Celebrating 2023 graduates

Gilles E. Kivuvu Kayembe | BS in Applied Economics

1. What are your plans after graduation?
I have been admitted to the CFANS master's program in Applied Economics. 

2. What about your CFANS experience helped to set you up for success? 
The orientation meeting with the advisor. I felt like she understood me well and what I wanted to do and pointed me in the right direction. Also, my first conversation with Professor Jason Kerwin. He told me that he will help me to apply and prepare for graduate school; it was just the second week of class. I was surprised and felt like I have been in CFANS for a long period. These conversations showed that staff and faculties are here to help me succeed.

3. What were some highlights of your CFANS experience?
I have been working as an undergraduate research assistant for the Center for Changing Landscapes since last summer. During the summer we surveyed people (visitors) about their perspectives on Aquatic Invasive Species. I had the opportunity to visit other parts of Minnesota. We surveyed in Brainerd (Crow Wing state park), Alexandria, and Ely (Bear Head Lake state park).

4.  What advice would you give to students just starting out on their CFANS degree pathway?
Ask for help when you need it; English isn't my first language and sometimes a single word can make test questions difficult to understand. I felt silly not understanding the word; but a professor reminded me that I am here to learn and there are no stupid questions.

Hailey Shanovich | PhD, Natural Resource Science and Management Program

1. What are your plans after graduation?
Currently, I am working to secure a postdoctoral fellowship with a US federal agency. My PhD in Natural Resource Science and Management from CFANS has prepared me well for a diverse array of sectors and careers in research and management in natural resources. My dream is to eventually become a permanent researcher for the US Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service or National Park Service.

2. What about your CFANS experience helped to set you up for success?
The financial support from CFANS scholarships and student grants has been absolutely foundational to my successful completion of my dissertation research, academic progress and professional development. Additionally, access to unique wellness resources, such as the CFANS Wellness Coordinator, has been important to managing my stress and provided me with much-needed emotional support during my graduate school experience. Lastly, all the opportunities for graduate students to get involved in Extension and outreach programming has been such a fun way to gain experience in public engagement.

3. What were some highlights of your CFANS experience?
Studying and reading in the beautiful outdoor spaces of the Saint Paul campus, volunteering with CFANS at the Minnesota State Fair, mentoring inspiring undergraduates through the CFANS mentorship program, and all the awesome people I've met and lasting connections I've made.

4. What advice would you give to students just starting out on their CFANS degree pathway? 
Take advantage of all the support groups and systems, opportunities to get involved in student organizations, and professional development opportunities that CFANS offers! Don't sequester yourself in your lab or program's student cohort. Try to branch out and try new things...and maybe even a leadership position! You'll be glad you did :) Death to imposter syndrome! You are a star!

Giovanni Delgado-Ortiz | BS in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management, with a focus on Policy, Planning, Law, and Society

1. What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue my work for the Center for Changing Landscapes. This will entail conducting more on-the-ground work on how human systems interact with the environment and climate change (e.g. agricultural practices, water-based relationships). This will be a great opportunity to witness first-hand how everyday people interpret and interact with environmental policy. I hope this experience will also help me in deciding what level of government I would want to work in! 

2. What about your CFANS experience helped to set you up for success? 

The small and connected atmosphere surrounding CFANS helped me become invested in many of my courses! Not only was I learning from experienced instructors in a more personal environment, but I also felt like I was being heard.

3. What were some highlights of your CFANS experience? 
As a policy student, I really enjoyed the course ESPM 3241W! It provides PPLS students with the opportunity to understand and delve firsthand into the policy process and its implications for State development. Because of this course, my team and I were able to propose a bill into the Senate House in 2021. On February 17th, the committee chair, Representative Rick Hansen, took our bill, authored it, and reintroduced it! The bill looks at promoting native landscapes in MN. 

4. What advice would you give to students just starting out on their CFANS degree pathway?
Make sure to take a course in Environmental Justice! As up and coming environmental scientists, technicians, or policy analysts, the topics in these courses will help you in becoming an honest and considerate professional.

Kendal M. Burstad | RD, PhD Nutrition

1. What are your plans after graduation?
I will be transitioning into a Research Scientist role as a co-lead on a systematic review project in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota.

2. What about your CFANS experience helped to set you up for success? 
The students, faculty, and staff of CFANS really helped set me up for success. I am so thankful for the support, guidance and mentoring I have received from the CFANS community.

3. What were some highlights of your CFANS experience? 
One of the biggest highlights of my CFANS experience was serving on the CFANS Graduate Student Board. In this role, I was able to represent, serve and advocate for the graduate students of CFANS. This has been such a rewarding experience and has allowed me to connect with students from all departments within the college. Another highlight of my experience was working in the Hill Gallant lab. Dr. Katie Hill Gallant has been a wonderful mentor to me and helped me navigate the challenges and setbacks that come with performing research. I have gained so much knowledge from her and have really grown as a professional and researcher in the field of nutrition.

4. What advice would you give to students just starting out on their CFANS
degree pathway? 
Communication is key to helping you succeed. Navigating your graduate career is rewarding and challenging, but communicating with your peers, advisor, and committee members can help you feel more confident and comfortable with where you are at in your degree progress.