BUMP Student Quotes

Borderlands Undergraduate Research and Mentorship Program (BUMP)

“Working as a BUMP student has undoubtedly developed me into the young professional I am today. I have had the opportunity to work across countless projects as well as work with numerous professionals in the field. The opportunities and support that this program has provided me will pave the way for my future career.” – Jack Bussey, BUMP undergraduate student

“This experience has greatly impacted my undergraduate career. Over the last four years, I have been able to participate in multiple research projects ranging from habitat restoration to big game management. This allowed me to broaden my understanding of the natural resources and deepen my appreciation for the outdoors. I was exposed to all aspects of research, and that has led me to meet many professionals in this field.” – Christopher Mott, BUMP undergraduate student

“The program is the reason that I decided to pursue my master’s degree. Within my first semester as an undergraduate, BUMP showed me how rewarding conservation research can be. My mentors and faculty advisors guided me toward the path that was right for me. It’s not a cookie-cutter program. It’s personalized to the needs, interests, and strengths of each student. That really pays off.” – Eliana Goodwin, past BUMP undergraduate student

“It was the best decision of my life to work in the BUMP program. I learned so much about plants and made me comfortable with public speaking.” – Faith Hille Dishron, past BUMP undergraduate student

Master’s Student Quotes

“I like having a close working relationship with my professors and meeting with them regularly. That kind of support helps students succeed.” – Nicole Dickan, Master of Science in Range and Wildlife Management student

“Having my own project to develop and manage gave me experience I’ll carry into my new role. And working with technicians taught me how to lead a team and train others.” – Nicole Dickan, Master of Science in Range and Wildlife Management student

“It was a challenge for me trying to learn and understand a second language. But it was really easy for me to become a part of this family because they are friendly and encouraging, and that helped me to continue achieving my goals. That’s why my experience has been amazing.” – Andres Solorio Pulido, Master of Science in Range and Wildlife Management student

“I feel so fortunate to have landed here, and I know firsthand what a helpful and supportive environment this is. I would advise any student who may be considering pursuing a master’s degree to go for it!” – Aaron Ortega-Gonzalez, Master of Science in Range and Wildlife Management student

“I’ve learned so much here, and especially how science comes full circle. I’ve learned that to be successful, I need to be able to do the analysis and the research and know how to write. This really helped push a lot of boundaries, and I feel like I am a more well-rounded scientist now, ready for the next step in my career.” – Brooke Bowman, Master of Science in Range and Wildlife Management student

“I was trying to figure out what I was going to do career-wise and where I would go to school. I learned about wildlife biology from the Big Bend National Park rangers, and I decided right then and there that I wanted to do something that puts me outside in a beautiful place like West Texas.” – Maya Reeler, Master of Science in Range and Wildlife Management student

Student Scholarship Recipient Quotes

“Reflecting on my first year as a graduate student, I can see a drastic difference in the way that I approach adversity, process information, and ultimately view the world of wildlife and research.” – Hailey Barton, Scholarship Recipient

“I knew that a graduate degree would enhance me academically, but I did not expect to gain so much confidence in handling complex social and professional situations.” – Hailey Barton, Scholarship Recipient

“It is honestly an honor to work alongside so many talented and dedicated students who are doing incredible projects to further our knowledge in science and conservation.” – Emily Blumentritt, Scholarship Recipient

“In such a vast region with so many stakeholders, collaboration and connections are crucial to making progress on our conservation goals.”  – Emily Blumentritt, Scholarship Recipient

“Over the nearly two years I have been here, I have come to truly admire the cohesive team dynamic and their commitment to sound data management practices and reproducible research standards.” – Nicole Dickan, Scholarship Recipient

“The high level of collaboration not only within the institute, but also with local landowners, TPWD, and other stakeholders, prepares students for the human dimensions aspect of range and wildlife research that is so integral to our field.” – Nicole Dickan, Scholarship Recipient

“It is clear that this institution successfully prepares students for becoming wildlife professionals and conservationists, and I am honored to be a part of this team.” – Nicole Dickan, Scholarship Recipient

“Attaining a master’s degree will help me become a stronger scientist and provide me with the data analysis, scientific writing, and project management skills that will be crucial for becoming a successful wildlife biologist.” – Nicole Dickan, Scholarship Recipient

My Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management with a concentration in Wildlife Biology has given me a strong background in research and has prepared me to be successful in this field.” – Andrew Dotray, Scholarship Recipient

“Within weeks of my first classes, I felt confident that I was in the right place.” – Eliana K. Dykehouse,  Scholarship Recipient

“The experiences, challenges, and professional guidance continue to help me grow as a young professional.” – Ty Goodwin, Scholarship Recipient

“Being inspired by the faculty, staff, and other graduate students is leading me to strive for excellence within this program and to graduate with a master’s degree while making an impact.” – Ty Goodwin, Scholarship Recipient

“As a Master’s student with a year under my belt, I am happy to say that I have had the chance to gain valuable experience across different fields and specialties.” – Audrey Taulli, Scholarship Recipient

“My motivation to work in this field comes from a desire to contribute new and original ideas to benefit humankind, a drive to be a part of something bigger than myself.” – David Tonnessen, Scholarship Recipient

Research Student Quotes

“I spend a lot of time trying to get into the mind of whichever animal I am studying, what may be motivating them, how those motivations change over time, and what factors may be impacting their risk assessment strategies. That helps me when I’m tracking them and trying to understand their behavioral decisions.” – Nicole Dickan, Master of Agriculture in National Resource Conservation student

“Sul Ross State University is uniquely positioned to become a research hub and an area-wide water resource for the greater Big Bend region.” – Dr. Louis Harveson, Founder and Director at Borderlands Research Institute

“Our Habitat Research and Management Program advances science-driven strategies that support working lands in the Chihuahuan desert.” – Dr. Carlos “Lalo” Gonzalez, Nau Endowed Chair of Habitat Research and Management

“Our research seeks to identify solutions to big game management issues backed by an ever-increasing body of solid evidence.” – Dr. Justin French, Big Game Specialist and Assistant Professor of Natural Resource Management

Alumni Quotes

Fabiola Baeza-Tarin, Director of Avian Ecology, Common Ground Ecology:

“As a Graduate Research Assistant, I gained comprehensive field and research experience that facilitated a seamless transition into a fulfilling career, all while removing financial barriers to my education.”

“One of the best aspects is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an outdoor laboratory—the Trans-Pecos region—while learning and collaborating with conservation professionals.”

Philip Boyd, Vice President of Science and Research, Dixon Water Foundation:

“I came here when I was looking to start a new chapter in my life and to find a way to start a career in Natural Resource Management. I was coming from a different discipline, so I had a little bit of anxiety starting something new in a new place, but the folks were all very encouraging and welcoming to me. It’s really been a life-changing experience that I’ll always be grateful for.”

“There were many great experiences. I feel fortunate to have had so many opportunities to interact closely with wildlife, from birds, to pronghorn, to mule deer, which are experiences that a lot of folks don’t get to have. I helped on a pronghorn fawn survival study that involved spotlighting at night for fawns under the West Texas stars. Moments like that are unforgettable, but so are the moments on the high plains in frigid winter waiting for soon-to-be-translocated pronghorn to be flown in. My wife can still describe how pronghorn smell because she could smell them on my jacket and see some of their hairs stuck to me when I got home from those events.”

“My time here exposed me to many different facets of wildlife and natural resource management, from habitat management to disease management, to movement and spatial analysis, to communication and all of the partnerships involved with landscape-scale stewardship. This exposure allows for students to find their niche and their passion. I feel fortunate to have been introduced to a broader community of people who care for the land and wildlife and am grateful to be part of that community. It’s often through these relationships that we find ourselves getting employed and building our careers, and that is certainly true for me. It helped open these doors.”

“Learning here taught me a lot, but if I had to focus on one concept, it would be community. None of the work would get done without strong relationships with landowners. Additionally, there is such a large partner network from research, outreach, funding, and conservation delivery, that it really takes a lot of folks with good communication and good relationships to get the work done. This broad community of people passionate about wildlife and land stewardship are essential.”

“The combination of in-house expertise, community, and exposure to concepts and conservation action all come together to give a great mix of hands-on experience, academic opportunities, and relationship opportunities that will go a long way in developing strong conservation professionals.”

“From wildlife management to plant ID to data management to wild places, they offer many avenues for education, experience, and professional development in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.”

Caleb Hughes, GIS Specialist, Borderlands Research Institute:

“Being a Graduate Research Assistant refined me personally and professionally. It gave me opportunities to learn new skills, embrace changes, bear responsibilities, and overcome challenges alongside the attentive support of the faculty and staff. They provide an atmosphere of both positivity and challenge that has made me a better professional and a better human.”

“I was once asked to help a fellow student complete vegetation surveys for their project at Nine Point Mesa Ranch. Students who individually study vegetation, game birds, big game, and hydrology worked together to complete over 100 large plots of vegetation sampling, and there was not a bad attitude in sight. The work was full of good fellowship, and our spirits were kept high by scenic views, monsoon rains, and the sounds of bugling elk. It was great people doing great things in a great place.”

“Prior to coming here, I was somewhat phobic of technical skills we use in research, such as statistics and programming. Learning here immersed me in these disciplines in a way that replaced my fears with newfound interest and enjoyment. I have since gained confidence in both programming and statistics, and my current job as a GIS Specialist requires me to apply both in managing datasets and answering research questions.”

“Through my time here, I’ve learned that successfully applied natural resource science does not occur in a vacuum. It must be cooperative with and considerate of all relevant stakeholders. Funders, landowners, land managers, state and federal agencies, and scientists all play a role in keeping wild things in wild places. Anytime a conservation initiative succeeds, it is a testament to the power of teamwork.”

“Far West Texas contains some of the wildest, untrammeled places in the state, and studying them is made all the more special by the people. The faculty and staff care for students both professionally and personally, while the camaraderie within the student cohort feels more like a family than a workplace. The opportunity to experience truly wild places and outstanding professional relationships is what makes it special here.”

“This place will challenge you educationally, enhance you professionally, and impact you personally. It will steer a pivotal season of your career through Texas’ wildest places and do so alongside great people.”

Ernesto Garcia – Ortega, Wildlife Biologist, Texas Parks and Wildlife Management:

“One of my favorite memories from Sul Ross was when we were trying to recover bighorn sheep collars. We got to fly in a helicopter in Big Bend Ranch State Park, and they dropped us at the top of a mountain. We hiked, did telemetry, and collected the old collars that were gathering data from this really important bighorn sheep translocation research study. Just flying into the sunset after that is a beautiful memory that will be in my heart forever.”

Kelley Mundy, Ph.D. Student, Texas A&M University – College Station:

“While Sul Ross may be a little far out there, you’ll definitely find yourself wanting to go back after you graduate –  it’s a place that you just don’t want to leave.”

“One of my favorite memories from when I was getting my master’s from Sul Ross was getting to hike up to Hancock Hill with my mom and sign the journal together.”

Jacob Lampman, Project Coordinator, Texas A&M University Natural Resources Institute:

“My education prepared me for my career by connecting me with networking opportunities – meeting professionals and developing those lasting relationships.”

Scott Mitchell, Private Land Biologist, O’Conner Brothers River Ranch:

“Sul Ross is so unique. When I got there, I could not believe how different it was and how friendly it was. Changing gears from the urban world to something really rural and beautiful was a fantastic experience. The climate, the people, the landscape, and the university are superb.”

“My heart belongs to that black bear in Big Bend National Park, that’s what started it all. That experience is what got me wanting to do research in the first place. My research springboarded me into a really unique situation.”

“A lot of it was the hands-on focus. I came from a university with very few hands-on opportunities in the undergraduate program, and that changed when I came to Sul Ross. That’s what attracted me and kept me there.”

Audrey Taulli, Master of Science, Range and Wildlife Management:

“My favorite class was the Science Communication class. We talked a bit about technical writing and publications, but we really got into the weeds with the public outreach side of things – we covered all kinds of mediums from artwork to podcast to public articles to children’s education events. It was a really cool way to get involved in more than just scientific writing.”

“Learning here got me really involved with outreach, getting to participate in different events and talk to all kinds of people – from kids to community members to landowners.”

“I have two favorite memories. On the first big game capture events I went to as a student, I watched a veterinarian show us a sonogram of a pregnant desert bighorn sheep ewe. So I got to see a sonogram of a tiny baby bighorn. A tie with that was during my own fieldwork. I was surveying for some birds that are kind of hard to find. And I still remember clear as day when I first laid eyes on a Baird’s sparrow, which is this really reclusive, secretive species. And I almost threw my clipboard and screamed; I was so excited.”

Grant Lawrence, Director of Land Stewardship for Shield Ranch:

My favorite memories are of how close-knit our graduate student community was. Sharing meals, going on adventures together, and getting closer to the land and closer to each other.