Department of Applied Environmental Science
Department Highlights | February 24, 2023 | Issue 10
About the Highlights
The Department of Applied Environmental Science (AES) is home to 3 degree programs: Environmental Studies B.A. (ENSTU), Environmental Science, Technology and Policy B.S. (ESTP), and Environmental Science M.S. (ENSCI). In an effort to stay connected, we created a bi-semester highlights series to keep all AES students, staff, and faculty informed of current AES news & events. If you need to get in touch with the AES office, please feel free to email us at aes_office@csumb.edu.
Faculty Highlight
Andria "Andi" Greene, Lecturer

Andria “Andi” Greene, a lecturer in the Department of Applied Environmental Science, is passionate about science and serving students. In 2023, she received the CSUMB Exceptional Level of Service to Students award. This award recognizes faculty who go above and beyond in enhancing the student learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students. 

Andi is dedicated to teaching students how to become literate and excited about the environmental sciences and to think not only of the planet, but also of people. Through ENVS 201 and GEOL 260, she equips our undergraduate students with the ability to ID minerals, survey local streams, and understand the significance of water and rock resources on earth.

We recently touched base with Andi to learn more about her career and what led her to CSUMB.
Campus Resource
Basic Needs

Basic Needs is there to help students facing food/housing insecurity and overall wellness security of the community. They offer various resources to students, including:

  • CalFresh assistance
  • Eat Well, Be Well
  • Emergency Fund
  • FreshAccess program
  • The Hub

Basic Needs also hosts the Cooking with CSUMB series, where students, staff, and faculty can learn new recipe ideas made with affordable ingredients.
Undergraduate Student Highlight
Elise Vasquez, ESTP

Elise Vasquez, a current Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy major, recently attended the 2022 Strategies for Ecology, Education, Diversity and Sustainability program (SEEDS) leadership meeting at the Arizona Institute for Resilient Environments and Societies (AIRES) at the University of Arizona this past November. The SEEDS program fully funded her airfare, housing, ground transportation, and food to participate. 

We recently touched base with Elise to learn more about her experience and what she enjoys about being a student at CSUMB.
Graduate Students Highlight
Michael Biedebach, ENSCI
Erika Garig, ENSCI

Michael Biedebach and Erika Garig, current Environmental Science Master’s students, recently completed their Professional Science Master's (PSM) internships. Michael spent his time working with the Big Sur Land Trust to track wildlife presence and movement on a 5,000-acre private cattle ranch in southern Monterey County. Erika worked alongside the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy (CRWC) to modifying the Carmel River Watershed health report card.

Check out Michael's and Erika's highlight stories below.
Alumni
Alan Sevin, ENSTU

Alan Sevin, an Environmental Studies alumnus, is finishing up his Master's degree in International Environmental Policy with a focus on Natural Resource Policy and Management. He also is interning with the National Park Service on their Aquatic Invasive Species project.

We recently touched base with Alan to learn about his studies, how his experience at CSUMB has helped him on his current career pathway, and his overall experience as a CSUMB student.
Message from the Department Chair
Dear AES Students,

I hope you are doing well and enjoying the semester! After all the January rain, it’s fun to see the blooming flowers on campus and the nearby Fort Ord National Monument.
We have many exciting events happening in AES over the next month.  Some highlights are the upcoming film screening of “We Have Reached the Moment” (Wednesday, March 8, 6pm), the weekly Natural Sciences Seminar Series (Mondays, 4pm), and more AES Field Adventures (stay tuned for dates & locations).  
I’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions for new events, activities, logos, and gear for AES, ENSTU, ESTP, and ENSCI. Please stop by the AES Main Office (Chapman S314), email, or find me at the Monday Seminar.

Warmly,
Dr. Susan Alexander
Professor and Chair, Department of Applied Environmental Science
Department Updates
Join us for the 'We Have Reached the Moment' Film Screening and Discussion

On Wednesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. AES will host a free public screening of the 30-minute film "We Have Reached the Moment" for the entire CSUMB community. The screening will be followed by a group discussion facilitated by the AES faculty. Snacks and refreshments will be served. The event will be in the BIT Building (506) in Room 104.

The film itself tells the story of Vic Barrett and their experiences living through Hurricane Sandy and later becoming one of 21 plaintiffs in the historic lawsuit Juliana v United States in which 21 youth sued the federal government for failure to take sufficient steps to mitigate climate change. The film explores topics of climate justice and the right to a healthy environment, connecting with loved ones who hold different beliefs, intersectionality, and finding ways to take meaningful action.  
Interested in having your story highlighted in our next AES highlight email? Complete one of the following forms for a chance to be featured on our website & in our upcoming email(s).
Department of Applied Environmental Science | https://csumb.edu/aes