Student Profiles

Born and bred beside a forest in Valencia Spain, Susana Gonzalez Aracil was raised near her passion. Growing up Susana took trips into the forest; she became interested in the study of the trees. Because they made her feel peaceful and at home it became a future goal to work among them.

Susana started her study of forestry when she was just 18. Wanting to study near home she started working towards a degree in Forest Engineering at Universidad Politecnica De Valencia. Showing her true dedication to this passion she studied for a further 5 years, aiming to learn as much as possible.

Wanting to become hands on Susana moved to Finland after finishing her degree. She wanted to show what she had learnt so worked in the forestry industry. Susana thoroughly enjoyed this as she was now able to put her degree to use and work in an environment that completely fascinated her.

“Working in Finland was exciting. I was able to put what I learnt into practice. The engineering of forestry is interesting as growing up around forests I became curious of their everyday workings and how they benefit us. Forestry became my passion so it made sense to do something in my life that teaches me as well as interests me.”

After a few years passed Susana missed her homeland so moved back to Spain. There she decided to do her Masters in forestry at the Universidad De Alcala. While studying towards her masters Susana knew she had the opportunity to complete 3 months work experience over seas.

“When Waiariki Institute of Technology made contact with me I knew New Zealand was the country I wanted to work in. Waiariki seemed like it had so many contacts in the forestry industry so it was naturally my first choice. It feels like New Zealand and especially Rotorua live for the forest.”

Susana moved to New Zealand and started working at Interpine Forestry Innovation studying Lidar volume in trees. She also had the opportunity to attend the NZIF conference with Waiariki. While at the conference she was awarded a first place prize after presenting her poster on Lidar volume.

“Once I’ve finished my 3 months here I have to do a presentation and write a paper on my experience and findings. Once I’ve finished my masters I would love to come back and work in Rotorua. I’ve had such a wonderful time. Forestry in Rotorua is such a rich and fulfilling industry.”