Environmental Science MS
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.
We recently reached out to Sarah to learn more about her research and overall experience as a CSUMB graduate student. Check out her interview below!
What organization are you working with on your PSM internship?
Bureau of Land Management
What is your title in this internship role?
Goat Grazing Vegetation Monitoring Intern
In 3 - 4 sentences, describe the work you are doing at your internship site.
I monitor grassland biomass and biodiversity to evaluate the success of targeted goat grazing for four projects within the wildland-urban interface on Fort Ord National Monument (FONM). Biomass and biodiversity surveys occur before and after goat grazing efforts using a combination of established and novel field methods. I maintain fence exclosures using appropriate equipment and tools, and continuously improve my grassland species identification skills. In addition to field data collection, there are opportunities for data entry, analysis, and mapping using Excel, R, and GIS.
In a few sentences, how is your project contributing to your professional goals?
My ultimate career goal is to work for a restoration organization that manages several multifaceted projects in different ecosystems. A graduate position for the goat grazing vegetation monitoring project has augmented my intellectual skills regarding data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication. This position also improved my professional development and decision-making abilities as I work for both a federal agency and school based education program. Integrating scientific skills with management and collaboration experience will strengthen my qualifications as a future restoration ecologist.
What is your favorite part about being a graduate student at CSUMB?
I have met so many wonderful, encouraging, and motivating people that will be long-term friends after finishing the program.
What are your plans after graduate school?
Experience working in the private consulting field as well as county resource conservation districts.
Congratulations on your internship, Sarah! We look forward to seeing where your professional endeavors will take you.