Environmental Science MS
AES Staff Supports Graduate Programs and Science Internships
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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. Kierra works as the Graduate Student Services Coordinator for both the Environmental Science and Marine Science, MS programs and as the program coordinator for the Science Internship Program. She supports students in various ways, including providing guidance to student life and academic progress, developing science internship partnerships, and overall support. She also works with faculty on all matters related to the graduate programs.
We recently reached out to Kierra to learn more about her role and career path. Check out her interview below!
What do you do within the AES Department?
I’m the Student Services Professional (SSP) II- I work as the Graduate Student Services Coordinator for the ENSCI and MSCI MS programs and as the program coordinator for the Science Internship Program.
What led you to CSUMB?
I love the small campus size, the hands-on approach to learning, and that it was (relatively) close to home, but far enough away.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Working with students- both current and prospective! I get to meet a lot of interesting people from all over the country and even the world! I also love the problem-solving aspect of my job.
What is your educational/professional background?
I’m a CSUMB alumna- twice over! I graduated in 2019 with my BS in marine science and again in 2022 with my MS in environmental science. For my MS, I did the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) track with Dr. Suzy Worcester and completed my internship with Landwatch Monterey County. My research focused on climate change, climate action, and environmental policy. As such, my PSM had me analyzing and researching climate action plans across the state of California with the intent of finding relevant, successful activities that the County of Monterey could incorporate into its Municipal Climate Action Plan.
About two months after graduating with my MS, I was hired temporarily by AES to the SSP II role…soon, that became permanent, and well, here I am!
Prior to my SSP II role, I worked for the Cooperative Learning Center (CLC) as a writing and technology tutor. I also worked as a substitute teacher for both Fresno Unified School District and Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. I worked with students of all ages/grades, but my favorite was working with 4-6th graders in SDC classrooms.
What hobbies do you like to participate in during your free time?
I love to read, listen to podcasts/music, shop, hang out in nature, try new recipes, watch movies/anime/any true crime shows/nature documentaries, and spend time with my friends/family!
What is your favorite part of CSUMB?
I love the beautiful campus and people!
Anything you’d like to share?
You’re not alone! Don’t be afraid to ask for help and to advocate for yourself.
Thank you for all that you do for our department! We truly appreciate it!