Environmental Science MS
ESTP & AMWS Alumna Protects Ecosystems Through Environmental Consulting
Amelia Olson, an alumna of our Environmental Science, Technology, & Policy and Applied Marine & Watershed Science (now known as Environmental Science, MS) programs, works as a biologist and permitting analyst for Padre Associates Inc., an environmental and geoenvironmental consulting firm.
We recently touched base with Amelia to learn more about her career and how CSUMB helped her reach her career goals. Check out her interview!
What year did you graduate from CSU Monterey Bay?
2013 (ESTP), 2016 (AMWS)
What was your major?
Environmental Science Technology & Policy & Applied Marine and Watershed Science (now known as Environmental Science, MS)
What is your current position? Please provide background information on your job title, duties, and workplace.
I work as a Biologist and Permitting Analyst for Padre Associates Inc. Padre is an environmental and geoenvironmental consulting firm. I coordinate with clients to ensure their projects comply with environmental regulations, secure all necessary permits, and assess potential impacts of each project. These projects have included trans-Pacific subsea fiber optical cable removal, natural gas pipeline decommissioning, and offshore oil platform decommissioning. I also work in the field, monitoring project activities for regulatory compliance, perform surveys for special status species, and assess the success of restoration efforts.
How did your experience as a CSUMB science student contribute to your current career pathway? Please explain.
The hands-on field trips taught me the plant and animal ID necessary for field surveys, while the reports that usually followed the field trips helped me develop the writing skills necessary to complete the technical reports that accompany the permit application packages that I prepare.
What was your favorite course /courses in the program and why?
ENVS 303: California Transect. That class is so different from any other class offered at CSUMB. The breadth of topics covered in that class included geology, hydrology, ecology, natural history, economic and policy issues of California coupled with the two week field portion gave you a three dimensional understanding of the complex natural systems within the State. Plus, it's just fun!
Are there any specific professional/technical skills that you gained while at CSUMB that have helped contribute to your current success?
Plant/animal ID and writing skills
Congratulations, Amelia! We are otterly proud of you!