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Calling for the next generation of dynamic conservation stewards



At the heart of our agency’s mission is our purpose—the ultimate answer to why we do what we do. Everything we do—across our broad and diverse agency—is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because our stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives our agency’s mission and motivates our work across the agency. It’s been there from our agency’s very beginning, and it still drives us. Jump start your career with an opportunity at USFS through an ORISE internship or fellowship. Utilize the information on this site to familiarize yourself with the ORISE Research Participation Programs at USFS. 

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With the support of an assigned mentor, participants have authentic research experiences using equipment not found on most college campuses.

Our participants are excited about the educational research they are doing

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    Hanna Mesraty

    Hanna Mesraty uses her multidisciplinary background to educate the public on how air quality affects everyone.

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    Nathan Walker

    Nathan Walker studies climate while planting trees and traveling the U.S. His research is proudly displayed as detailed StoryMaps for the U.S. Forest Service's website, and helps us understand the changing climate of our vast forests.
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    Robert Smith

    Robert Smith, PhD, examined the impacts of air quality and atmospheric changes on forest health.
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    Nicholas Povak, Ph.D.

    As a participant in the U.S. Forest Service Research Participation Program, Nicholas Povak, Ph.D., studied the impacts of fire suppression and management tactics on Washington forest ecosystems.
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    Kendra Wendel

    Kendra Wendel, a participant in the USDA U.S. Forest Service Research Participation Program, uses her background in applied environmental anthropology to study the lands, peoples and management practices of the Pacific Northwest.

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    Karen Dante

    Karen Dante has learned much about climate change as a postgraduate fellow in the U.S. Forest Service Research Participation Program, most importantly, its impact on forests in the United States. Dante hopes to use these experiences in the future to impact India’s (her nation) stance on the renewables industry and initiate climate smart solutions.

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    Nicole Buell

    Nicole Buell, who holds a master’s in environmental management, spends her time in the U.S. Forest Service Research Participation Program creating outreach materials to improve science accessibility.

  • I would recommend ORISE in a heartbeat. It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills and get new perspectives on complex issues, to develop an understanding of how federal agencies work, and to gain experiences and connections that can be invaluable in pursuing your future career.

    —Nathan Walker
  • I have access to new resources, experts, and the deep experience of my mentor and cooperators.  My mentor has gone out of her way to ensure I am well-positioned for the next stage of my career progression.

    —Robert Smith
  • This experience has increased my knowledge of forests and climate change not by ten, but hundredfold. I have learned so much from this fellowship, especially the intersection of science and policy. This experience really has been a 'dream come true.'

    —Karen Dante
  • I’m getting a lot out of my experience by contributing to very valuable work, and I’m also encouraged to pursue professional development to increase my skill set. I think it’s so great to be able to gain experience in the federal government. I don’t think I would have had the same opportunity had this fellowship not existed.

    —Nicole Buell
Read more about our participants