Department of Applied Environmental Science (AES) Highlights

Department of Applied Environmental Science

Department Highlights | February 23, 2024 | Issue 14

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.

Check out our social media sites!

Faculty Highlight

Dr. Suzanne "Suzy" Worcester, Professor

Suzy joined the CSUMB community in 1996 and is a valued faculty member in the AES Department. Over the last several decades she has taught many different courses in biology, quantitative field methods, natural resource management, and environmental interpretation. She now is primarily teaching ENSTU 309 (Science and Policy of Global Climate Change) and ENVS 363 (Field Natural History for Educators). Suzy served as the Chair of the School of Natural Sciences for many years.

Outside of the classroom, Suzy can be found biking, hiking, beach walking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors.

We reached out to Suzy to learn more about what led her to CSUMB and her career.

Read more about Suzy!

Graduate Student Highlight

Alyssa Anzalone, ENSCI

Alyssa Anzalone, a current Environmental Science Master's student, has been working on her thesis project over the past year, which focuses on microplastic abundance.

We recently touched base with Alyssa to learn more about her thesis and experience at CSUMB as a graduate student.

Learn more about Alyssa!

CSUMB Day of Giving

March 13-14, 2024

Please spread the word!

AES is participating in the 2nd Annual Day of Giving to raise scholarship funds for our students to attend conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities.

Thanks in advance for helping us provide these career building experiences to our undergraduate and graduate students!

Day of Giving Information

Undergraduate Students Highlights

Manuel Villa Alvarado, ESTP

Ben Pedersen, ENSTU

Manuel Villa Alvarado, a current ESTP major, is conducting research with Dr. Jimmy Guilinger in the Watershed Geology Lab, focusing on earthflows in Hollister, California.

Ben Pedersen, a current ENSTU major, recently completed a natural resources internship with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

We recently touched base with Manuel and Ben to learn more about their experiences.

Learn more about Manuel's research!

Check out Ben's story!

Graduate Student Highlight

Alicia Del Toro, ENSCI

Alicia Del Toro, a current Environmental Science Master's student, attended and presented her professional science master's (PSM) research project with Dr. Alison Haupt at the Western Society of Naturalists conference this past year.

Alicia works in the Office of the Registrar as an Administrative Support Coordinator and serves as the information coordinator for the AES Natural Science seminar series.

We recently touched base with Alicia to learn more about her research and experience at CSUMB as a graduate student.

Check out Alicia's story!

Alumni Highlight

Amanda Preece, ENSCI

Amanda Preece, a Biology (undergraduate) and Environmental Science (master's) alumna, is the Environmental Advocate for the Monterey Audubon Society where she coordinates multiple bird conservation projects. She will be our AES Natural Sciences seminar speaker on March 18, 2024. These seminars are open to all to attend.

We recently touched base with Amanda to learn more about her work and how her experiences at CSUMB helped shape her career pathway.

Learn more about Amanda!

Message from the Department Chair

Dear AES Community,

There is so much exciting work going on in our department! I hope you will check out all of our stories in this newsletter and find us on social media (@csumb aes) to learn more about who we are and what we do in AES. We welcome new stories and photos from current students and alumni, so please send us your highlights and tag us.

We have several events coming up over the next month, including the 2nd Annual AES Movie Night (March 14) and the CSUMB Day of Giving (March 13 & 14). At the Day of Giving, AES will be raising funds to support student travel to conferences, workshops, and professional development events. These career-building experiences can open new doors and pathways to our students. Please help us spread the word!

We will also be showcasing our ENSTU and ESTP undergraduate programs at the CSUMB Admitted Otter Day on Saturday, April 6 in the Chapman Courtyard. We will have many demos and fun activities for prospective students and their families to learn about our majors. Stop by and say hello if you're in the area.

Have a great Spring semester!

Warmly,

Dr. Susan Alexander

Professor and Chair, Department of Applied Environmental Science

salexander@csumb.edu

AES Goes to the Movies!

On Saturday February 24th, Habitat Stewardship Project is hosting its annual fundraising event, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour! This film festival is held at the Golden State Theatre in Monterey and features award winning films and documentaries featuring sports, mountain culture, environmental, adventure, and exploration.

Learn more here!

Please join us on Thursday, March 14th from 6-8 pm for a free screening of the movie "Manzanar Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust." The screening will take place in the Tanimura & Antle Memorial Library, Room 1180.

Refreshments will be served. See you there!

Learn more here!

AES in the News

Dr. Dan Fernandez has been featured in a series of interviews over the past couple of years. All of these interviews focus on his expertise in fog and fog collection research. Additionally, he gave a seminar on his research on February 12 for the Natural Sciences Seminar Series

Check out one of Dan's interviews!

Dr. Victoria Derr was interviewed about climate change in the Point Lobos Magazine. She was interviewed by Don Blohowiak, the Deputy Docent Administrator of the Point Lobos Foundation.

Check out Tori's interview!

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).

Undergraduate Student Highlight Form

Graduate Student Highlight Form

Alumni Highlight Form

Department of Applied Environmental Science | https://csumb.edu/aes