A Merrittonian walked down the virtual post-secondary aisle on June 17 with some extra hardware.

Erin Thomsen graduated from Thompson Rivers University, while also granted the TRU Medal in Natural Science.

She received the W.H. Stewart Memorial Scholarship, Barbara and Jack Gregson Memorial Award, the TRU Foundation Undergraduate Achievement Scholarship and the Association of BC Forest Professionals Award. 

“My first year of university I didn’t even know that NRS was a program,” said Thomsen, who took general sciences in her first year.

She was well versed in the natural world, born and raised in Merritt. Her dad was a forester, and her mom worked for the vet clinic and in a flower shop.

“Exploring the world around our cabin, I always knew I wanted to do something outdoors.”

Thomsen said that it was probably one of the best decisions that she has made.

“It’s not just forestry based, you learn about all aspects of the natural world, from insects, to soil, to water systems. We also learn about conflict resolution and policies. It’s a great program for pulling together different aspects of the environment and understanding how humans can impact many aspects with small changes.”

During her program, Erin conducted a study on deep ripping timber cut blocks before replanting, to see how this method of mechanically loosening the soil during site preparation impacts the growth rate and harvest rotation time of lodgepole pine trees. 

Her days in the field vary depending on the time of year. Recently, Thomsen finished planting in the area of the Elephant Hill wildfire, where she was working on monitoring the quality of planted seedlings.

“I could also work on forest pest monitoring, block layout for future planting or site preparation blocks, or FREP (Forest and Range Evaluation Program).  As the summer goes on I am sure I will be introduced to new projects as well.”

Thinking back on her education, Thomsen said that she would like to thank her teachers that helped and supported her throughout her grade school education.

“They know who they are and I would not be where I am today without them and for their support I will be eternally grateful. Merritt will always have a special place in my heart and will always be one of my homes no matter where I live.”