Meet Michaela, Graduate Ambassador
Michaela is originally from Vienna, Austria, but she likes it here in Las Cruces. “NMSU gave me the opportunity to study Environmental Science under good teachers. I also met a few teachers like Dr. Lindemann, Dr.McCasslin and Dr. Monger who helped me decide my long-range future,” she asserts.
“I am also passionate about nature and the environment, cleaning up soils, [and] renewable energy.” Michaela’s B.S. is in Environmental Science which, she says, has led her to pursue a Master’s in the Department of Plant and Environmental Science. In fact, she says her introductory soils professor and a good teaching assistant are what pulled her into her current field of study. She is now concentrating her education on soil microbiology and her research is about the impact of wastewater (effluent) application upon the soil microbial habitat.
Michaela says she has enjoyed her classes at NMSU although it was admittedly difficult at first. She didn’t let the language barrier and a complication with credit transfers deter her, however. She is glad she persevered. “There are many good teachers here that can teach you a lot… Every teacher I had so far is willing to help you if you go to him or her and ask for help. The emphasis is for students to understand what is being taught. But as a student you have to do your part to reach the goal. How much you learn is, in the end, up to you.”
Her plans for the immediate future include entering a Ph.D. program in environmental science, soil science or global information system (G.I.S.). Eventually Michaela hopes to find a job, either here in the United States or in her home country, which draws on her many talents.