Keira Folkers: Outstanding Senior in Environmental Engineering

Before coming to the University of California, Davis, Keira Folkers saw environmental engineering as a way to turn research into practical solutions that address climate issues and help protect ecosystems. Now, she sees environmental engineering as a necessary piece in a much larger puzzle. 

“The restoration and conservation of our world requires more than just one person, one major or one profession,” she said. “It requires that all sectors, the researchers, the field crews, the engineers, the scientists and the general public, work together to protect the natural environment and to implement solutions to global environmental issues.” 

This was a lesson she learned as a field crew member doing on-the-ground tracking of forest regeneration in Eldorado National Forest and Lassen National Forest, following high-severity fires. The research was part of the Forest Change Analysis Lab, or FOCAL, led by Derek Young, an assistant professional researcher in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences. FOCAL is an interdisciplinary research group spanning plant scientists and population biologists to data scientists and software engineers.  

“[FOCAL] allowed me to work with and become good friends with students from across various environmental majors, and to learn aspects of the environmental sector from them that I had never been taught before in my coursework,” Folkers said. 

This appreciation for collaboration and interdisciplinary perspectives extends to Folkers’ perspective on school. When asked what advice she would give to incoming students, she said to have the courage to take classes outside of your major, as well as join clubs and communities that spark an interest. 

“UC Davis is a large campus with so many different schools and departments to explore and learn. Take advantage of this opportunity and find what truly makes you happy and inspires you every day.” 

After graduation, Folkers will work as an ecological land management technician with the UC Davis Arboretum through the summer. She plans to continue ecological restoration work in Northern California following the completion of her position with the UC Davis Arboretum.