Student Spotlight: Logan Kallam

Environmental Sciences and Plant Biology double major Logan Kallam studied abroad in Sweden, Germany and the Czech Republic. The International Sustainable Resource Use course through the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources really challenged Kallam to think more critically about his use of natural resources and challenges natural resource management faces on a global scale. His eye-opening trip was supported by the Ron and Dale Terry Student Assistance and Enrichment Fund.

Back in the U.S., Kallam splits his non-study time as an office of the Botany Club and an engaged member of the Roots and Shoots and the GLBTCA clubs.

How did this experience impact you?

This experience showed me the ways that other countries approach their natural resource use, which may or may not be like the U.S. I was inspired throughout the course to think more intensely about where the resources I use every day come from and how they are acquired. I also gained a sense of appreciation for the people of European countries and their history.

How did this opportunity enhance your experience as a College of Natural Resources (CNR) student?

This trip enhanced my experience because it exposed me to the realities of natural resources face to face. It also showed me a variety of possible approaches, depending on the country, to natural resource management. As an Environmental Science student who is double majoring in Plant Biology, which is through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, this trip was a nice way to discover what being in CNR is really all about.

What did you enjoy most about your experience?

My favorite part of studying abroad was the beauty of the landscapes in all the countries that we visited. From the forests, lakes and coasts of Sweden, to the rolling plains full of wind turbines in Germany, to the amazing architecture in the historic parts of the Czech Republic, they were all a wonder to see and not something I will soon forget.

What did you learn about yourself during this experience?

I realized that I had a sort of superficial view of natural resources and did not always think about where they come from. I also realized that have not had many experiences with other cultures and I find learning more about them is incredibly rewarding.

Would you recommend this experience to other students?

I would definitely recommend this experience to other students. It was amazing to experience other cultures and learn about alternate ways to address natural resource use. It was a one-of-a-kind experience and the professors were great too.

Any advice to incoming students?

Advice I have for incoming students in the Environmental Science major is to explore their options in the focal area to see what they are interested in because the major is very broad. Also, our advisor, Greg Wilson, is very helpful as a resource in picking and pursuing a focal area, as well as other aspirations.