Department of Applied Environmental Science
AES Alumna Makes a Splash with CSU-WATRS Lab
Marie Tolteca, an alumna of the Environmental Science Technology & Policy program, currently works as a research technician with the CSUMB-Water, Agriculture, Technology and Remote Sensing (WATRS) Lab.
We touched base with Marie to learn more about her work and how her experiences at CSUMB helped shape her career pathway. Check out her interview below!
What was your major?
Environmental Science Technology & Policy (ESTP)
What is your current position? Please provide background information on your job title, duties, and workplace.
I currently hold a position as a research technician with CSUMB-WATRS Lab and NASA. As a research technician I am constantly working with data. I started off as a student research assistant, where I evaluated the quality of California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) stations across the state of California. The goal of monitoring CIMIS stations was to make sure they were following the siting criteria and check active stations. CIMIS stations provide critical reference evapotranspiration data to improve irrigation efficiency in the Food and Agriculture Department across the state. The stations hold valuable information, which is important to check for active stations and check the data being collected. To process the data software such as Excel, python, and Geographical Information System (GIS), I was able to perform data analysis on active stations and derive weather variables and compare datasets.
Currently, I am working on the impacts of evapotranspiration using the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith equation, where I am using weather specific formulas. I was able to start from scratch with some help and hopefully very soon be able to finish it and be able to apply my code to all the active stations.
This job opportunity that’s started off as an internship and now a job. AJ Purdy has taught and allowed me to learn a lot in different areas. My coding and GIS skills have improved significantly since I joined. I have also started improving my Google Earth Engine skills. Within this journey I have been able to set up and remove an Eddy Covariance Tower in a broccoli field in Soledad, CA. I also participated in a Live Fuel Moisture Data Collection at Carmel Valley in the Santa Lucia Mountains. It was a great experience to collect samples with different equipment.
How did your experience as a CSUMB science student contribute to your current career pathway? Please explain.
My experience at CSUMB as a science student helped me narrow down on what areas I was interested in during my upper-graduate courses. Being exposed to different technology and data applications really intrigued me and was encouraged to pursue a minor in Data Science. Learning different computer languages has helped me with being more competitive to many openings in different science and technology areas. With this in mind, I am thinking of pursuing a higher education in Data Science and Hydrology.
What was your favorite course /courses in the program and why?
A few of my favorite courses were Introduction to Data Science, Introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS) (ENVS 332), Geomorphic Systems (GEOL 360), and River Hydrology and Monitoring (GEOL 460). I really enjoyed all of my courses, although these stood out to me the most. The reason is because I knew I wanted to get into a field that involved this background. I was a part of the Watershed concentration, which is why I really enjoyed my course geomorphic systems and river hydrology and monitoring. Being able to go out to the field with all of our gear, hiking to the destination and collecting data was one of my favorite parts. Being able to analyze the data collected and using our knowledge from previous courses was the best and most challenging part of it all.
Are there any specific professional/technical skills that you gained while at CSUMB that have helped contribute to your current success?
A few technical skills that I gained while at CSUMB which were programming languages, data analysis, software proficiency, and technical writing. These skills have contributed to my success after my undergraduate career.
Have you had any recent accomplishments that you would like to share with us? (publications, awards, etc.)
I was published in ” Monitoring Crop Water Consumption in the Salinas Valley “ with my team from CSUMB WATRS Lab and NASA.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your experience in our program? We value you as an alumna/us!
This was a great program with a lot of room to grow and explore. Stay curious and enjoy the ride!
Congratulations Marie on this exciting opportunity! We look forward to seeing where your professional endeavors take you.