![Matthew Ross](/ebio/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/article-image/hl_ross_1.jpg?itok=ByjshgXD)
In my ecosystem science research, I was able to work in Wyoming, Hawaii, and do my own project in Utah. I love the mix of field-studies working outside and lab experiments inside. For my thesis, I studied the effects of fire mitigation efforts on soils and plant communities. The EBIO department and Dr. Nichole Barger provided all of the training I needed to conduct the experiment alone and I enjoyed this freedom. EBIO provides many different research opportunities and I fully recommend taking advantage of them.
Matthew defended his Honors thesis titled “Recent fuels reduction treatment effects on herbaceous communities and soils in a Piñon-Juniper Ecosystem” in EBIO. The defense committee consisted of Prof. Nichole Barger (Major advisor; EBIO), Prof. Tom Seastedt (EBIO), Prof. Jason Neff (Geology) and Prof. Barbara Demmig-Adams (EBIO and Honors council member). Matthew graduated with Summa cum Laude.