Environmental Science MS
ENSCI Student Investigates Vernal Pools and Restoration Areas at Rana Creek Ranch
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Katherine Hardisty-Cranstone, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, was recently featured for her work at Rana Creek Ranch alongside Dr. Fred Watson. Katherine will be completing her 400-hour internship as part of her Professional Science Master’s degree requirement at Rana Creek Ranch, which will be converted into a nature preserve within the next couple of years. On top of being a full-time student, Katherine also works as the preserve manager via the Wildlands Conservancy.
We recently touched base with Katherine to learn more about her internship/job, as well as her future plans and overall CSUMB experience. Check out her interview below!
What is your internship project about?
Studying the vernal pool species composition on the property and identifying areas for restoration, both culturally and ecologically.
How did you hear about the preserve manager position?
I heard about this position when I met with the Esselen Tribe Chairman, Tom Little Bear, to discuss my internship. The Wildlands Conservancy is co-managing the 14,000-acre property with the tribe, and he thought I would be a good fit for the position.
What are your responsibilities as the preserve manager?
I am the boots on the ground, in a way. My responsibilities include everything from community engagement to trail mapping to restoration to coordinating building repairs. The Wildlands Conservancy operates 25 preserves across the western US, so a lot of trust is put in the managers to oversee the day to day operations, as well as to identify any projects we, as an organization, want to tackle.
What is your favorite part of your internship/job so far?
My favorite part of my internship so far is being able to get on the land and learn about the plants. I am a huge botany nerd, so hiking around in a beautiful landscape and looking at plants is basically a dream come true.
My favorite part of my job so far is knowing how much good I get to do for the environment and community. I never thought I'd work somewhere where my personal morals and goals aligned so closely with my employer. It is a gift that I am grateful for.
What is your favorite part of being a graduate student at CSUMB?
My classmates.
What are your future plans (career, academic, etc.)?
Future plans involve completing my Masters here at CSUMB and pursuing my Certified Field Botanist credential through the California Native Plant Society. Also, very cliche here, but I hope my future involves a LOT of traveling.
Any advice for fellow students interested in participating in this kind of research?
Over the years, I heard plenty of phrases like 'work hard,' 'only look into others' lanes to uplift them,' and 'be patient.' I didn’t put much stock in them back then. They sounded trivial because there was no guarantee my efforts would pay off. But hindsight is 20/20—they were right.
So my advice? Take a deep breath and keep working hard—people will notice. Stay curious and ask the weird questions because that's how you’ll land the most interesting research projects.
Anything else you'd like to share
The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell!
Congratulations on this opportunity, Kat! We look forward to seeing where your professional endeavors take you!