Grayson Corey, a student at the University of Nevada, Reno, is set to graduate in May with a degree in environmental science focused on ecological restoration and conservation. Corey has also earned a minor in ceramics through the College of Liberal Arts.
Corey’s journey at the university began with familiarity; his mother, Jessica, is a long-time faculty member. “I grew up coming to campus,” Corey said. “When it came time to pick a school, I had been accepted to other institutions, but with my familiarity with the campus, I decided to come to Nevada. I feel like I made the right choice – it’s been nice!”
Financial support played an important role during Corey’s studies. He received several scholarships including the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship and benefited from discounted tuition due to his mother’s employment at the university. “I feel very lucky,” Corey said. “Between the discounted tuition I am eligible for because of my mom’s employment here and my scholarships, I have basically been able to go to school for free, which I recognize is a very privileged opportunity. I advise that students apply for as many scholarships as they can and to remember to complete the FAFSA form each year.”
Outside of classwork, Corey participated in undergraduate research focused on Lake Tahoe’s water quality as part of his work in the Blaszczak Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology Lab. “In the lab, we study streams around Lake Tahoe and run experiments on the water samples… Specifically, I hop in the streams and collect samples and take them back to the lab where I measure how much suspended solids are in the water,” he said.
Corey was active beyond academics as well—joining organizations such as Black Student Organization and Ceramics Society—and worked last summer at Cape Cod National Seashore for the National Park Service.
Mentors were influential throughout Corey’s college experience: “Joanna Blaszczak has been such a great boss… Erica Bigio has also been a huge help… Rebekah Bogard…has also been a person that I turned to for advice,” he said.
Looking ahead after graduation this May, Corey plans immediate work at Mt. Rainier National Park before pursuing graduate studies: “Immediately after graduation, I am working at Mt. Rainier National Park,” he said. “After the season, I hope to get my master’s degree in ecology or biology.” Eventually he hopes for a career as park ecologist with U.S. National Park Service.