From mowing the lawn at home to working at a golf course in high school, Matthew Antunes always had an interest in turf. The Smithfield, Rhode Island native pursued that interest at UConn, which initially seemed dauntingly large. But Antunes threw himself into activities and meeting new people, and four years later, there’s not a corner of campus where he doesn’t feel at home.
Why did you choose UConn?
UConn was a top-ranked school in my list of choices for college, and I felt like I would get the best education for my major at this school. I felt at home in my time at UConn with the friends and connections I made throughout my four years here.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems (Plant Science) – with a turfgrass concentration. I always had a love for turf from a young age. Beginning with just mowing my home lawn as a teenager to eventually building a small putting green, I found I was always around turfgrass systems in my summers. I worked at a 9-hole golf course while in high school for three years and realized this was something I wanted to do as a career.
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
It’s hard to put a single professor as my favorite but all the turf professors I equally learned a tremendous amount from. Dr. Jason Henderson started my journey here and introduced me to research in his Advanced Turf class. I then had Dr. Cathryn Chapman after two independent studies where we did a small research project studying wetting agent effects in a simulated drought environment. Following the independent studies, I am now in the process of becoming Dr. John Inguagiato’s graduate student next year. Each of the professors I had helped guide me to where I am now, and I am extremely thankful to have learned in each of their classes.
What activities were you involved in as a student?
I have been a part of the turf club for the entirety of my time here and am currently the president this year. I am also involved in the ski and snowboard club as well as the outing club. Participating especially in the outing club has been a great experience as we climbed Mount Washington twice and went on the Smugglers Notch ski trip three times.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
I was surprised at how big the campus may seem but how at home you can feel as a student. My first year on campus, I didn’t know where anything was, and it seemed overwhelming at times, but now, four years later, I feel right at home going to classes here and hanging out with friends. Everyone is here to help, and it is truly a welcoming environment being a student.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
After graduating with my undergrad degree, I plan on continuing my education here as a graduate student studying turfgrass pathology with Dr. Inguagiato. I am excited for the new chapter of education I am embarking on and look forward to what is ahead. Following my graduate degree, I plan on working in the golf course industry as an assistant superintendent and hopefully a superintendent down the road.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
UConn opened doors I didn’t think would be in my career path. When I started here in the Ratcliffe Hicks School, I was pursuing a 2-year degree with intentions of continuing for the bachelor’s degree. Through my experiences here, my path changed with pursuing a third degree in graduate school. The school has helped me network with people in my industry and recruit me for educational experiences I didn’t originally see in my career path.
Any advice for incoming students?
Get active in clubs and/or other activities within your major or interests. Easily the most beneficial thing I did in my time here was joining clubs. You meet so many people while doing fun activities most of the time for free or at reduced cost! It is great to have something that gets you away from school and your education here, it makes it a much more enjoyable and memorable experience. Also, live everyday you are here to the fullest. Four years will go by extremely fast and making memories to look back on is the best advice I can give to any incoming student.
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Go to a UConn sporting event (especially basketball, even if you’re not into it). The energy and atmosphere are unmatched to any other sporting event I’ve been to in my lifetime. Like what I said above, too, get involved and make so many memories with friends and maybe even newly met people!
What will always make you think of UConn?
Personally, I love really any breed of dog, so both Jonathans are on the top of my list as to what will remind me of UConn. My friends and experience I gained while pursuing my undergrad degree also will always remind me of UConn, too. Winning two national championships back-to-back in my time here along with taking trips with classmates for school and for pleasure.
