Department of Applied Environmental Science
Department Highlights | March 5, 2021 | Issue 2
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 in a virtual world, we hope to utilize this bi-semester highlights email to keep all AES students, staff, and faculty informed of current AES highlights, news, & events. If you need to get in touch with the AES office, please feel free to email us at aes_office@csumb.edu.
June Stock Scholarship for AES Students

We are excited to announce 8 one-time scholarships for AES undergraduate (4 awards of $1,288) and graduate students (4 awards of $2,145) with a focus on watershed or terrestrial environmental science. For more information and to apply, check out the application form. Deadline to apply is April 1, 2021.
Faculty Highlight

Dr. Robert Burton, AES lecturer, was recently recognized at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) National Public Land's Day for his work in Fort Ord National Monument (FONM). Rob teaches Projects in Natural Resource Management (ENVS 475/575) and during the past four spring semesters, he and his students have worked closely with BLM biologists on management of the expansive grasslands. This collaboration presents students with an incredible opportunity to experience real-world application of their classroom obtained skills and knowledge, through coursework, as interns, and even as employees following graduation. Thank you for all that you do for our students and the surrounding community, Rob!
Campus Resource
Science Student Virtual Resources

The College of Science is here to assist you during virtual learning, with many of our on-campus resources offering online opportunities for students to seek support. We encourage you to explore the many resources on the Virtual Campus Resources web page, including:
  • Technological Resources (laptop, WiFi, connectivity)
  • Tips for Online Learning Success
  • Academic & Personal Needs Assistance
Undergraduate Student Highlight
Chelsea Rutt, ESTP

Being a CSUMB Otter runs in Chelsea Rutt's family - both her mom and aunt graduated from CSUMB. Chelsea's mom, Michele Hoover, earned her multiple subject teaching credential in 2005. Her aunt, Bridget Hoover, earned her bachelor's degree in Earth Systems Science & Policy in 1999. In speaking of her daughter's achievements, Michele mentioned "I am incredibly proud of Chelsea's perseverance regarding staying the course in the face of difficulties. She has chosen a degree that has opened up an amazing career path to her - becoming a steward of the environment is an incredibly vital position to be in."

As an ESTP student, Chelsea enjoys participating in student activities as a way to stay connected with other like-minded individuals throughout the pandemic. Chelsea is also currently homeschooling her 8-year-old son while pursuing her degree. He enjoys assisting her with her remote field assignments and sitting in on her lectures.

Following graduation, Chelsea hopes to continue on as a Soil Conservationist or pursue a graduate degree. Keep up the excellent work, Chelsea!
Graduate Student Highlight
Bethany Schulze, ENSCI

Bethany Schulze, a graduate student in the Department of Applied Environmental Science, is currently conducting bat research as part of her thesis dissertation. We recently touched base with Bethany to learn more about her unique research experience. Check out her interview by clicking on the button below!
Alumni Highlight
Kianni Ledezma, ENSTU

Kianni Ledezma, a 2019 alumna of the Environmental Studies program, recently was selected to contribute to a chapter for the book titled "Latin American Transnational Youth: Experiences of Nature and Place, Culture and Care Across the Americas" by Victoria Derr and Yolanda Corona. This chapter covers the experiences of five Latinx women, including Kianni, detailing the things that have shaped their identities as well as their connection to nature.

Congratulations, Kianni! Learn more about her current career path by clicking the button below.
Message from the Department Chair
Hello AES Students,

Welcome to March! I hope you are doing well (or as well as possible in our COVID world).  March marks the 1-year anniversary of our quick pivot to online learning at CSUMB, but March also brings signs of hope and renewal for the coming year. Beautiful shooting stars, footsteps of spring, fuchsia-flowering gooseberry, and paintbrush are starting to bloom around campus. There are several thousand sheep and goats currently grazing and browsing on the Fort Ord National Monument and nearby county lands. Our faculty highlight story on Dr. Rob Burton has more information on the interactions between these animals and native grassland species. Our student and alumni highlight stories celebrate exciting accomplishments and a wonderful legacy pipeline. I hope you are enjoying the emerging signs of spring near where you live.  As always, I welcome any questions, ideas, or suggestions you have for our Department.

All my best,
Susan Alexander
Professor and Chair, Department of Applied Environmental Science
Upcoming Virtual Events
Natural Science Seminar Series
Join us for an informative presentation on Monday afternoons!

Science majors jointly host a weekly Natural Sciences Seminar Series at CSUMB. All the events in this series are free and open to the public. Join us every Monday at 4:00 pm to learn from a natural sciences expert! For Spring 2021, the Natural Sciences Seminar Series will be taking place virtually (over Zoom).

You can view the seminar calendar and RSVP for upcoming dates on the AES website.
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