Hello, I'm Heidi Puckett and I'm a senior from Blair, Nebraska, in the fisheries and wildlife program.

I actually came to UNL expecting to pursue a veterinary science degree. However, I quickly lost interest in the field. Fortunately at about the same time, a friend who was in the fisheries and wildlife program enthusiastically related how much he enjoyed his classes and professors. In need of a new major, I decided to take a few courses to see if the program could live up to his boasts; it did.

The program's hands-on, field-trip-oriented curriculum validated the claims my friend made. I love being outside, which is where a great deal of fisheries and wildlife research takes place. Since joining the program, I have enjoyed several outdoor excursions.

I recall in particular a trip last fall with the UNL Wildlife Club where we used electro-shock technology on fish in a local lake to stun them. Once shocked, the temporarily disabled fish came to the surface, giving observers a chance to take a closer look at them. I saw a paddlefish for the first time that day.

Another trip took my class into Salt Creek to gather water samples. All involved spent a nice afternoon slopping around in the creek basin. We performed genuine research and learned about the creek's ecology. What's more, we had a great time.

When fisheries and wildlife students have to spend time indoors, they can benefit from having accessible professors teaching them. I have had plenty of contact with my professors and have gotten to know a few of them on a personal level. In fact, at the moment, three faculty members are assisting me in applying for graduate school.

The School of Natural Resources has helped give me acquire a strong knowledge of my major and experience-based education. I would highly recommend it to any interested in applying.

Heidi's Photo Essay (PowerPoint Presentation)