Nathaniel Cole ’22 is a Forest Technology major from Lebanon, New Hampshire. An avid outdoorsman who loves to fly fish, he is looking forward to a career preserving the health of the state’s forests. Nathaniel is the recipient of the Jeffrey Wells Scholarship and a UNH Resident Tuition Grant.
Nathaniel Cole: I've known about the University of New Hampshire since I was about 8 years old. When I started my senior year of high school, I knew I would probably attend UNH since it is close to where I grew up, I already knew many people who were attending the university and loved it. It is just far enough away that I can be independent and still feel at home.
Nathaniel: My major is Forest Technology in the Thompson School of Applied Science. Forest Tech students spend their time studying trees and the lumber industry in New Hampshire as well as the broader United States. This program is giving me the skills and opportunities to work in forested areas and leave them better than how I found them, which will be very beneficial in my career as a forester.
Nathaniel: Even though I’m only attending UNH for two years, I am so proud of the friends I have made. I have made connections here with people I will know for the rest of my life. Not only through the Forest Tech program but through the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity I joined as well. The brothers of AGR and my other friends here at UNH have helped to push me toward an honorable path in life.
Nathaniel: After I graduate, I plan on applying to forestry and logging companies near Lebanon, New Hampshire. After a few years of working for a forester, I may return to UNH to pursue a degree at the business school or start the process of getting a real estate license.
Nathaniel: By enrolling in the Forest Tech program I am learning the skills required to become a New Hampshire licensed forester. After working with a licensed forester for four more years after graduation, I could have my own license as a New Hampshire state forester. Michael Simmons [lecturer and program coordinator of the Forest Technology program] has been helping the Forest Tech students to find career opportunities throughout New England. Mike is not only the teacher for some of our required classes but is also the advisor for all Forest Tech students, and he has been an invaluable asset to me and others in the program.
Nathaniel: I love the academic atmosphere. Being able to go out in the field for most of my labs provides me with a huge opportunity to study tree species and the different types of forest and wildlife ecology that occur throughout New England.
Learn More
