College of Science

Environmental Science MS

ENSCI Student Conducts Research on Rodents and Agricultural Fields

Person holding a tall GPS or surveying pole next to a dirt road and agricultural fields with mountains in the background.

 

Emily Kelvin, a current graduate student in the Environmental Science Master’s program (ENSCI), has been working on her thesis project over the past year. As a thesis student in Dr. Jennifer Duggan’s lab, Emily is focusing her research on how ditch management practices influence the movements of rodents in and around local crop fields. This information will allow us to better estimate the food safety risks that rodents pose to local crops that are not necessarily cooked, like lettuce and broccoli.

When she’s not out in the field conducting research, Emily serves as the ENSCI representative on the Graduate Student Council, where she assists in planning resources and events for our graduate students. 

We recently touched base with Emily to learn more about her research and overall experience as a CSUMB graduate student. Check out her interview below! 

What is the title of your thesis project?

Influence of ditch management practices on rodent movements in local agriculture

What is your thesis project about? 

I investigate how rodents utilize ditches near agricultural fields, using cutting-edge automated telemetry technology. Rodent movement data will help identify whether vegetated ditches pose a food safety risk.

Who is your faculty advisor?

Dr. Jennifer Duggan 

Where is your thesis work being conducted?

I’m studying rodents in the Salinas Valley and Watsonville

How is your thesis project contributing to your professional goals?

I'm very interested in applied research questions, and this project could have interesting implications for policy surrounding vegetated ditches. It has also been a great opportunity for developing valuable skills as a future researcher, including project organization and study design.

What is your favorite part about being a graduate student at CSUMB?

Making new friends in my graduate cohort has been wonderful. I also love being near the coast!

Have you received any scholarships, external funding, awards, or have been published (etc.) while pursuing your master's degree? 

Yes. My project is funded by the California Department of Water Resources 

What are your plans after graduate school?

I will most likely be pursuing a PhD to continue work as a researcher.

 

Keep up the great work, Emily! We look forward to seeing you defend your thesis in the near future!