Name

Richelle Geiger

School

Virginia Tech

Degree Program

Second year Master of Science student in Natural Resource Economics

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Economics from University of Oregon, 2010

Thesis Topic

Historical wildfire data

Research Interests

Geospatial analysis; public policy

Advisor

Dr. Gwen Busby

Advisor’s Research Focus

Natural resource economics, particularly wildfire mitigation policy

Hobbies

Cooking, friends, animals

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I selected the masters program in natural resource economics at Virginia Tech because I was looking for an applied economics program that would allow me to focus on environmental economics and policy, which is my passion.

Virginia Tech offered me a full scholarship, which eased the financial burden. I was also interested in attending school on the east coast.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

I prepared for my graduate school application by selecting work from my undergraduate career that would make me stand out. I used a class project from econometrics for which I had received a high grade. I chose quality work that demonstrated my ability.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I focused on my passion for natural resource economics and why I thought that the field was important. I wanted to let the department know that I would feel fortunate to contribute to their work.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my letters of recommendation, I asked 2 of my professors from the University of Oregon. I chose them because I had taken more than 2 classes from both of them, so they knew my work and they knew how passionate I was about pursuing environmental economics.

I also asked the general manager of a hotel where I worked for about 3 years to write a letter of recommendation that would illustrate my work ethic.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in natural resource economics?

If you are interested in natural resource economics, I recommend getting a strong background in statistics and calculus during your undergraduate schooling, because you will employ those skills often in graduate school, both in classwork and for your thesis.

I also recommend taking many classes in different departments, which will help you find your niche. When I was an undergraduate, I took a class in a different department every term. This helped me realize I was drawn to economics and the environment, and I was able to take the courses that I needed to prepare for graduate school.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

Completing the masters program takes 2 years. During my first year, I completed coursework from the applied economics and geography departments. I also started learning GIS, which is a computer mapping system and database used to store and manipulate geographical data. Now that I am in my second year, I am applying research from my courses in GIS to my thesis. I am also taking fewer classes so that I can focus more on my thesis.

What is the focus of your masters research?

In my research, I am looking at historical wildfire data and permit requests from private land owners for controlled burns on their properties. I am trying to identify means to mitigate the risk from wildfires, and their socioeconomic and spatial variables.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your thesis?

Coming from both an economics and environmental background, my project is highly interdisciplinary. I incorporated GIS into my work because it has allowed me to gather geographical information without affecting the earth.

To aid my research, I have also taken policy classes such as forest economics.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor plays an important role for me. She suggests classes that I should take and reviews my thesis progress. I selected this professor as my advisor because she shares my interests and does research in natural resource economics, focusing on wildfire mitigation.

Does your masters program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, my masters program in natural resource economics requires exams, and they are very similar to exams that I took as an undergraduate. Each exam takes about 2 hours to complete. They are challenging, but manageable.

How does a masters program differ from undergraduate study?

The biggest difference between my masters program and my undergraduate study is that now I must seek out some of my own funding. This is common for graduate students. Masters student often apply to teach classes in exchange for tuition, or try to secure other grants and scholarships.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters program cost?

Tuition costs between $10,000 and $12,000 per year.

How are you funding your education?

I received a full scholarship from Virginia Tech through their forestry program. I also serve as a grading assistant for a professor in my department. Working as a grading assistant provides me with a small stipend for living expenses.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters in natural resource economics?

During a normal week, I spend at least 20 hours working on my thesis or sitting in class. Becoming more familiar with GIS takes up a lot of time as well. My research is largely historical, so my experience has been somewhat different than other students in this department because I do not go out into the field or into the lab very often. I also spend time each week fulfilling duties for my job as a grading assistant.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has certainly affected my personal life. I moved across the country, and away from home and family, to attend Virginia Tech. I bolster my personal life by attending social events, mixers and lectures put on by the department, which has helped me meet new people.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I hope to be in the midst of career in my field. Right now, I am applying for jobs. I am looking for work in the public and private sector. I am thinking about becoming a physical analyst for a natural resource department, or creating statistical studies focused on natural resource economics.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters in natural resource economics?

If you are interested in pursuing a masters in natural resource economics, I would advise you to get involved with IBEC, which is the International Business and Economics Club. It looks at different aspects of business and economics on the international stage, such as international finance, small business loans, and environmental economics. Being involved in IBEC helped hone my interests and make me better informed about what was going on in the field.

I would also tell students that there are some highly relevant and rewarding jobs out there for those with degrees in natural resource economics. For example, I know people who are looking to teach, to get involved with elementary schools, and create a curriculum that teaches children the importance of natural resource management and preserving the environment.