Michael John DiCarlo
2009 Forestry Featured Student

About Me

My name is Mike DiCarlo, senior forestry major and son of Sally and Mark DiCarlo.  I am originally from Pennsylvania but am most recently from Alexandria, LA.  I attended Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, MI and am a 2005 graduate of Alexandria Senior High School in Alexandria, LA.

Louisiana Tech University

I chose to attend Louisiana Tech University because of its excellent reputation as a forestry school.  My education here has been top-notch and I feel wholly prepared to go out and effectively manage forests for any application.  These four years have been an extraordinary experience through the friends I have made, the opportunity to play the great game of rugby, and the chance to grow professionally and personally.  I have valued the opportunity to learn to make forest management decisions that are simultaneously ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially acceptable.

Mentors

Any success I have can be attributed to the influence of key people.  My parents are constant supporters who always encourage me to "reach the high bar" and to never quit trying to win.  I have been fortunate enough to have been taught by a talented multidimensional faculty at the School of Forestry.  The faculty genuinely cares about the progress and development of each student and is committed to molding each student into a hands-on, knowledgeable professional.  I have appreciated their open-door policy and enjoyed their company over the years.  I consider each of my professors a friend as well as a mentor.  I also want to acknowledge Mary Anne Sandiford and Andrea Green, the two administrators at the School of Forestry.  They are a vital component to the School of Forestry's success and I cannot thank them enough for the job they do.

Leah Michelle Gonzales
2009 Forestry Featured Student

About Me

My name is Michelle Gonzales.  I am a senior in Forestry here at Louisiana Tech University.  I am originally from a little town called Watson located in southeast Louisiana.  I graduated from Live Oak High School in 2005.  After I graduate this fall, I hope to attain a graduate assistantship dealing with forest ecology.

Louisiana Tech University

I chose to attend Louisiana Tech because of the forestry program's excellent reputation.  I knew several Tech alumni with degrees in Forestry and they spoke very highly of the school.  I also liked the smaller classes where the professor knows everyone in the class by name.  I first attended LSU and I knew after visiting Louisiana Tech that I would like the atmoshere of a smaller town and smaller college better.  Although the educational opportunities at LSU were great, I am very pleased with the decision I made to transfer to Tech.  Tech is a special college because of the friendly atmosphere and the willingness of all of the Tech staff to render you any assistance you need.

Mentors

Throughout my life I have been blessed to have great friends, family, and teachers.  The people who have played the strongest part in my success would have to be my family.  They stand behind me through everything and always encourage me to do my best.  I believe I have the best family and support system anyone could ask for.  I would also like to thank the forestry professors and office staff here at Tech.  All of them have had an impact on my education at some point in time.  For example, Dr. Strimbu is always energetic and puts forth every effort to teach you the material.  Dr. Holley encourages his students to be the best professionals.  Dr. Gibson assists you in attaining your goals.  Because of a great staff and wonderful guidance, I would recommend this school to any prospective students.