Daniel Marea (nee White)

About Daniel

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program for several reasons. At the time I entered graduate school, I was still trying to decide between continuing studies in geology or shifting to more focused public lands/recreation/natural resources management. Ultimately, the best option for me was the program offered by HSU. Additionally, having grown up visiting the Northern California coast and the redwoods, I had always wanted to attend HSU. I was able to take graduate-level geology course during my time at HSU, which I really enjoyed. Ultimately, I was interested in a career in public lands management, regardless of the resource focus, and I knew HSU had a very good program.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

This program taught me a lot about how to study public lands use and recreation, as well as how to integrate natural resources, biology, geology, and planning into a holistic management program. I was exposed to many subjects I had not been previously. I had to learn how to develop and execute my graduate thesis project mostly on my own (developing survey questions and materials, performing fieldwork, performing statistical analyses, etc.) which taught me discipline and time management. My project was funded by the BLM and I worked closely with BLM staff, so I felt like I was actually BLM staff myself, which was an exciting feeling considering my ultimate career goals.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

My favorite elements of the program were all the field trips my classes took. I remember visiting Prairie Creek State Park early in the morning before dawn in Jeff Dunk's class looking for marbled murrelets. I also fondly remember our overnight backpacking trip in Steve Martin's (my advisor) class. And I enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship I made within the small program cohort.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

Do it!