Going Above and Beyond

‘Great Grad’ – Nabila Wildman, Environmental Earth and Soil Science 

Photo credit, Joe Johnston

Each year, in celebration of commencement, Cal Poly highlights a group of “Great Grads,” one student from each of the six colleges who are completing an outstanding academic journey and moving on to the next phase of their lives. Nabila Wildman is the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences’ (CAFES) Great Grad.  

Nabila Wildman (Environmental Earth and Soil Science, ’25) was recognized as one of Cal Poly’s 2025 Great Grads. Wildman was involved in various faculty research projects and was an active member of the Cal Poly Soil Judging Team, traveling across the country to compete. They will begin a master’s program in the fall and ultimately has their eyes on a doctorate degree. 

Read more about Nabila Wildman’s Cal Poly journey.  

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Outstanding Student of the Year Awards – 2025 

The Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences (NRES) Department presents an Outstanding Student of the Year Award for each of the three majors within the department. Students, who are nominated and selected by faculty, are recognized for their exemplary contributions to the program and the department.  

Environmental Earth and Soil Science  

Sarah Hoffman (Environmental Earth and Soil Science, ’25) grew up in Quincy, California, a small mountain town in the Northeastern Sierra Nevada. At an early age, she knew she wanted to pursue a career that would allow her to work in and care for the environment. Hoffman was drawn to Cal Poly for its Learn by Doing experiences, which included the opportunity to gain hands-on field and research experience. Some of Hoffman’s high points at Cal Poly include participating in undergraduate research, serving as an executive ambassador for the college and joining the Soil Judging Team her senior year.  

Hoffman is working as a forestry technician for a local nonprofit in the Plumas and Lassen national forests. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree in soil and environmental chemistry or physics in the future. Read more here.

 

Environmental Management and Protection 

Julian Durante (Environmental Management and Protection, ’25) grew up in Fairfax, California, surrounded by nature. This led him to develop a personal responsibility to restore and protect the natural world. Cal Poly’s comprehensive programs in environmental science with an emphasis in experiential learning are what initially drew Durante to pursue a degree in environmental management and protection. He was active in a variety of programs and served as an officer and an active member of Cal Poly’s Environmental Sciences Club, being part of the NRES LEAD Scholar program and Cal Poly’s Plant Conservatory.   

Durante is increasing his breadth of experience by working a variety of seasonal fieldwork positions around the Western U.S. and plans to participate in international work exchange programs. He hopes to pursue a master’s degree in botany and ecology with a long-term goal of becoming an educator. Read more here. 

 

Forest and Fire Sciences 

Cadence Estermann (Forest and Fire Sciences, ’25), from Visalia, California, was attracted to the “fire” in Cal Poly’s forestry and fire sciences degree program. Little did she know that when she started at Cal Poly, her interest would shift from becoming a wildland firefighter to a registered professional forester. Dedicated and driven, Estermann completed her degree in just three years. During her short Cal Poly career, she was fully emersed in the program and NRES Department. She served as chair of the Annual State FFA Finals forestry competitions and as an officer on the Cal Poly Logging Team. Some of her Cal Poly highlights are the friendships she made and the time she spent with the Logging Team.  

Estermann is working as a full-time district forester for Sierra Pacific Industries in Burney, California. Her goal is to have a career as a registered professional forester. Read more here.

 

Read the full stories highlighting NRES Outstanding Student of the Year recipients. 

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Read more stories in the Summer 2025 Newsletter