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Nevada native Hannah Potts always felt a deep connection to the natural world. Growing up near Vegas, she explored the state’s diverse landscapes through rock climbing, mountain biking, and kayaking. This passion for the outdoors fuelled her desire to pursue a career in public land and natural resource management. The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) emerged as an ideal fit, offering affordability, renowned faculty, and a strong focus on research — everything Potts sought in a university.
“I got the chance to visit campus and it’s such a beautiful campus with all the trees and the brick buildings. It feels very like a classic college,” she says.
Nestled near Lake Tahoe, UNR has a rich history as Nevada’s first land-grant university. It has contributed consistently and significantly to the state’s economy and cultivated a culture of innovation and problem-solving among its students. Scholars and industry leaders ensure that each programme remains relevant to the workforce’s ever-evolving needs.
Potts’s journey at UNR began with a major in education. But, as she progressed through her coursework, she found herself seeking a path that combined her passion for the outdoors with research and real-world impact. A geography class became a turning point. The subject’s blend of human and environmental aspects — exploring topics like migration patterns, cultural connections to landscapes, and the integration of technology in mapping — deeply resonated with Potts. Professor Jessie Clark, who instilled enthusiasm for geographical research and its practical applications, played a pivotal role in guiding Potts towards her true calling.
The Department of Geography is the only programme in Nevada that grants university education and college degrees in geography. Source: University of Nevada, Reno
The supportive environment created by the Department of Geography further solidified Potts’s decision to pursue her master’s degree at UNR. The welcoming atmosphere, championed by her professors, along with the department’s focus on establishing a close-knit community among students, made her feel right at home.
This nurturing environment, coupled with UNR’s vast resources and funding opportunities, played a key role in shaping Potts’s academic trajectory. As an undergraduate, she was drawn to a class offering drone piloting certification, specifically geared towards commercial and research applications. This class not only introduced her to this emerging technology but also developed into a fruitful mentorship. Recognising Potts’s potential, her professor told her about a research project that aligned with her interests: exploring the use of drones in natural resource management.
“My passion for this specific topic led me to this exciting research opportunity,” Potts says. “It was amazing — I got to take a class as an undergrad that qualified me to operate drones commercially and for research purposes.”
Beyond the classroom walls
Potts’s time at UNR wasn’t confined to classrooms and labs. As a freshman and sophomore, she joined clubs and enjoyed the many social aspects of campus life. But, her focus gradually shifted towards research projects that allowed her to contribute meaningfully. She had access to a wealth of resources and funding, but never lost her campus’s welcoming and community-oriented feel.
Beyond campus, Potts actively sought out experiences that complemented her classroom learning. One such opportunity came through an internship with the Nevada Division of Minerals. This summer programme involved extensive fieldwork across the state, where she took part in tasks like building fences and locating abandoned mines. While physically demanding, these provided valuable income and further ignited her interest in the applications of drones for natural resource management. She could connect her love for camping and the outdoors with a potential career path that used emerging technologies.
The faculty’s expertise covers landscape and climate change, water management, urban development, social inequality, and GIS use in geographic research. Source: University of Nevada, Reno
Following this internship, Potts pursued several drone-related jobs in natural resources. One such project involved forestry mapping withdrawals for the University of California, Davis. This job allowed her to fuse her drone expertise with the joy of camping and exploring California’s rugged terrains.
UNR’s commitment to service-learning provided Potts with valuable opportunities to give back to the community too. Through the Honors College, she connected with the Latino Center on campus. Working on marketing, outreach, and event organisation allowed her to engage with a part of the university community she might not have otherwise encountered.
Developing a skillset for success
Potts’s academic pursuits were equally enriching. Courses requiring the use of Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS) and drone technology sparked her interest in leveraging technology for conservation. Initially apprehensive about coding, she credits supportive mentors like Professor Ken Nussear for building her confidence and nurturing expertise in this critical skill. “They allowed me to really combine the things that I was already passionate about with some of these other skills,” Potts says.
Source: University of Nevada, Reno
UNR’s commitment to experiential learning provided further opportunities for growth. Her internship with a Nevada State legislator offered a firsthand look at the workings of government and culminated in a map depicting the legislative process — a valuable addition to her skill set. What’s more, serving as a campus tour guide exposed her to the university’s rich history and enhanced her communication and leadership skills.
Given all these factors, it’s little wonder that UNR’s graduates go on to achieve success. For example, Helena Middleton, who graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Science in Geography in 2022, was awarded a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) fellowship to study in Germany this August.
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