Alumni Updates

Alexandra McGee

AnthropologyInternational Studies, Ethnic Studies, Spanish, 2011

I've transformed from a Humboldt Lumberjack to a Berkeley Bear. I have just started my first semester of graduate school as a Latin American Studies masters student. My last semester at HSU, I took an engineering course with Lonny Grafman which got me really excited about small-scale energy projects, particularly how they relate to community participation, rural development, energy independence and environmental sustainability.

At the same time, I've put my anthropology skills to use, moving into a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery to live with a high lama.

I'd love to hear from you. If you want to know more about my adventures, check out my blog:
throughaliseyes-chapterthree.blogspot.com

E Safiya Bal

AnthropologyGeography minor., 2011

I've been working as a substitute teacher for the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District since December 2011. As of April 2012 I was hired on as field technician for Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc. -based in Davis, CA. The project is in Vacaville, CA.

Jennifer Humphreys

Anthropology, 2011

I am currently earning my M.S. in Primate Behavior at Central Washington University, specializing in molecular primatology. Soon I will be heading to the forests Suriname to study gene flow through conservation corridors.

Wesley Korpela

Anthropology, 2011

pursing careering in maritime archaeology

James Caton

History, 2011

The flexibility of HSU’s B.A. in History afforded James the opportunity to chart a path for the future by exploring topics that interested him. Upon completing his degree, he began studying economic theory. He completed an M.A. in Economics from San Jose State University in 2013 where he studied monetary theory and history. He completed my Ph.D. in Economics from George Mason University in 2017 where he focused on non-equilibrium, agent-based models of systems of exchange. As of Fall 2017, he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Dakota State University where he teaches macroeconomics, entrepreneurship, economic computation, and economic development.

Zachary Haitkin

International Studies& Spanish Language, 2010

Zachary Haitkin, International Studies, 2010, is currently residing in the city of San Francisco working at the headquarters for the rideshare company, Lyft. He began his career here over 4.5 years ago by making the transition from a Lyft driver to customer support associate. Since then, he has worked on the Operations team and led the effort to build a Competitive Intelligence network in an effort to improve Lyft's visibility into what competitors are doing at a market level. Most recently, he has moved over to Lyft's Growth team as a Project Manager to help lead the charge in the localization of the Lyft platform into Spanish and other languages.

Benjamin

Art, 2010

I am currently a graduate student at Syracuse University working towards my MFA in Art Photography.

Brandon Chapin

Politics, 2010

Brandon joined the California Conservation Corps (CCC) in May 2025 as Deputy Director for Legislative and External Affairs. In this role Brandon is focused on strengthening the CCC’s legislative presence and sharing the inspiring stories of the corps members, deepening connections with external and local partners, and also serves as the CCC’s Tribal Liaison.

Rory Shane Kalin

History, 2010

Rory Shane Kalin, 2010 History, is happy to announce he and his wife will be returning to Humboldt County where they met. Kalin is starting a position with the Office of the Humboldt County Counsel as a deputy county counsel in April.

Kacie Erin Flynn

ArtDouble Emphasis - Art Ed/Studio Art, 2010

During my undergraduate years with HSU I held an internship at Morris Graves Museum of Art. I was soon brought on staff to teach art lessons as part of the Second Saturady Family Arts Day. I graduated Summa Cum Laude and since then have become the Museum Manager at Morris Graves in charge of special programs and events. I was also invited to show in the Young Alumni Exhibition "Fresh Meat" at First Street Gallery last August. In addition to my job with MGMA I now work on campus in the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs as a Grant Coordinator. In my free time I volunteer as a Club Adivsor to Delta Phi Epsilon as well as serve on Staff Council. I paint/sketch in my studio in Arcata and have works scheduled to exhibit in 2012. I <3 the HSU ART DEPARTMENT!!! Thank you for the wonderful education and the amazing professors!