For alumnus Cody Wilson, MSEM ‘16, the MSEM program was the beginning of taking what he knows and propelling it into an adventurous, agriculture-driven career across the U.S.
Early Interests & Decision to Pursue MSEM:
Cody had a background in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from UC Santa Cruz, leading to his passion for entomology and insectology. After taking a year off to dive into research, he worked in Sonoma County agriculture, focusing on pest-exclusionary practices. He wanted to deepen his knowledge of environmental management, especially within the agriculture sector and the MSEM program at USF provided a perfect fit, tailoring coursework around his interests in environmental management, ecology, and GIS.
Impact of MSEM Coursework on Professional Work:
The MSEM program acted as a complement to Cody’s professional goals, as it allowed him to hone in on agriculture-related issues and ecological management. He took courses like Riparian Ecology, Wetland Delineation, and even received a GIS certification, which expanded his expertise and aligned with the growing demand for technical assistance in the agricultural field. His coursework focused on the intersection of agriculture and ecology, which provided him with a unique advantage in his professional career.
Career Path & Niche:
For Cody’s Master’s Project, he engaged in research on the glassy-winged sharpshooter, an agricultural pest, helping to secure him a position with the Department of Agriculture in Sonoma County. The research he conducted proved invaluable in pest detection, best management practices, and offering expertise at the county level. From there, Cody moved to restoration work in Portland, Oregon to apply his knowledge in forestry and wetland restoration and gain hands-on experience in ecological management and pest management strategies. Later, he joined a program focused on pollinator habitat creation in agriculture, called Bee Friendly Farming, offered through the Pollinator Partnership. His work with producers continues to help them incorporate pollinator-friendly practices into their farms, balancing ecological approaches with agricultural productivity.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
In his county role, Cody was involved in pest detection, as well as conducting inspections and offering advice on best management practices, especially related to invasive pests. In Portland, having “boots on the ground” offered a deeper experience in understanding environmental management, where he applied this knowledge to help reduce pest-related risks in restoration work. In his current role with the Pollinator Partnership, Cody is focusing on agricultural consultation, providing technical assistance to farmers, and working with them on habitat plans that align with both ecological and agricultural needs. This includes strategies for pest management and promoting pollinator habitats, leading to benefits for both the environment and crops.
Advice for MSEM Students:
When asked what advice he has for current and prospective MSEM students, Cody shared that the MSEM program is a great fit for those passionate about ecological and environmental management. He also noted that the program provides multiple pathways and opportunities beyond the strict path students may have originally pursued or expected in traditional science fields. For him, the experience of finding that path that he was passionate about through MSEM was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. His advice is to tailor your career path to your passions, but also be open to intersecting fields that provide opportunities to apply your knowledge and transfer your skills in practical, impactful ways.
Thank you, Cody, for sharing the journey you have had with your MSEM degree; it provided a wonderful example of how it can open doors across diverse fields while allowing you to pursue a personal passion. The combination of ecological knowledge and practical skills has served you well in various positions, and your work now offers a balance of environmental impact and agricultural productivity.
