Anna Maria developed an international perspective at NMBU, which helped her to gain an egalitarian understanding of the world and encouraged her to look beyond traditional structures.
Name: Anna Maria Gjedrem
Job: Postdoc in Social Resilience and Community Adaptation to Wildland Fires, Fire Centre, UTAS, Tasmania, Australia
Study Programme: Global Development Studies
Completed studies at NMBU: 2019
Could you tell us a little about yourself and your current role? How did your career path lead you there?
I’m a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Tasmania's Fire Centre, researching how communities can live safely with bushfire. My work focuses on community risk perception, social adaptation pathways, and health planning for smoke exposure. My path here has been winding - through Norwegian agriculture and international development - before finding my way to fire science. My PhD examined wildland-urban interface fires in Norwegian coastal heathlands.
What attracted you to your programme at NMBU?
I was attracted to Noragric's international focus and spirit of solidarity. I appreciated the flexibility of the programme - opportunities for internships, elective courses, and travel to India and Tanzania, alongside autonomy in choosing my thesis topic. I enjoyed it enough to complete both my Bachelor's and Master's in the same faculty.
What was the most rewarding or memorable part of your studies?
The diverse pool of students and lecturers from all over the world was incredibly enriching. It felt like I was travelling the world even though I lived in a small Norwegian town.
How did you experience the academic and social environment at NMBU?
The academic and social environment at NMBU was great - the multiplicity of perspectives led to insightful discussions. I also appreciated the many volunteering opportunities on and off campus.
How do you use the knowledge or skills you acquired during your studies in your current job?
My degrees from Noragric gave me an international outlook and helped me understand the world from an egalitarian perspective early on. This has encouraged me to look beyond traditional structures and opened possibilities for interesting careers. I found my way into wildfire research by chance, but the skills I developed during my time in Ås have helped me adapt and progress.
What further career plans do you have?
I hope to work in an environment that contributes to a healthy and resilient future for people and the natural environment. Being surrounded by colleagues who support one another and are inspired to make a positive impact is pivotal.
What advice would you give to current or future students?
Take one step in front of the next, especially when times are hard. And, enjoy nature and social connections.