn hair and wearing a maroon UMN sweatshirt. She holds a pair of binoculars and stands in nature amongst green foliage.