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Environmental Science MS

Environmental Science MS News

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Two ENSCI Students Defend Their Thesis Projects on Microplastics and Bats

Alyssa Anzalone and Bethany Schulze successfully defended their thesis research, "Effects of agricultural and urban land on microplastic concentrations in rivers" and "Foraging associations of cryptic foliage-roosting bats across an urban gradient in central coastal California," in front of their committees and a public audience.

Kat standing in front of her scientific poster at a conference.

ENSCI Student Presents Rattlesnake Research at Wildlife Society Conference

Katherine "Kat" Molinari, a current graduate student in the Environmental Science Master's program, recently attended the Western Section of the Wildlife Society's yearly conference in Visalia, California, from February 3-5, 2025. She had the opportunity to present her research and network with fellow scientists!

Amelia hiking with a backpack on a sunny, rocky trail.

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.

Kierra smiling while wearing a green shirt, against a soft, blurred background. She is wearing glasses and has long, brown hair

AES Staff Supports Graduate Programs and Science Internships

Kierra joined the CSUMB community in 2015 and is a valued staff member in the AES Department as our Student Services Professional. She is also an alumna of both the Marine Science, B.S., and the Environmental Science, MS programs.

Woman smiling and making a shaka sign in front of a mountain range under a blue sky.

ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Modeling California Red-Legged Frog Habitat using Environmental DNA (eDNA)

Charley Abernathy recently defended her thesis research "Modeling Threatened California Red Legged Frog (Rana draytonii) habtiat using environmental DNA presence via quantitative PCR" in front of her committee and a public audience on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Person holding a small plant in a greenhouse.

ENSCI Student Explores Conventional Fertilizer Alternatives at UC Santa Cruz

Lucas Raymond, a current graduate student in the Environmental Science Master's program, is completing his 400-hour internship project as part of his Professional Science Master's (PSM) requirement at UC Santa Cruz under the Next Gen Fellowship Program.

Highlight Stories
ENSCI & ESTP Alumna Advocates for Climate Smart Management Practices in Agriculture Stefanie Kortman, an alumna of our Environmental Science, Technology, & Policy and Environmental Science, MS programs, works as the Senior Lab Technician at the Haffa Laboratory of Agricultural Biogeochemistry.
ENSCI Student Investigates Vernal Pools and Restoration Areas at Rana Creek Ranch 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.
ENSCI Student Conducts Research on Rodents and Agricultural Fields 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.
AES Professor Featured in the News! Dr. Fred Watson was featured in Monterey County Now for his work on the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway.
ENSCI Sweeps the 2024 CSUMB and CSU Grad Slam! Alyssa Anzalone and Gerhard Gross, both current Environmental Science Master's students, competed in CSUMB's third annual Grad Slam competition. Alyssa won first place for her presentation, while Gerhard won the People's Choice award. Alyssa represented CSUMB at the statewide competition on May 3 and won the entire CSU-wide Grad Slam!
ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on the Removal of *Arundo donax* During Wet and Dry Years Savannah Saldana recently defended her thesis research “Evaluating Ecological Conditions of the Salinas River after the Removal of A. donax during Wet and Dry Years” in front of her committee and a public audience on Friday, May 3, 2024.
ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Developing Ecological Integrity Metrics for Wetlands Rebecca Baggott recently defended her thesis research “Developing Metrics of Ecological Integrity for Wetlands on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation” in front of her committee and a public audience on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
ENSCI Student Conducts Research with California State Parks Caroline Bolen, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, is currently completing a 400-hour internship with California State Parks as part of her Professional Science Master’s degree requirement. Caroline’s research focused on assessing species richness and abundance.
AES Lecturer Reflects on CSUMB Journey Erin Stanfield joined the CSUMB community in 2006 and is a valued lecturer in the AES Department. She is also an alumna of the Coastal Watershed Science & Policy (now known as Environmental Science, MS) program.
AES Professor Interviewed by KSBW-8 for Landslide Expertise Dr. James Guilinger, assistant professor and PI of the Watershed Geology Lab, was interviewed by KSBW 8 for his expertise on landslides and how climate change has impacted the Central Coast, including the landslide at Highway 1.
AES Professor and ENSCI MS Student Featured in the News! Dr. Fred Watson and Katherine Hardisty-Cranstone, a current Environmental Science Master's student, were featured in the Monterey County Weekly for their work at Rana Creek Ranch.
ENSCI Student Conducts Thesis Research on Microplastics in Freshwater Ecosystems Alyssa Anzalone, 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. John Olson’s lab, Alyssa is focusing her research on microplastic abundance in freshwater ecosystems and the influence of agricultural and urban activities on microplastic abundance.
ENSCI Student Presents Research at Western Society of Naturalists Conference Alicia Del Toro, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, recently attended and presented her research with Dr. Alison Haupt at the Western Society of Naturalists conference this year.
BIO and AES Alumna’s Career Takes Wing Amanda Preece, an alumna of both the Biology and Environmental Science MS program, now works as the Environmental Advocate with the Monterey Audubon Society. She will be our seminar speaker on March 18, 2024. The seminar will be in Chapman E104 at 4 pm.
AES Professor Reflects on Her Career and What We Can Do to Make a Difference Dr. Suzanne “Suzy” Worcester joined the CSUMB community in 1996 and is a valued faculty member in the AES Department. She has taught numerous courses in AES and other departments, and she served as the Chair of the School of Natural Sciences for many years.
ENSCI Student Attends CSU Water Conference Mary Snook, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, attended the CSU Water Conference this past year. She is also completing a thesis project as part of her thesis degree requirement.
ENSCI Student Conducts Research with BLM Sarah Beilman, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, is currently completing a 400-hour internship with the Bureau of Land Management as part of her Professional Science Master’s degree requirement. Sarah’s research focused on monitoring grassland biomass and biodiversity to evaluate the success of the goat grazing program in Fort Ord National Monument.
ESSP and CWSP Alumnus Works with NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center Dr. Miles Daniels, an alumnus of both the Earth Science and Systems 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.
ENSCI Student Conducting Research for US Army Garrison Skylar Wolfe, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, is currently completing a 400-hour internship with the US Army Garrison Fort Hunter Liggett as part of her Professional Science Master’s degree requirement. We reached out to Skylar to learn more about her research and overall experience as a graduate student at CSUMB.
ENSCI Student Conducts Research for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Sarah Winkel, a current Environmental Science master’s student, recently completed an internship with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as part of her Professional Science Master's degree requirement. We reached out to Sarah to learn more about her research and overall CSUMB experience as a graduate student.
JP Dundore-Arias earns two prestigious awards Jose Pablo Dundore-Arias, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry, recently received the American Phytopathological Society’s Excellence in Teaching Award and was invited to participate in the June 2023 Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute.
Congratulations to our Spring and Summer 2023 Graduates!
ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Pesticide Remediating Microbes Kieran Szelong defended their thesis research "The genomics of pesticide-remediating microbes relevant to agricultural specialty crops grown on California's Central Coast" in front of their committee and a public audience on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.
ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Relationships Between Apex Predators, Mesopredators, and Songbirds Along a Local Urbanization Gradient Matt McGee recently defended his thesis research “Mesopredator occupancy and passerine richness along an urbanization gradient in central coastal California” in front of his committee and a public audience on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
ENSCI Alumni Founds His Own Company Danny Wright, an alumnus of the Coastal and Watershed Policy graduate program (now known as the Environmental Science Master’s program), was recently featured for his founding his own non-profit company.
ENSCI Student Places at Grad Slam CSUMB recently hosted its second annual Grad Slam - a campus-wide competition for the best short oral research presentation by a graduate student. The Environmental Science master's program (ENSCI) was well represented by several graduate students during this competition. Most notably, one ENSCI graduate student was chosen as the winning recipient at the end of the competition.
ENSCI Students Present Research at American Fisheries Society Meeting Michael Biedebach and Caleb Yakel, two current Environmental Science Master's students, recently attended the California-Nevada American Fisheries Society Conference in Long Beach, California.
ENSCI Student Conducts Research for the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy Erika Garig, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, recently completed an internship with the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy as part of her Professional Science Master’s project. Erika was tasked with developing a 400-hour internship that helped employ the skills she gained in the classroom. We recently touched base with Erika to learn more about her internship.
ENSCI Student Conducts Camera Trap Research for Big Sur Land Trust Michael Biedebach, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, recently completed an internship with Big Sur Land Trust as part of his Professional Science Master’s project. Michael was tasked with developing a 400-hour internship that helped employ the skills he gained in the classroom. We recently touched base with Michael to learn more about his internship.
AES Professor Reflects on His Careers at CSUMB Dr. Fred Watson, Professor in the Department of Applied Environmental Science, has been a valued part of the CSUMB Community since 1998. He’s been an advisor to many graduate and undergraduate students and runs the Watson Lab. We recently touched base with Fred to learn more about his extensive career and what led him to CSUMB.
ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Understanding Salmonid eDNA Fate at Reach Level Shawn Melendy defended his thesis research “Understanding Salmonid eDNA Fate at Reach Level” in front of his committee on Thursday, December 8, 2022. We reached out to Shawn to learn more about his thesis research and overall experience as an Environmental Science graduate student.
ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Estimating Natural Background Water Quality in California Rivers Emma Debasitis recently defended her thesis research “Estimating Natural Background Water Quality in California Rivers” in front of her committee on Monday, December 5, 2022. We reached out to Emma following her successful defense to learn more about her thesis research and overall experience as an Environmental Science graduate student.
ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Comparative Metagenomics Study on Bioreactor System in Salinas/Salinas River Valley and the Tijuana River Valley Connie Machuca recently defended her thesis research “A Comparative Metagenomics Study on Bioreactor System in Salinas, CA, The Salinas River Valley, and The Tijuana River Valley” in front of her committee on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. We reached out to Connie following her successful defense to learn more about her thesis research and overall experience as an Environmental Science graduate student.
ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on DNA Barcoding for Diet and Intestinal Microbiota of Juvenile Rainbow Trout/Steelhead on the California Coast Bryan Van Orman recently defended his thesis research “DNA Barcoding for Diet and Intestinal Microbiota of Juvenile Rainbow Trout/Steelhead on the California Coast” in front of his committee on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
ENSCI Student Presents Research at Western Society of Naturalists Meeting Mason Donny, a current Environmental Science master’s student, recently presented their research at the Western Society of Naturalists Conference on November 11. Mason's presentation was entitled "Use of Automatic Classification Image to Determine Historical trends of Mussel Bed Percent Cover on Bird Rock, SCI, CA."
ENSCI Student Conducts Research for Burleson Consulting Jessica Sutton, a current Environmental Science master’s student, recently completed an internship with Burleson Consulting as part of her Professional Science Master’s (PSM) project. Jess was tasked with developing a 400-hour internship that helped employ the skills she gained in the classroom. We recently touched base with Jess to learn more about her internship.
Dr. Jimmy Guilinger joins Department of Applied Environmental Science as new Assistant Professor Dr. Jimmy Guilinger joined the CSUMB Community this year. We recently touched base with Jimmy to learn more about his research and what he looks forward to doing during his time here at CSUMB.
AES Alumni Participates in 2022 William R. Gianelli Water Leaders Class Kaitlyn Chow, an alumnus of both the Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy program (ESTP) and the Applied Marine Science and Watershed Science Masters program (AMWS, now known as ENSCI), participated in the 2022 Water Leaders team. The 2022 cohort includes engineers, lawyers, resource specialists, and scientists from throughout the state.
CSUMB awarded $1.54 million grant to help diversify the field of genomics CSUMB was recently awarded $1.54 million in funding to partner, develop and implement a mentorship program with UC Santa Cruz. Dr. Nathaniel Jue is one of the principal investigators of the project.
JP Dundore-Arias named Bob and Sue Johnson Professor Jose Pablo Dundore-Arias, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry, has been named CSUMB’s next Bob and Sue Johnson Professor.
ENSCI Students Attend Summer Conferences Over the summer, Environmental Science M.S. (ENSCI) thesis students from the Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology Lab engaged in sharing their research at national and international conferences.
Congratulations Spring & Summer 2022 ENSCI Graduates! Congratulations to our Spring & Summer 2022 Environmental Science M.S. graduates! We look forward to seeing where your new skills take you.
ENSCI Student Serves as Research Assistant with the Central Coast Wetlands Group Aubrie Heckel recently completed her Professional Science Master's internship with the Central Coast Wetlands Group (CCWG). While serving as a Research Assistant, Aubrie had the opportunity to expand on the skills she has gained in the classroom as an Environmental Science graduate student.
ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Genomics of Pesticide-Remediating Bacteria Rahil Ryder recently defended her thesis research titled '"Genomics of Pesticide-Remediating Bacteria" in front of her thesis committee and a general audience on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
ENSCI Student Serves as Lead Researcher alongside Dr. Alison Haupt Brooke Fulkerson recently completed her Professional Science Master's (PSM) internship in the Coastal Ecology Lab alongside Dr. Alison Haupt. As an intern, she served as a lead researcher on a coastal urbanization and kelp biomass research project.
ENSCI Student Tackles Climate Action Planning as a PSM Intern Kierra Rambonga recently completed her Professional Science Master's (PSM) internship with LandWatch Monterey County. While serving as a Climate Action Intern, Kierra assisted the County in conducting essential research towards the development of their Climate Action Plan.
ENSCI Students Place at CSUMB Grad Slam CSUMB recently hosted is first annual Grad Slam - a campus-wide competition for the best short oral research presentation by a graduate student. The Environmental Science master's program (ENSCI) was well represented by several graduate students during this competition. Most notably, two ENSCI graduate students were chosen as winning recipients at the end of the competition.
Provost’s Award Recognizes Breadth and Depth of Student Achievement When Matthew McGee entered CSUMB as an M.S. student, all he knew was that he wanted to study wildlife. Completing his undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, he admits he had “two degrees, and a poor GPA,” and didn’t find his footing within academica and the sciences until he came to CSUMB.
ENSCI Student Participates in Professional Project With Santa Clara County Adrian Gonzalez, a current Environmental Science master's student, recently completed an internship with Santa Clara County Department of Agriculture as part of his Professional Science Master's (PSM) project. As a PSM student, Adrian was tasked with developing a rigorous 400 hour internship alongside his internship supervisor that helped employ the skills he has gained in the classroom.
ENSCI Graduate Student Conducts Thesis Research on Soil Microbes Connie Machuca, 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. Nathaniel Jue's lab, Connie is focusing her research on soil microbes found in a bioreactor system in Salinas, CA.
Associate Professor Engages Students in Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology Research Dr. Jennifer Duggan, Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Environmental Science, has been actively engaging students in research through her Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology lab. In addition to lab experiences, Jenny also dedicates her Sunday afternoons towards informally advising students on Step & Prep walks throughout Fort Ord.
ENSCI Graduate Student Collaborates with California State Parks Michelle Tarian, a graduate student in the Environmental Science master's program, is currently immersed in a professional internship with California State Parks. As a Professional Science Master's (PSM) student, Michelle is tasked with securing and completing a rigorous 400-hour graduate internship as part of her degree requirement.
Graduate Student Uses Camera Traps to Collect Data on Carnivore Species in the Salinas Valley As a thesis student, Matt uses camera traps to collect data on select carnivore species (coyotes, bobcats, gray foxes, and domestic cats) along an urbanization gradient in the Salinas Valley.
Graduate Student Selected as American Phytopathological Society Representative on Master Plant Science Team Karla Jasso, a current Environmental Science graduate student, was recently selected to be part of this year's Master Plant Science Team representing the American Phytopathological Society.
Assistant Professor Leads Summer Research Projects Across Western United States This past summer, eight undergraduates and one graduate student dispersed across the Western United States to conduct research alongside Dr. John Olson as part of the Watershed Environments & Ecology Lab (WEE).
ENSCI Graduate Received CSUMB President's Graduate Award for Exemplary Regional Stewardship Mikaela Bogdan, a recent graduate of the Environmental Science master's program, was awarded the President's Graduate Award for Exemplary Regional Stewardship in Spring 2021.
Graduate Student Conducts Bat Research for Thesis Dissertation Bethany Schulze, a graduate student in the Department of Applied Environmental Science, is currently conducting bat research as part of her thesis dissertation. We recently touched base with Bethany to learn more about her unique research experience. Check out her interview below for more insight into the world of bat research.
ENSCI Faculty Elected to AGU Board of Directors Dr. Corey Garza, Professor in the Department of Marine Science, was recently elected to the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Board of Directors. AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values.
ENSCI Graduate Student Develops 3D Models of Maritime Heritage Sites Ryan Solymar, a current graduate student in the Environmental Science (ENSCI) master's program, has been interning with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) and CSUMB's Ecosystems Electronics Lab (EEL) as part of his Professional Science Master's (PSM) project. As a 3D photogrammetry intern, he has spent the past year developing three-dimensional models of maritime heritage sites throughout MBNMS.
ENSCI Graduate Students Assist with Wildfire Response Environmental Science graduate students, Eric Walmsley and Ryan Brown, have been allocating their time towards completing their Professional Science Master's (PSM) internships with local agencies. In doing so, both had the unique opportunity to assist with wildfire response in our region during California's record-breaking wildfire season.
A Society of Scientists: Corey Garza (ENSCI faculty) inducted into California Academy of Sciences. Corey Garza, Ph.D., professor of marine science in CSUMB’s College of Science, was recently inducted as a 2020 fellow in the California Academy of Sciences. He joins a cohort of 13 other scientists from California and beyond as new members.

Highlight Stories

ENSCI & ESTP Alumna Advocates for Climate Smart Management Practices in Agriculture

Stefanie Kortman, an alumna of our Environmental Science, Technology, & Policy and Environmental Science, MS programs, works as the Senior Lab Technician at the Haffa Laboratory of Agricultural Biogeochemistry.

ENSCI Student Investigates Vernal Pools and Restoration Areas at Rana Creek Ranch

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.

ENSCI Student Conducts Research on Rodents and Agricultural Fields

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.

AES Professor Featured in the News!

Dr. Fred Watson was featured in Monterey County Now for his work on the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway.

ENSCI Sweeps the 2024 CSUMB and CSU Grad Slam!

Alyssa Anzalone and Gerhard Gross, both current Environmental Science Master's students, competed in CSUMB's third annual Grad Slam competition. Alyssa won first place for her presentation, while Gerhard won the People's Choice award.

Alyssa represented CSUMB at the statewide competition on May 3 and won the entire CSU-wide Grad Slam!

ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on the Removal of Arundo donax During Wet and Dry Years

Savannah Saldana recently defended her thesis research “Evaluating Ecological Conditions of the Salinas River after the Removal of A. donax during Wet and Dry Years” in front of her committee and a public audience on Friday, May 3, 2024.

ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Developing Ecological Integrity Metrics for Wetlands

Rebecca Baggott recently defended her thesis research “Developing Metrics of Ecological Integrity for Wetlands on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation” in front of her committee and a public audience on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

ENSCI Student Conducts Research with California State Parks

Caroline Bolen, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, is currently completing a 400-hour internship with California State Parks as part of her Professional Science Master’s degree requirement. Caroline’s research focused on assessing species richness and abundance.

AES Lecturer Reflects on CSUMB Journey

Erin Stanfield joined the CSUMB community in 2006 and is a valued lecturer in the AES Department. She is also an alumna of the Coastal Watershed Science & Policy (now known as Environmental Science, MS) program.

AES Professor Interviewed by KSBW-8 for Landslide Expertise

Dr. James Guilinger, assistant professor and PI of the Watershed Geology Lab, was interviewed by KSBW 8 for his expertise on landslides and how climate change has impacted the Central Coast, including the landslide at Highway 1.

AES Professor and ENSCI MS Student Featured in the News!

Dr. Fred Watson and Katherine Hardisty-Cranstone, a current Environmental Science Master's student, were featured in the Monterey County Weekly for their work at Rana Creek Ranch.

ENSCI Student Conducts Thesis Research on Microplastics in Freshwater Ecosystems

Alyssa Anzalone, 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. John Olson’s lab, Alyssa is focusing her research on microplastic abundance in freshwater ecosystems and the influence of agricultural and urban activities on microplastic abundance.

ENSCI Student Presents Research at Western Society of Naturalists Conference

Alicia Del Toro, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, recently attended and presented her research with Dr. Alison Haupt at the Western Society of Naturalists conference this year.

BIO and AES Alumna’s Career Takes Wing

Amanda Preece, an alumna of both the Biology and Environmental Science MS program, now works as the Environmental Advocate with the Monterey Audubon Society. She will be our seminar speaker on March 18, 2024. The seminar will be in Chapman E104 at 4 pm.

AES Professor Reflects on Her Career and What We Can Do to Make a Difference

Dr. Suzanne “Suzy” Worcester joined the CSUMB community in 1996 and is a valued faculty member in the AES Department. She has taught numerous courses in AES and other departments, and she served as the Chair of the School of Natural Sciences for many years.

ENSCI Student Attends CSU Water Conference

Mary Snook, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, attended the CSU Water Conference this past year. She is also completing a thesis project as part of her thesis degree requirement.

ENSCI Student Conducts Research with BLM

Sarah Beilman, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, is currently completing a 400-hour internship with the Bureau of Land Management as part of her Professional Science Master’s degree requirement. Sarah’s research focused on monitoring grassland biomass and biodiversity to evaluate the success of the goat grazing program in Fort Ord National Monument.

ESSP and CWSP Alumnus Works with NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center

Dr. Miles Daniels, an alumnus of both the Earth Science and Systems 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.

ENSCI Student Conducting Research for US Army Garrison

Skylar Wolfe, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, is currently completing a 400-hour internship with the US Army Garrison Fort Hunter Liggett as part of her Professional Science Master’s degree requirement.

We reached out to Skylar to learn more about her research and overall experience as a graduate student at CSUMB.

ENSCI Student Conducts Research for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Sarah Winkel, a current Environmental Science master’s student, recently completed an internship with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as part of her Professional Science Master's degree requirement.

We reached out to Sarah to learn more about her research and overall CSUMB experience as a graduate student.

JP Dundore-Arias earns two prestigious awards

Jose Pablo Dundore-Arias, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry, recently received the American Phytopathological Society’s Excellence in Teaching Award and was invited to participate in the June 2023 Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute.

Congratulations to our Spring and Summer 2023 Graduates!

ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Pesticide Remediating Microbes

Kieran Szelong defended their thesis research "The genomics of pesticide-remediating microbes relevant to agricultural specialty crops grown on California's Central Coast" in front of their committee and a public audience on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Relationships Between Apex Predators, Mesopredators, and Songbirds Along a Local Urbanization Gradient

Matt McGee recently defended his thesis research “Mesopredator occupancy and passerine richness along an urbanization gradient in central coastal California” in front of his committee and a public audience on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

ENSCI Alumni Founds His Own Company

Danny Wright, an alumnus of the Coastal and Watershed Policy graduate program (now known as the Environmental Science Master’s program), was recently featured for his founding his own non-profit company.

ENSCI Student Places at Grad Slam

CSUMB recently hosted its second annual Grad Slam - a campus-wide competition for the best short oral research presentation by a graduate student. The Environmental Science master's program (ENSCI) was well represented by several graduate students during this competition. Most notably, one ENSCI graduate student was chosen as the winning recipient at the end of the competition.

ENSCI Students Present Research at American Fisheries Society Meeting

Michael Biedebach and Caleb Yakel, two current Environmental Science Master's students, recently attended the California-Nevada American Fisheries Society Conference in Long Beach, California.

ENSCI Student Conducts Research for the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy

Erika Garig, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, recently completed an internship with the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy as part of her Professional Science Master’s project. Erika was tasked with developing a 400-hour internship that helped employ the skills she gained in the classroom. We recently touched base with Erika to learn more about her internship.

ENSCI Student Conducts Camera Trap Research for Big Sur Land Trust

Michael Biedebach, a current Environmental Science Master’s student, recently completed an internship with Big Sur Land Trust as part of his Professional Science Master’s project. Michael was tasked with developing a 400-hour internship that helped employ the skills he gained in the classroom. We recently touched base with Michael to learn more about his internship.

AES Professor Reflects on His Careers at CSUMB

Dr. Fred Watson, Professor in the Department of Applied Environmental Science, has been a valued part of the CSUMB Community since 1998. He’s been an advisor to many graduate and undergraduate students and runs the Watson Lab.

We recently touched base with Fred to learn more about his extensive career and what led him to CSUMB.

ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Understanding Salmonid eDNA Fate at Reach Level

Shawn Melendy defended his thesis research “Understanding Salmonid eDNA Fate at Reach Level” in front of his committee on Thursday, December 8, 2022. We reached out to Shawn to learn more about his thesis research and overall experience as an Environmental Science graduate student.

ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Estimating Natural Background Water Quality in California Rivers

Emma Debasitis recently defended her thesis research “Estimating Natural Background Water Quality in California Rivers” in front of her committee on Monday, December 5, 2022.

We reached out to Emma following her successful defense to learn more about her thesis research and overall experience as an Environmental Science graduate student.

ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Comparative Metagenomics Study on Bioreactor System in Salinas/Salinas River Valley and the Tijuana River Valley

Connie Machuca recently defended her thesis research “A Comparative Metagenomics Study on Bioreactor System in Salinas, CA, The Salinas River Valley, and The Tijuana River Valley” in front of her committee on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

We reached out to Connie following her successful defense to learn more about her thesis research and overall experience as an Environmental Science graduate student.

ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on DNA Barcoding for Diet and Intestinal Microbiota of Juvenile Rainbow Trout/Steelhead on the California Coast

Bryan Van Orman recently defended his thesis research “DNA Barcoding for Diet and Intestinal Microbiota of Juvenile Rainbow Trout/Steelhead on the California Coast” in front of his committee on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

ENSCI Student Presents Research at Western Society of Naturalists Meeting

Mason Donny, a current Environmental Science master’s student, recently presented their research at the Western Society of Naturalists Conference on November 11. Mason's presentation was entitled "Use of Automatic Classification Image to Determine Historical trends of Mussel Bed Percent Cover on Bird Rock, SCI, CA."

ENSCI Student Conducts Research for Burleson Consulting

Jessica Sutton, a current Environmental Science master’s student, recently completed an internship with Burleson Consulting as part of her Professional Science Master’s (PSM) project. Jess was tasked with developing a 400-hour internship that helped employ the skills she gained in the classroom. We recently touched base with Jess to learn more about her internship.

Dr. Jimmy Guilinger joins Department of Applied Environmental Science as new Assistant Professor

Dr. Jimmy Guilinger joined the CSUMB Community this year. We recently touched base with Jimmy to learn more about his research and what he looks forward to doing during his time here at CSUMB.

AES Alumni Participates in 2022 William R. Gianelli Water Leaders Class

Kaitlyn Chow, an alumnus of both the Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy program (ESTP) and the Applied Marine Science and Watershed Science Masters program (AMWS, now known as ENSCI), participated in the 2022 Water Leaders team. The 2022 cohort includes engineers, lawyers, resource specialists, and scientists from throughout the state.

CSUMB awarded $1.54 million grant to help diversify the field of genomics

CSUMB was recently awarded $1.54 million in funding to partner, develop and implement a mentorship program with UC Santa Cruz. Dr. Nathaniel Jue is one of the principal investigators of the project.

JP Dundore-Arias named Bob and Sue Johnson Professor

Jose Pablo Dundore-Arias, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry, has been named CSUMB’s next Bob and Sue Johnson Professor.

ENSCI Students Attend Summer Conferences

Over the summer, Environmental Science M.S. (ENSCI) thesis students from the Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology Lab engaged in sharing their research at national and international conferences.

Congratulations Spring & Summer 2022 ENSCI Graduates!

Congratulations to our Spring & Summer 2022 Environmental Science M.S. graduates! We look forward to seeing where your new skills take you.

ENSCI Student Serves as Research Assistant with the Central Coast Wetlands Group

Aubrie Heckel recently completed her Professional Science Master's internship with the Central Coast Wetlands Group (CCWG). While serving as a Research Assistant, Aubrie had the opportunity to expand on the skills she has gained in the classroom as an Environmental Science graduate student.

ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Genomics of Pesticide-Remediating Bacteria

Rahil Ryder recently defended her thesis research titled '"Genomics of Pesticide-Remediating Bacteria" in front of her thesis committee and a general audience on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

ENSCI Student Serves as Lead Researcher alongside Dr. Alison Haupt

Brooke Fulkerson recently completed her Professional Science Master's (PSM) internship in the Coastal Ecology Lab alongside Dr. Alison Haupt. As an intern, she served as a lead researcher on a coastal urbanization and kelp biomass research project.

ENSCI Student Tackles Climate Action Planning as a PSM Intern

Kierra Rambonga recently completed her Professional Science Master's (PSM) internship with LandWatch Monterey County. While serving as a Climate Action Intern, Kierra assisted the County in conducting essential research towards the development of their Climate Action Plan.

ENSCI Students Place at CSUMB Grad Slam

CSUMB recently hosted is first annual Grad Slam - a campus-wide competition for the best short oral research presentation by a graduate student. The Environmental Science master's program (ENSCI) was well represented by several graduate students during this competition. Most notably, two ENSCI graduate students were chosen as winning recipients at the end of the competition.

Provost’s Award Recognizes Breadth and Depth of Student Achievement

When Matthew McGee entered CSUMB as an M.S. student, all he knew was that he wanted to study wildlife. Completing his undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, he admits he had “two degrees, and a poor GPA,” and didn’t find his footing within academica and the sciences until he came to CSUMB.

ENSCI Student Participates in Professional Project With Santa Clara County

Adrian Gonzalez, a current Environmental Science master's student, recently completed an internship with Santa Clara County Department of Agriculture as part of his Professional Science Master's (PSM) project. As a PSM student, Adrian was tasked with developing a rigorous 400 hour internship alongside his internship supervisor that helped employ the skills he has gained in the classroom.

ENSCI Graduate Student Conducts Thesis Research on Soil Microbes

Connie Machuca, 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. Nathaniel Jue's lab, Connie is focusing her research on soil microbes found in a bioreactor system in Salinas, CA.

Associate Professor Engages Students in Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology Research

Dr. Jennifer Duggan, Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Environmental Science, has been actively engaging students in research through her Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology lab. In addition to lab experiences, Jenny also dedicates her Sunday afternoons towards informally advising students on Step & Prep walks throughout Fort Ord.

ENSCI Graduate Student Collaborates with California State Parks

Michelle Tarian, a graduate student in the Environmental Science master's program, is currently immersed in a professional internship with California State Parks. As a Professional Science Master's (PSM) student, Michelle is tasked with securing and completing a rigorous 400-hour graduate internship as part of her degree requirement.

Graduate Student Uses Camera Traps to Collect Data on Carnivore Species in the Salinas Valley

As a thesis student, Matt uses camera traps to collect data on select carnivore species (coyotes, bobcats, gray foxes, and domestic cats) along an urbanization gradient in the Salinas Valley.

Graduate Student Selected as American Phytopathological Society Representative on Master Plant Science Team

Karla Jasso, a current Environmental Science graduate student, was recently selected to be part of this year's Master Plant Science Team representing the American Phytopathological Society.

Assistant Professor Leads Summer Research Projects Across Western United States

This past summer, eight undergraduates and one graduate student dispersed across the Western United States to conduct research alongside Dr. John Olson as part of the Watershed Environments & Ecology Lab (WEE).

ENSCI Graduate Received CSUMB President's Graduate Award for Exemplary Regional Stewardship

Mikaela Bogdan, a recent graduate of the Environmental Science master's program, was awarded the President's Graduate Award for Exemplary Regional Stewardship in Spring 2021.

Graduate Student Conducts Bat Research for Thesis Dissertation

Bethany Schulze, a graduate student in the Department of Applied Environmental Science, is currently conducting bat research as part of her thesis dissertation. We recently touched base with Bethany to learn more about her unique research experience. Check out her interview below for more insight into the world of bat research.

ENSCI Faculty Elected to AGU Board of Directors

Dr. Corey Garza, Professor in the Department of Marine Science, was recently elected to the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Board of Directors. AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values.

ENSCI Graduate Student Develops 3D Models of Maritime Heritage Sites

Ryan Solymar, a current graduate student in the Environmental Science (ENSCI) master's program, has been interning with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) and CSUMB's Ecosystems Electronics Lab (EEL) as part of his Professional Science Master's (PSM) project. As a 3D photogrammetry intern, he has spent the past year developing three-dimensional models of maritime heritage sites throughout MBNMS.

ENSCI Graduate Students Assist with Wildfire Response

Environmental Science graduate students, Eric Walmsley and Ryan Brown, have been allocating their time towards completing their Professional Science Master's (PSM) internships with local agencies. In doing so, both had the unique opportunity to assist with wildfire response in our region during California's record-breaking wildfire season.

A Society of Scientists: Corey Garza (ENSCI faculty) inducted into California Academy of Sciences.

Corey Garza, Ph.D., professor of marine science in CSUMB’s College of Science, was recently inducted as a 2020 fellow in the California Academy of Sciences. He joins a cohort of 13 other scientists from California and beyond as new members.

Environmental Science MS News

ENSCI Faculty Elected to AGU Board of Directors

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