AAMU Forestry Grad Takes Next Steps as Soil Conservationist

Just weeks after crossing the stage at Alabama A&M University, Cedric Burrell Jr. has begun the next chapter of a career dedicated to conservation, public service and protecting the nation's natural resources.

The recent forestry graduate joined the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or NRCS, on June 1 as a soil conservationist in Statesboro, Georgia. As part of the federal agency, Burrell works directly with farmers and private landowners to develop conservation plans that improve soil health, protect water quality, enhance wildlife habitat and support sustainable land management.

For Burrell, a native of China Grove, Mississippi, the opportunity represents the realization of a goal that began long before college.

“I grew up playing in the woods and had a passion for herpetology, so choosing a major that covered how to protect those resources was a no-brainer,” he said.

Burrell earned a Bachelor of Science in forestry with a concentration in fish and wildlife science from Alabama A&M's College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences in May. His decision to attend the university was influenced by both its reputation and its unique academic offerings.

“I felt A&M had a great reputation compared to my other options, plus it was the only HBCU with a forestry program,” he said.

Alabama A&M also held deep family significance. His uncle, brother and cousin all attended the University. His brother earned both bachelor's and master's degrees at AAMU and is currently pursuing a doctorate, while Burrell and his cousin celebrated graduation together in May.

During his time on campus, Burrell immersed himself in campus life through the Forestry Club, Wildlife Society, FireDawgs and track and field. Among those experiences, his involvement with the FireDawgs wildland firefighting program proved especially influential.

Serving as Alabama A&M's student captain and an entry-level Type 2 wildland firefighter, Burrell participated in numerous service and training activities, including the University's 150th Torch Ceremony, Arbor Day celebrations, prescribed burns for landowners and state parks, and wildfire response efforts throughout northern and central Alabama.

He credits the program with helping shape both his professional skills and personal growth. One of the most memorable experiences was the “Critical 80,” an intensive 80-hour operational preparedness training period for wildland firefighting crews designed to build team cohesion, test physical readiness and reinforce essential field skills under demanding conditions.

“I enjoyed the Critical 80 training period the most,” Burrell said. “We met a lot of men and women who were passionate about the industry and didn't mind training up the next generation of wildland firefighters. The bonds that were made during that time definitely helped me get through school.”

Burrell said the FireDawgs program included at least 20 members with wildland firefighting certifications or previous fire experience, creating a strong network of students committed to forest management and emergency response.

His hands-on experiences extended well beyond campus. In 2024, Burrell completed an internship with Dr. Morris Johnson of the Pacific Northwest Research Station, collecting post-wildfire data on Forest Inventory and Analysis plots in the Santa Fe, Boise, Mendocino and Plumas national forests.

He earned the opportunity through the 1890 Land Grant Institution Wildland Fire Consortium, a partnership involving Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee University, Florida A&M University and Southern University that helps prepare students for careers in forestry, fire management and natural resource conservation. The following year, Burrell completed a second internship through the 1890 Scholarship Program, working as a soil conservationist in Perry, Georgia. The experience provided valuable exposure to the work he now performs full-time.

As he begins his professional career, Burrell carries with him lessons learned both inside and outside the classroom. He says the practical advice that continues to guide him is simple: “Don't take any wooden nickels.”

Looking ahead, Burrell hopes to build a career in wildland fire management and emergency response. His long-term goals include leading a fuels crew with the U.S. Forest Service, working in search and rescue with the National Park Service, or serving in fire logistics with the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

His journey from student to conservation professional reflects the impact of experiential learning, mentorship and a commitment to stewardship. As he begins serving farmers and landowners across Georgia, he continues a mission that took root in the forests of Mississippi and grew through his experiences at Alabama A&M.