Scholar Spotlight
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Harun's most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia
Tadd Wheeler
“I strongly believe that solutions to the impending climate threat already exist, and merely require understanding and promotion to preserve our natural environment and way of life.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Moscow, ID
- Hometown: Weiser, Idaho
- Age: 32
- Community College: Lower Columbia College
- Four-year College or University: University of Washington
- Graduate School: University of Idaho
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Animal Sciences, Education / Academia, Environmental Scientist, Sciences
- Other Interests: Film / Photography, Honor Society, Mathematics, Outdoor / Mountaineering / Camping, Volunteer Work, Music
Biography
PROFILE: Born into a small farm community in central Idaho, Tadd Wheeler often helped out his grandfather with his medical practice—filing and running errands. But Tadd was not drawn to the academic life. After high school, he began technical school but left in favor of marriage and family, becoming a truck driver. When his second son was born, Tadd became a stay-at-home dad and took some time to reevaluate his life. He had always been fascinated by the environment.
Taking part-time positions with state parks and fish and wildlife associations, he discovered that the jobs he wanted most would require an advanced degree. Motivated by his passion, he has focused on the environment and solutions he can help create. His concentration now is on riparian areas and other wetlands, with a focus on their life-sustaining properties during global warming. As a child who spent summers in Alaska and winters in the Pacific Northwest, Tadd brings a wealth of experience to the field.
INSPIRATION: In addition to learning from his father’s strong work ethic and the importance that he placed on family and integrity, Tadd was motivated by the birth of his second son. “I realized at this time that my career as a truck driver significantly hindered my ability to be a father. I began attending a community college, and quickly fell in love with gaining knowledge.”
ASPIRATION: Tadd plans to become a professor and continue pursuing research.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Tadd has worked on the International Beach Clean-Up at Lake Washington and was a founding member and vice president of the Lower Columbia College Biological Society.
ACCOLADES: Tadd is on the Dean’s List and was inducted into the Xi Sigma Pi forestry honor society last year. He has also received the James Ridgeway Endowment, the Natural Science Departmental Scholarship, and won the Outstanding Student Award in Spanish.
INTERESTING FACT: Tadd plays piano and trumpet.
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