Michael Parent

Environmental Science

Senior Honors Student

Graduation year: 2026

Hometown: Waltham, MA

Dorm: Knott Hall

Email address: mparent3@nd.edu

Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Sciences, Economics, Earth Sciences and Glynn Family Honors Program

Research: Swenson Lab, LiDAR forest structural diversity

Post-graduation plans: Travel for field work, Grad school for Forest Ecology

Favorite Biology/ES course: General Ecology or UNDERC

Extracurriculars: Campus Tree Care Plan, StuGov Dept. of Sustainability, Knott Sustainability Commissioner, Student Energy Board, ND Global Mentor, Habitat for Humanity

Advice for First-Year Biology/ES majors: Get involved early whether it be in the major, your dorm, or research you will meet so many people and allow you to take leadership roles as an upperclassman.

Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I went on an exchange program to Valencia, Spain in high school that sparked my interest in travel!

Favorite part about Notre Dame: The professors! They are always willing to help with coursework, but also anything else in life and have so much experience (and crazy stories) to share if you get to know them outside of classes.

Mentor: Dr. Nathan Swenson

Project Title: Assessing Forest Structural Diversity Along Lakeshores: Influence of Distance on Forest Structural Patterns and the Ability to Capture Patterns via Aerial LiDAR

Career Plans: Gap for field and conservation work then graduate school in forest ecology/remote sensing

Summer Experiences: UNDERC Track 1, UNDERC Track 2, South Africa Study Abroad