Diversifying the Field of Forestry Through a Graduate Fellowship Program: A Pilot Study on the Expectations of Students of Color

Overall interest and involvement in forestry is relatively low for students of color compared to other STEM programs. This exploratory study aims to further understand the reasons graduate students of color in a National Needs Fellowship (NNF) program decide to pursue a career in forestry. Initial survey data showed that graduate students of color are motivated by pursuing specific forestry topics in the field while also having differing expectations with regard to career and financial opportunities. The results of this study could provide ideas on opportunities NNF-funded and other programs can take to further support diversity in the field of forestry; however, more research is needed.