From the Trenches

Students talk about life and learning at the Nicholas School

The Fresh Graduate Student's Guide to the Galaxy — by Gergely Nemeth (Nemo) — Sep 26, 2009

It seems contradictory for a first year to write a guide. However, as I was thrown in the deep end of the pool right away, I will share what I have learned about this art called "surviving the first month at graduate school."     

The Battle for Biomass — by David Palange — Sep 26, 2009

Bioenergy and carbon sequestration, two major strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, will transform the way we manage our forests. No matter what strategy dominates, our forests will likely experience a significant shift in species composition, density, and biodiversity.     

First Exam — by Valerie Cannon — Sep 25, 2009

I realize I promised pictures and a beach clean-up and you will get that in the next post. However, this little episode seems particularly relevant to those of you who are wondering what it is really like to be in an on-line program.      comments (2)

Destination Tampa — by David Palange — Sep 23, 2009

Six weeks ago, I packed up my belongings in Durham and headed South to the state of Florida. I wasn't about to let the thought of hurricanes, lightning, and alligators scare me away from a great job opportunity.     

Becoming a Green Devil — by Gergely Nemeth (Nemo) — Sep 20, 2009

Setting foot on Duke's campus and struggling with devilish identity confusion.      comments (3)

New Kid in the South — by Courtney Shephard — Sep 19, 2009

As a new blogger to "From the Trenches,” I think that it is best to get the obligatory introduction out of the way first. My name is Courtney and I am a humidity-intolerant transplant from Evergreen, Colorado. In a nutshell, I am a recent graduate from The Colorado College, avid tree hugger, and member of the Duke University’s Class of 2011. Please let me be the first to tell you that I am so excited to be here!     

The Littlest Fish — by Valerie Cannon — Sep 17, 2009

As I am new to “From the Trenches” I thought I should start this first blog by introducing myself and my current situation to you in a little more detail. In April of this year God (call the greater powers that be what you will) decided to give me what I asked for; I received a letter accepting me to Duke’s DEL MEM program. And he has been laughing ever since.     

The Crapulous Campout Blog — by Tali Trigg — Sep 14, 2009

A Vietnam war reference might seem dated, but I can’t help but note the 1,000 mile stare Nic Schoolers will be walking around with this week as we return from tent city a.k.a. “The Refugee Camp.” The zone of conflict was over season tickets to men’s basketball and it was by most estimates as grueling an experience as finals. But the real question is: did the tracks of the MEM program sufficiently prepare us for the 36-hour ordeal? I say yes, with the only caveat that I am still delusional from not sleeping.      comments (1)

Killer Whales and Camp Food — by Robyn Walker — Sep 06, 2009

Who knew data collection could be so fun?      comments (4)

Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido 7 Day Trek — by mike — Aug 13, 2009

Bears, foxes, very cold showers, sweat, killer bees, and spectacular views in Hokkaido's largest national park.     

It’s Always Sunny in Snowmass — by Tali Trigg — Jul 30, 2009

My internship comes to a whirlwind close and I walk away with an array of invaluable experiences.     

Where in the world is…? — by Robyn Walker — Jul 27, 2009

This July, while my classmates are sweating it out in the rainforests of Costa Rica, Borneo and Madagascar, I’m sporting a winter hat and mittens. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.     

You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes… — by Robyn Walker — Jul 27, 2009

One thing I’ve learned since my first year of undergrad is that things don’t always work out the way you plan them, but persistence pays off. If you keep trying, you just might get what you need. Such is the case with my summer.      comments (2)

Lessons from the sidelines — by David Palange — Jul 08, 2009

Since graduating two months ago, I have made a career out of finding a career. While my efforts haven't resulted in any monetary gain, they have yielded benefits that will last a lifetime.     

The Swedish King and I — by Tali Trigg — Jul 06, 2009

Creativity, quality of work-life, and the Swedish King, all conspire to turn my seemingly inauspicious Monday topsy-turvy.     

Reusable Coffee Filters or Paper Filters? — by mike — Jul 05, 2009

Which is better!      comments (1)

Following the Meat Back to its Source — by David Palange — Jun 30, 2009

On my last day in Durham, I visited Sunset Valley Buffalo Farm to get an up close look at where the buffalo roam in North Carolina.      comments (2)

The value of food scraps — by David Palange — Jun 30, 2009

Trinity Green, a grassroots initiative based in Durham, is turning a neighborhood's waste into a business opportunity.     

My So-Called Internship — by Tali Trigg — Jun 23, 2009

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Could solutions to climate change lie in space? — by David Palange — Jun 19, 2009

While most people know NASA for its achievements in space exploration, the government agency continues to play a significant role in developing clean energy and sustainable system technologies.      comments (2)