Environmental Science MS
AMWS Alumna involved in recent mark and recapture study of California tiger salamanders
January 18, 2019
Amelia Olson, an alumna of the Applied Marine and Watershed Science (AMWS) graduate program and the Environmental Science Technology and Policy undergraduate program, has been immersing herself in the environmental consulting realm since completing her master's degree. She currently serves as a biologist for several environmental consulting firms across Northern California;, including Garcia and Associates, Davey Resource Group, and Sequoia Ecological Consulting.
As part of her work as a biologist, Amelia recently participated in the mark and recapture study of California tiger salamanders conduct by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA researchers have been working to save this species, whose population has been declining since the non-native barred tiger salamander was intentionally introduced to the surrounding ecosystem. While working on this collaborative effort, she lead a field team in trapping, tagging, and tracking the movement of individuals.
Amelia expressed her appreciation for the AMWS graduate program (now known as ENSCI) by recognizing the connection between what she learning during her time at CSUMB and her current career pathway.
The breadth of topics covered in the coursework helped me become a well rounded environmental scientist and prepared me to think critically and problem solve in many different projects with varying environmental conditions.
When reflecting on the most beneficial skill she gained from this program, she remarked that technical writing skills have been the most helpful.
Report writing is a large part of my job. Clear writing skills help me communicate the findings and results of the projects to scientist and non-scientists alike.
Keep up the excellent work, Amelia!