Alumni Profiles - Meet Matthew Eick
Hometown: Blacksburg, VA
Years of Graduation: M.S. 1989, Ph.D. 1995
Major: Environmental Soil Chemistry
Campus Involvement:
Worked closely with the UD swim team. Was interim head coach in the fall of 1989.
Current Position of Employment or Education:
Associate Professor of Environmental Soil Chemistry at Virginia Tech
Describe your best Ag experience:
The University of Delaware Plant and Soil Science Department is one of the preeminent departments of its kind in the United States. The faculty, staff and graduate students provided me with the education and research experience that prepared me for a successful career in environmental consulting and ultimately a career in Academia. I cannot say enough about the department, college, and people.
Which Ag course was your favorite and why?
Soil Chemistry of course! That is why I pursued a career in environmental soil chemistry!
Tell us about your current position or program of study and what led you to that field.
Currently I am an environmental soil chemist and curriculum coordinator of the BS degree in environmental science in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at VA Tech. Initially, I had no plans of pursuing a career in Academia. However, with the encouragement of my advisor I went into academia and I love it!
How did your College of Ag experiences prepare you for your current job or post-graduate education?
Working with faculty who are world renowned in their field as well as access to advanced analytical and spectroscopic techniques provided me with the background to excel in the area of environmental soil chemistry.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
If you are interested in graduate school try to get undergraduate research experience at your current institution. This experience is invaluable and will provide you with the necessary background and skills to hit the ground running! Finally, if they are interested in Environmental Soil Chemistry the Plant and Soil Science Department at the University of Delaware is the place for you!
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