After spending 20 years working seasonal jobs in National Parks across the country – while also balancing roles in the restaurant industry – Whitney Harrington was inspired to pursue a career in natural resources. That journey led her to OSU’s Ecampus, where she’s now double majoring in natural resources and sustainability.
“What excites me most is the program’s interdisciplinary approach blending ecology, social science and policy,” said Harrington. “I chose this path because I’m passionate about making systems more sustainable.”
As a non-traditional student balancing work, life and school, Harrington found that Ecampus offered the flexibility she needed without compromising quality.
“It allows me to build a meaningful, purpose driven future while staying grounded in my current commitments,” she said. “I really appreciate the quality of instruction and sense of community, even in a virtual setting.”
Of the classes she’s taken so far, forest ecology was her favorite. Learning how forests function, how they respond to disturbances, and how human management impacts resilience opened her eyes to the complexity of natural systems.
“It helped me develop a systems-thinking mindset, a lens that I now apply to every sustainability issue I come across,” Harrington said. “It also solidified my passion for working with urban and community forests.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to dive into urban forestry and sustainability planning. Her dream is to help communities adapt to climate change while improving green spaces and public health.
“I’m especially interested in blending environmental justice with ecological restoration and outreach,” she said. “Working with state and local governments to create real policy change around natural resource management would be amazing.”
Can you tell me a little about your journey to Oregon State University College of Forestry and why you chose to be an Ecampus student?
I’ve taken a long, winding path to get here! I spent over 20 years working in the restaurant industry in a variety of roles, mostly front of house management and bar-tending. That lifestyle gave me the flexibility to travel extensively and spend several seasons working in National Parks across the country. Those experiences, especially being immersed in natural landscapes, ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in natural resources. As a non-traditional student with work and life responsibilities, Ecampus was the perfect fit—it allows me to build a meaningful, purpose-driven future while staying grounded in my current commitments.
What is your major? What excites you about this program and what is your “why” for choosing this program?
I am double majoring in Natural Resources and Sustainability. What excites me most is the program’s interdisciplinary approach—it blends ecology, social science, and policy in a way that feels both practical and inspiring. I chose this path because I’m passionate about making systems more sustainable—especially in urban forestry and community-based conservation. I want to be part of efforts that not only protect ecosystems, but also improve human well-being and equity.
What’s been your favorite class so far and why is that class your favorite?
One of my favorite classes so far has been Forest Ecology. It was a fascinating deep dive into how forest systems function, how they respond to disturbance, and how human management can either support or hinder their resilience. The course helped me develop a systems-thinking lens that I now apply to every sustainability issue I encounter. It also solidified my interest in working with urban and community forests. In addition, I have taken a few policy courses that have really opened my mind up to other career options. Being able to work with state and local governments for policy change surrounding natural resource management and forests would be amazing.
What do you love most about being an Ecampus COF student and what are some of the challenges?
What I love most is the flexibility—Ecampus makes it possible for me to pursue my degree without having to pause my life. I also appreciate the quality of instruction and the sense of community, even in a virtual setting. One challenge is balancing coursework with a full schedule, but I’ve found that staying organized is key. OSU also provides support in many different ways if you are willing to utilize it. I have had a wonderful experience with the success coaching and career coaching offered, it is a great way to stay on track and get guidance along the way.
What are you hoping or planning to do after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to work in urban forestry or sustainability planning—ideally in a role where I can help communities adapt to climate change while improving green space access and public health. I’m especially interested in roles that blend environmental justice with ecological restoration and outreach.
And finally, can you tell me a bit why you wanted to apply for the sustainability tour in Scandinavia and what you are looking forward to the most about that trip?
The first reason is that as a non-traditional student I have never had the opportunity to join a travel abroad program. Second is that Scandinavia is a global leader in sustainability, and I was excited by the opportunity to see real-world examples of climate-forward policy, design, and resource management in action. I’m looking forward to learning how these countries integrate sustainability into everyday life—from urban infrastructure to forest stewardship. I also hope to bring back ideas and inspiration to apply in my own work here in Oregon.