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I was sold! During the summer
program, we spent time with each
department in the college, listening
to presentations, doing hands-on
activities, and touring the facilities.
Toward the end of the program, Dr.
Zhu Ning spoke about the Urban
Forestry program. She shared some
of her current research, opportu-
nities in urban forestry, how her
time was split between the lab and
field research, and that she wrote
and published papers. I felt like she
was speaking directly to me and my
passions. I ran out the back door to
catch her in the hallway. Dr. Ning
became my academic advisor and
my mentor. I switched my major
to Urban Forestry and it set me
out on this path I am on today.
I love being with the trees when
I'm in the field in spring and
summer. I get fulfillment out of
knowing that I am a critical piece
of this large UFIA project that is
leading urban forestry data in the
country. Knowing that my efforts
will have a direct impact on policy
and human life is so rewarding.
As a PhD student, I don't have
much free time, but I like to read
and listen to audiobooks. I prefer
fiction but I am a sucker for history
and a really good memoir. I am a
Louisiana girl through and through,
but I cannot say "born and raised"
because I was actually born in Los
Angeles. I have a seven-year-old
Chihuahua/Min Pin dog named Bella.
I love her so much and literally take
her everywhere with me. I am also
a huge New Orleans Saints fan!
For her UFIA work, Brittany collects tree data in
Portland, Oregon, and San Diego, California.
Brittany Benjamin with her dog, Bella.
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