Jack Grabinski '23 (he/him/his)

Where do you call home?

Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

What are your major(s) and minor(s)?

Environmental Studies and Biology double major

What is your favorite outdoor activity?

Canoeing and foraging for mushrooms.

Why did you decide to major in Environmental Studies?

I am passionate about the environment and conservation. I was also hooked by the interdisciplinary aspect of the major. I am interested in the natural sciences, writing, and geography. All of these fields are a part of the environmental studies major.

What environmental issue are you most passionate about?

Wildlife conservation at a local level. I think that conserving the natural areas and organisms of this planet is one of the most important issues we face today. I also believe that conservation efforts are most effective when enacted at a local level. I gained experience in this field during my time with Round River Conservation Studies in Patagonia.

What is your favorite Environmental Studies class and why?

Intro to Geographic Informations Systems. In this class, I learned about cartography, working with geographic data sets, and making maps on the GIS software. I'm kind of a nerd for maps and working with data sets, so this class was a perfect fit for me.

What was the focus of your research for ENVR 320? What were your findings?

I focused on Asian Carp as an invasive species in the Mississippi River watershed. Through my research, I learned about the origins of Asian Carp introduction into the Southern U.S. and current efforts to manage their movements. The most fascinating take-away was that Asian Carp were introduced as an ecological mechanism of aquatic weed control.

What advice do you have for first year students and majors?

Engage with class materials and explore ways to develop your interests outside of the classroom. Join clubs, volunteer with Outdoor U, get to know your professors, spend time in the arb, and consider studying abroad if that is an option for you.