Grayson Corey could have chosen to study just about anything. He’s a very intelligent student whose passions don’t fit into one category – science, art, literature – he’s intrigued by much of the world around us. His academic success and drive meant that as he graduated from high school, he had the world at his feet. And where did his feet take him? On a path very familiar to him – to join the Wolf Pack at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Corey grew up coming to campus. His mom, Jessica, is a long-time faculty member who cherishes her son and supports his dreams in every way that she can.

“I grew up coming to campus,” Corey said. “When it came time to pick a school, I had been accepted to other institutions, but with my familiarity with the campus, I decided to come to Nevada. I feel like I made the right choice – it’s been nice!”

Corey is set to graduate in May 2026 with a degree in environmental science with an emphasis on ecological restoration and conservation through the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, and he’s earning a minor in ceramics through the College of Liberal Arts.

Corey has earned several scholarships, including the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship, making his education quite affordable.

“I feel very lucky,” Corey said. “Between the discounted tuition I am eligible for because of my mom’s employment here and my scholarships, I have basically been able to go to school for free, which I recognize is a very privileged opportunity. I advise that students apply for as many scholarships as they can and to remember to complete the FAFSA form each year.”

Incredible outdoor recreation and research

Corey spends time outside the classroom exploring the world-class natural ecosystems in Reno’s backyard, including Lake Tahoe. Corey is part of an undergraduate research team studying Lake Tahoe’s water, a critical resource for the region that is known for its clarity. He works in the Blaszczak Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology Lab.

“In the lab, we study streams around Lake Tahoe and run experiments on the water samples to look for information regarding nutrient and contamination retention,” Corey said. “Specifically, I hop in the streams and collect samples and take them back to the lab where I measure how much suspended solids are in the water.”

Beyond Lake Tahoe, Corey spends much of his time exploring his hometown and the vast and varied landscapes in the region.

“The Great Basin Desert is beautiful and often taken for granted!” Corey said.

Making connections and finding friends

Even outside of class and research, Corey takes every opportunity to learn and grow. He’s part of the Black Student Organization, the Ceramics Society and is a DJ at Wolf Pack Radio.

“These experiences have allowed me to get to know groups of people with similar interests,” he said.

As part of his minor in ceramics, Corey was able to take a course at the beautiful campus in Lake Tahoe. Through his involvement in the Ceramics Society, Corey attended the national ceramics convention, NCECA, in Detroit at no cost.

Since Corey was born and raised in Reno, he already had friends. However, he says, you never know who your next best friend might be.

“I have made a few really good friends through my classes,” he said. “One of my best friends I made after randomly sitting next to each other in a plants course and being forced to do icebreakers. We had almost all of our classes together that semester, and now, sometimes it feels like we were separated at birth.”

Mentors have also had a major impact on Corey’s experience and success, he says.

“Joanna Blaszczak has been such a great boss and has been so helpful in my search and applications for graduate schools,” he said. “Erica Bigio has also been a huge help in advising, general advice, and helping me apply for graduate schools. I remember one time I got bit by a tick on a field trip, and I thought it was over for me, but I showed Erica and she said I should be fine – and I was!

“Rebekah Bogard, my ceramics professor, has also been a person that I turned to for advice and an amazing professor in general. I don’t think I could have done as well as I did in college without being able to destress in ceramics. Julie Stoughton, Bob Shriver, Devon Picklum, Jia Feng and Scott Allen have all taught me a lot in their classes, too!”

On the horizon

Corey’s future is bright, and he has his sights set on graduate school.

“Immediately after graduation, I am working at Mt. Rainier National Park,” he said. “After the season, I hope to get my master’s degree in ecology or biology.”

Eventually, he plans to become a park ecologist with the U.S. National Park Service. His work at Mt. Rainier will support that goal – he’ll be working at the park entrance booth, helping visitors with questions and selling national park passes while he cross-trains to be a biological technician.

Finding belonging … and great food

For those considering joining the Pack, Corey shares a couple nuggets of advice.

“It’s important to find your community and to surround yourself with people that you have fun and feel safe with!” Corey said. “Also, Las Trojes has the best food.”

Grayson Corey embodies The Wolf Pack Way through his collaborative involvement, personal investment and endless consideration and commitment to others. We look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in the future!