Environmental Science MS
ESSP and CWSP Alumnus Works with NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center
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Dr. Miles Daniels, an alumnus of both the Earth Systems Science and Policy (now known as Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy) and Coastal Watershed Science and Policy (now known as Environmental Science) alumnus, now works as an assistant researcher with the Fisheries Collaborative Program at the University of California, Santa Cruz and as an affiliate of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. Recently, he returned to CSUMB to give a seminar about the history of the chinook salmon and water management in California, and how climate change will impact both.
We recently touched base with Miles to learn more about his work experience and how his experiences at CSUMB have helped them on his current career pathway. Check out his interview below.
What year did you graduate from CSU Monterey Bay?
Undergrad 2007
What was your major?
Earth Systems Science and Policy (ESSP)
Did you obtain any additional degrees and/or certifications after receiving your bachelor's degree at CSUMB?
Yes.
Ph.D., Epidemiology, UC Davis, 2016.
M.S., Coastal and Watershed Science and Policy, CSUMB, 2014.
What is your current position? Please provide background information on your job title, duties, and workplace.
I’m currently an Assistant Researcher with the University of California, Santa Cruz and affiliate of the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center specializing in environmental and epidemiological modeling. My research combines field and laboratory studies, data analysis, and simulation modeling to better understand how environmental conditions impact population health and dynamics. Over my career, I’ve applied interdisciplinary skills to investigate a range of research questions, all with a link between water and health. Examples of my research include: identifying fate and transport processes associated with the removal of waterborne pathogens in aquatic systems; developing a better understanding of the connection between drinking water, recreational water, and sanitation in rural India; and studying water temperature and salmon pathogen dynamics in the Central Valley of California to better understand how management actions can impact waterways and their aquatic ecology.
Did your experience as a science student contribute to your current career pathway? If so, please explain.
Yes, dramatically. Before enrolling as a science major at CSUMB I enjoyed nature and being outdoors, but through my academic experiences in the classroom, lab, and field I began to better appreciate how dynamic and inter-connected the environment is to us and itself. This understanding drove my career interests and curiosity about the environment and led me to a career in environmental research.
What was your favorite course in the undergraduate program and why?
I originally came to CSUMB expecting to major in marine biology, but after taking a watershed science class, I realized how studying freshwater aquatic systems aligned so well with my interests. Also, while certainly not unique to watershed science classes, being able to take what you studied in the classroom and apply it to a lab where you travel to amazing locations in the backcountry of Fort Ord, Big Sur, and Carmel Valley were amazing opportunities.
Are there any specific skills that you gained while at CSUMB that have helped contribute to your current success?
Yes, many. I’d say one of the most valuable skills gained while at CSUMB was the experience of my capstone project. Being able to design a study to test a hypothesis, and then carrying out the field and lab work to generate the data to run analysis, was something that not all undergrads get to experience. This exposure to science from start to finish was an amazing look into what a career in the field can be and I’d say launched me into wanting to continue my education and ultimately contributed to me landing at my current position.
Have you had any recent accomplishments that you would like to share with us? (publications, awards, etc.)
I recently completed a three year research project funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife working to better understand the impact of pathogens on the survival of Chinook salmon in the Central Valley of California. This project combined two great skills I gained while at CSUMB, field monitoring and computer modeling. While there is still much to research, a recent publication sharing some of the findings can be found here (https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/11/1/coad066/7252932) with more on the way.
Congratulations on all of your achievements, Dr. Daniels! We are otterly proud of you!!