Forestry Graduate Student Spotlight - Autumn Dietrich
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EmailAutumn Dietrich, a hybrid master's student, shares her forestry journey.
Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI
Degree working on: Hybrid Master’s in Forestry and Professional Certification in Forest Carbon and Climate
Expected graduation date: Summer, 2026
Research focus: While it’s not technically research, my goal is to help create sustainable and economically profitable forestry and agroforestry systems that can be used globally.
What inspired your interest in pursuing a MS/PHD in forestry?
I have always enjoyed the outdoors and grew up in a family culture that celebrated our natural spaces. I spent a couple of months in Belize for an internship specializing in a small scale agroforestry project and the passion for creating systems that help everyone sparked from there.
Why did you choose to study at MSU?
I knew MSU’s reputation for agricultural and natural sciences would be helpful in my career. Additionally, the hybrid option worked well for my circumstances at the time.
What has been one of your best experiences within graduate school so far?
The best experience by far has been how much my knowledge and goals have evolved and been refined by the courses in these programs. A very honorable mention has been the opportunity to work with the esteemed professionals who instruct in the master’s and the Certificate Program. It has been immensely helpful to my own growth personally and professionally to get to know these people who love their work and have become so accomplished in it.
What do you want others to know about this program?
I want others to know that the Hybrid program is hybrid for a reason! While it gears more towards the professional aspect of forestry careers, its flexibility allowed me to reach out to other professors and instructors. If I had not enrolled in the Hybrid Masters, I would not have found the Forest Carbon and Climate program, nor would I be working on the projects that I am now.
What are some of the best things about being an MSU student?
I believe that the best thing about being an MSU student is the sheer amount of opportunity available. There are so many resources out there that can be taken advantage of.
Any thoughts or advice for current students?
Reach out! Make those connections and talk to your professors! Don’t be afraid to share your ideas because someone might just believe in you enough to make an idea become a reality. Lastly, apply for the jobs/internships/roles that you’re not sure will result in anything. You can’t predict the future and one of those positions might just put right where you want to be.
What are your future plans?
I am hoping to advance within the company that I’m currently employed with in the short term since there are large scale land management opportunities available. In the long term, the specifics of what I do isn’t nearly as important to me as it would be make a lasting impact on forestry and carbon over my career.
