News

Because Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (ESPM) student Louisa Brody graduates this spring, she’s been applying for full-time work while wrapping up her studies. Through the process, she’s noticed that jobs in the conservation and natural resources field consistently list geographic information systems (GIS) experience as a required qualification.

GIS isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – but it is an essential skill for people working in conservation. Feeling intimidated? Don't be! In this Q&A, Brody shares about her experiences learning GIS at the University of Minnesota and tips for students starting their first GIS course. 

Lee Frelich, director of the Center for Forest Ecology, spoke with Kare11 about how Minnesota's recent snowstorm has given our trees a much-needed boost. 

Forest and Natural Resource Management (FNRM) student Steven Jaskowiak wants to eventually work for a federal land management agency. To help him gain the skills and experience he needs for that, he's completing a Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) internship. It's a program hosted by various US government agencies that can help college students supplement their educations with real-word experience. 

But what exactly is a virtual internship with a federal agency like? Steven shares his experience to help us all learn more about the program. 

As an external member of the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station’s Diversity and Inclusion Science Team, Forest Resources Assistant Professor Mike Dockry helped develop an authoritative set of studies investigating demographic diversity across the agency, encompassing all deputy areas, job series, grades and locations. 

Earlier this week, the team was awarded a 2023 Chief's Honor Award for Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Program and Service Delivery for this work. This prestigious award is one of the highest honors presented by the USDA Forest Service. 

Director of the Center for Forest Ecology Lee Frelich is quoted in an opinion piece about climate change that ran in the Cap Times, a Madison, Wisconsin, newspaper. 

Center for Forest Ecology Director Lee Frelich is quoted in this well researched article on climate adaptation and the survival of the Northwoods. Forest Resources adjunct faculty members Brian Palik and Meredith Cornett are also quoted. Read the full article in Knowable Magazine to learn more about UMN research on climate adaptation and the ongoing Forest Assisted Migration Project.  

Dr. Diana Karwan lead research for the Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MNPRO) on how prions move in waterways. Her team's discoveries were presented to the Minnesota Clean Water Council in January and, after further research, will help to inform water management strategies to mitigate chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Lee Frelich, Center for Forest Ecology Director, spoke with Mankato radio host Lisa Kaye about how this unusually warm, dry weather is effecting trees and dormancy, the pros and cons of soil dwelling insects, and invasive earthworms.

The Department of Forest Resources invites qualified candidates to apply for a nine-month, full-time, tenure-track professor position specializing in Tribal Forest Systems Management, Fire, and Ecology with responsibilities for research (40%), teaching (50%), and outreach-service (10%).

New from the Minnesota Daily: "A winter Minnesota hasn’t seen in over a century has created challenges as well as new opportunities within the UMN College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences." Faculty members Alicia Coleman and Marcella Windmuller-Campione weigh in on how this unusually warm winter – along with drought – is affecting our trees and woodlands.