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Department of Applied Environmental Science
Department Highlights | October 6, 2021 | Issue 4
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.
Faculty Highlight

This past summer, eight undergraduates and one graduate student dispersed across the Western United States to conduct research alongside Dr. John Olson as part of the Watershed Environments & Ecology Lab (WEE). In various locations, students contributed to three research projects involving the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), and the local Santa Lucia Preserve. In doing so, students gained real world work experience and learned how to adapt and improvise in the field to overcome challenges.
Campus Resource

The Personal Growth & Counseling Center (PGCC) strives to promote the mental health of CSUMB students in order to improve the quality of their lives and aid them in achieving academic success. They are committed to the development of the whole person: academically, personally, socially, spiritually, and physically.

PGCC offers the following services:
  • 24/7 crisis intervention, call 831-582-3969 for immediate support
  • Brief individual counseling
  • Support groups
  • Psycho educational workshops
  • Consultation
  • Educational outreach programs
  • Referrals
  • YOU@CSUMB (an anonymous, online well-being platform personalized just for you)
Undergraduate Student Highlight
Ahtziri Carranza Medrano, ENSTU

Ahtziri Carranza Medrano, a current Environmental Studies students, participated in in the University of Massachusetts Boston Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. As part of the REU, Ahtziri worked alongside Dr. Lorena Estrada-Martinez on her project focused on how the island of Vieques has been impacted by the Navy’s previous occupation.

The REU helped solidify Ahtziri's interest in environmental justice and allowed her to gain skills that will assist in her professional aspirations.
Graduate Student Highlight
Karla Jasso, ENSCI

Karla Jasso, a current Environmental Science graduate student, was recently selected to be part of this year's Master Plant Science Team representing the American Phytopathological Society. The Master Plant Science team is a nationwide program (+ Canada) with members representing 6 plant science professional societies. Participation on this team consists of both participating in a mentorship training program, mentoring students from minority groups and underserved communities, and serving as liaison for the programs in different committees and events.
Alumni Highlight
Mikaela Bogdan, ESTP + ENSCI

Mikaela Bogdan, a recent graduate of the Environmental Science master's program, was awarded the President's Graduate Award for Exemplary Regional Stewardship in Spring 2021. While pursuing her graduate degree at CSUMB, Mikaela worked as an Education Associate for the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy for three years, teaching watershed curriculum to local elementary through high school students and inspiring them to pursue science careers and environmental stewardship. Following graduation, Mikaela secured a full-time position as a staff scientist with Burleson Consulting.
Message from the Department Chair
Dear AES Students,

Fall semester is well-underway, and it’s been great to see people, classes, and activities again in the Chapman Science Center as we have transitioned back to campus. Currently about half of our classes in the Department of Applied Environmental Science are in-person and next semester the campus plans for almost all classes to be in-person.

Before the semester started, our students, faculty, and staff kept busy over the summer with numerous projects and research activities. We have highlighted a few of their accomplishments and awards in this newsletter. Please click on the links and check out all the great stories!

I know there are still questions as we return to campus, and I greatly appreciate your continued resilience and hard work as we all navigate through a variety of unknowns. I hope that you continue to stay safe and healthy, and I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Do you have questions, ideas, or suggestions for our Department of Applied Environmental Science? Send me an email or schedule an appointment to talk with me.

My best wishes,

Susan Alexander
Professor and Chair, Department of Applied Environmental Science
Department Updates
Follow us on Social Media!

The Department of Applied Environmental Science is now on Instagram and Twitter!

Learn more about your student peers, read about faculty highlights, or stay in the know about upcoming events by following our accounts.
New Interim Dean of Graduate Studies & Research

Dr. Doug Smith, from whom many of you have taken GEOL 260, 360, 460, and ENVS 560, was recently promoted to Interim Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. This new position will facilitate greater support of existing and potential new graduate programs, as well as bolster activities and support around undergraduate and graduate research opportunities and funding.
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