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Lauren S. Pile Knapp
Lauren S. Pile Knapp
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Lauren S. Pile Knapp

United States Department of Agriculture Forestry Service

Bedford, IN USA

"Just because you decided that it’s what you wanted at that time, doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind."

Career Roadmap

Lauren S.'s work combines: Environment & Nature, Science, and Accomplishing Goals

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Day In The Life

Research Ecologist

I transform landscapes into vibrant habitats, leading efforts that breathe life back into the earth.

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Day In The Life Of A Research Ecologist

My Day to Day

A typical day is highly variable. It could include spending the day outdoors measuring plants and trees, or indoors having meetings, mentoring students and technicians, analyzing data, and writing research articles or other forms of scientific communication.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Environmental Studies

    American Military University

  • Graduate Degree

    Forest Resources

    Clemson University

  • Doctorate

    Forest Resources

    Clemson University

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    Starting in psychology and bouncing between four universities, it took me nine years to find my calling in environmental science.

  • 2.

    Overcoming a 1.67 GPA and other personal hardships, I transitioned from nearly dropping out of school to pursuing higher education relentlessly.

  • 3.

    My unexpected detour into retail management equipped me with invaluable people skills, later proving crucial to my career in ecological research.

  • 4.

    Despite financial hurdles, I followed my heart and transitioned from a steady job to the unpredictable path of forestry and environmental science.

  • 5.

    I decided to pursue my Ph.D. in forestry, letting my passion drive me into a fulfilling science career.

  • 6.

    In my role at the U.S. Forest Service, I've managed to blend my love for the outdoors with my passion for producing impactful research as I dedicate my work to conservation and habitat restoration.

  • 7.

    Leading projects like creating pollinator habitats on log landings has allowed me to make tangible contributions to conservation, fueling my drive to make a difference in this world.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I graduated high school with a very low GPA. Then, in college, it took my nine years to finish my degree. It took a lot of determination and resilience but I ultimately found my passion and was able to navigate the right path for me.