Mitchell Calvin, a forestry graduate student from Grand Rapids, MI, is studying for his Master’s degree at Michigan State University (MSU). He expects to graduate in Spring 2025. His research focuses on finding genetic variations in American beech trees that can resist beech bark disease. This disease, caused by an invasive insect, has been damaging the forests of eastern North America for over 100 years.
Calvin developed an interest in forestry after his first job post-college, which involved forestry research. Seeing the harm insects and diseases can do to forests, and his interest in genetics, led him to study genetic resistance to forest pests and pathogens. He chose MSU for its well-known forestry department and plant genetics program.
A key part of Calvin’s graduate school experience has been the people he has met. He values the friendly community at MSU and enjoys attending departmental classes, meetings, and social events.
Calvin praises the interdisciplinary approach of MSU’s forestry program. He likes that graduate students can choose projects and courses that match their interests and research. He also appreciates the lively atmosphere and extensive academic resources at MSU, as well as the various clubs, museums, shows, and other events that enrich life outside of school.