Jonah Naatz connects his love of golf to his major in soil science
Jonah Naatz, who grew up in Sussex, Wisconsin, will be graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in soil science. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose soil science, his interest in turfgrass management, and his rewarding capstone project in soil science. He recently accepted a position as the assistant superintendent at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin. You can watch his video interview at the bottom of the page or on YouTube.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned?
I chose soil science because I love golf and would love to be a golf course superintendent someday. The most interesting thing I learned was the importance of organic matter management in turfgrass compared to the importance in agriculture.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
I am involved in the Turfgrass Club, and OCIA at St. Paul’s Student Center.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
I have accepted the assistant superintendent position at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
The most meaningful experience in CALS was learning about sustainability in agriculture and specifically turfgrass management.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I am most proud of my capstone presentation to the soils department. My capstone project was a pollinator garden design for Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells. My group had to present for the soils department, and I presented the overview of our project and our final deliverable. It made me proud how our class came together and helped one another to create a fantastic final product.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
My advice for CALS students is to ask questions and do not procrastinate.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
My favorite thing about being a CALS student was spending so much time in historic buildings at the most beautiful part of campus (Observatory Drive/Agriculture Hall).
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Cookies and cream because you can never go wrong with cookies and cream.
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
My favorite thing about Madison is student life and culture.