Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

An Auburn University faculty member is advancing the future of environmental science through AI innovation. 💡

Assistant professor Yang Yang is partnering with Oak Ridge National Laboratory for a U.S. Department of Energy-funded project that will revolutionize how scientists model and predict underground processes across diverse ecosystems. 🌎

The challenge? Detecting critical minerals and natural resources requires understanding incredibly complex interactions happening beneath the surface. Some of these are interactions that current models can't fully capture. The solution? An AI-driven modeling framework that integrates process-based simulations, experimental data, and field observations to deliver more accurate predictions. 🔍

🤳Read more about the partnership: https://bit.ly/4xQO3Qx

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From Auburn to Yellowstone, Parks and Recreation Management (PARK) major Max Forman gained hands-on experience in outdoor leadership this summer. 🏞️🦬

Max's responsibilities with Yellowstone Hiking Guides include leading guided hikes, kayak tours, and van tours across one of America's most iconic landscapes. His academic background at Auburn, paired with extensive hands-on experience through Auburn Outdoors, developed the skills needed to step confidently into this role. 🥾⛰️

Beyond knowing the trails and geography, Max has learned how important it is to read a group, adapt plans based on weather or wildlife, and make sure every guest feels safe while still having an unforgettable experience. He's gained a deeper appreciation for risk management and decision-making in a national park environment. ✅

🔗 Read about Max's internship experiences: https://bit.ly/4gmrtYV

🤳Learn more about Auburn's PARK degree: https://bit.ly/3VQbSZ2

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The Eagle Has Landed 🦅🌍✈️

After two unforgettable weeks in Eswatini and South Africa, the Auburn CFWE Wildlife Ecology and Management study abroad cohort is headed home with muddy boots, full camera rolls, and memories that will last a lifetime. ✨

From hiking through the African bush and conducting large mammal surveys to retrieving game camera data, exploring ancient caves, and learning firsthand about wildlife conservation, students gained invaluable field experience in some of Africa’s most remarkable landscapes. 🥾

Along the way, they connected with local communities, experienced new cultures, watched breathtaking sunsets, sharpened their wildlife observation skills, and built lasting friendships with the guides and hosts who welcomed them along the journey. 🇸🇿

The trip concluded with a safari adventure in Kruger National Park, where students had the chance to see incredible wildlife and witness conservation on a scale few ever experience. 🐆🐘🦏🦁

More than anything, this experience challenged students to step outside their comfort zones, deepen their understanding of conservation, and see the world through a new lens.

Welcome home! 🧡💙

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🆕 Semester, 🆕 Connections. 🐾

Join us for the CFWE's Wild Welcome Back Picnic! Meet classmates, faculty, student leaders, and Dean Alavalapati while learning about organizations, internships, and research opportunities. Plus, stay for dinner, music, merch, and co****le. 🎉

🗓️ August 20
🕔 5 p.m.
📍Jeff Butler Patio & Van Cleave Pavilion
🏫 Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building

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📣 ATTENTION EMPLOYERS ❗️

Looking for your next intern or full-time employee?

Join us at the Fall 2026 CFWE Career Fair on September 30th and connect with students pursuing careers in Environmental Conservation and Management, Forestry, Geospatial Information Science, Parks and Recreation Management, Wildlife Ecology and Management (including Pre-Vet), and Wildlife Enterprise Management. 💼

Do not miss the opportunity to meet talented candidates, promote your organization, and build connections with CFWE's future professionals. ✨

✍️Registration is now open! aub.ie/cfwe26careerfair

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The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) is thrilled to highlight Ashley Brantley, CFWE student services coordinator! 🌲

Ashley's journey brought her back to Auburn after earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees in horticulture on the Plains. Her previous experience as a 4‑H youth development agent and agriculture and natural resources agent at the University of Georgia prepared her well for her current role supporting CFWE students. 🙌

In her position, Ashley coordinates internships for Parks and Recreation Management students, teaches Professional Preparation in Parks and Recreation, helps plan CFWE events like the annual career fair, and connects students with employers for internship and career opportunities. She also serves as an academic advisor for Parks and Recreation Management students and Wildlife Enterprise Management students. 📚

Ashley says the college's emphasis on natural resources management aligns closely with her core values and brings her personal fulfillment through its mission to educate the next generation of natural resource stewards. 🌿

Thank you for all you do, Ashley! 🧡

📲 Read the full feature: https://bit.ly/4wVXvCd

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Staff Corner: Ashley Brantley - College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment For Ashley Brantley, joining Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) as a student services coordinator in 2025 felt like coming home.

Caps off to our summer 2026 graduates! 🎓

The CFWE celebrated their achievements, determination, and the countless hours that led to this moment at its summer 2026 graduation reception. Thank you for being part of the CFWE family. Your future is bright, and we're excited to see where your journey takes you. 📈

Congratulations and War Eagle! 🦅

📸 Full photo album link: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD28jv

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From close encounters with elephants, lions, and white rhinos to conducting wildlife surveys in Southern Africa, Auburn CFWE students are making the most of their time in Eswatini. 🌍🇸🇿

Over the past several days, students have deployed game cameras, tracked wildlife, explored conservation challenges with reserve leaders, and watched unforgettable sunsets across Mbuluzi Game Reserve. They’ve also stepped beyond the field to visit the rural community of Shewula, where they gained valuable insight into daily life in Eswatini and experienced local culture through traditional dancing and community engagement. 🐾 🌅

Between long hikes, hands-on research, campfire discussions, and memories that will last a lifetime, the group continues to grow in confidence as field scientists and global citizens. And if you ask them whether they're ready to come home? The answer sounds a lot like a kid at Disney World. 🐘🦁🦏

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