Breadcrumb
Alumni Updates
Stephen Lenzo
Forestry & Wildland Resources, 1980
Steve started his career with the U.S. Forest Service while still a student at Humboldt and retired in 2018 after 40 years. Along the way he worked in five regions, served two years in the Peace Corps, and taught high school in NYC while completing a master's degree in bilingual science secondary education. Steve worked in both National Forests and at Job Corps centers finishing his career in the National Office of Job Corps. Since retirement, Steve has worked as a consultant helping to start Youth Conservation Corps programs in Honduras, Colombia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Morocco, Guinea, Egypt, and Congo.
Daniel DeArmond
Forestry & Wildland Resources, 2004
After graduating, Daniel worked in the California timber industry as a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) preparing timber harvest plans (THPs). In 2015, he moved to Manaus, Brazil, and studied Brazilian Portuguese to prepare for the entrance exam at the National Institute for Research in the Amazon (INPA). Once successfully passing the exam, he entered the postgraduate program for tropical forest science (CFT) and completed all requirements to receive an MSc (2018) and Ph.D. (2023). His Ph.D. thesis is titled "Impacts and Recovery after soil compaction from logging machinery in Central Amazonia."
Aaron Jensen Murphy
Environmental Science & Management, 2017
After graduating, Aaron worked on campus for Facilities Management as a groundsworker. In 2021, he moved from Arcata to Salt Lake City, Utah, to work as a Senior Natural Resource Technician for the Salt Lake City Public Lands Department. For the last two years, Aaron has worked for Salt Lake County Flood Control as a Permit Review Specialist. In his current position, he regulates all aspects of floodplain development within the county, including the installation of structures, channel realignments, and watershed restoration. He has remained passionate about environmental stewardship, professional development, and fostering successful partnerships with state and federal agencies.
David Hunt
Mechanical Engineering, 1981
David was a member of the HSU Kinetic Sculpture Race Team 'Boldt Cutters' in 1980 and 1981. He taught HS Career Technical Education for 27 years and holds an M.A. in Vocational Education from CSU San Bernardino. After retiring in 2018, he runs a bicycle shop in Idyllwild, California, that he founded in 9th grade and volunteers as a Fire Lookout for the USFS. He enjoys hiking and riding human-powered bicycles.
Robert T. Lackey
Fisheries Biology, 1967
Robert Lackey, after graduation, married fellow Humboldt student, Lana Apparius, then both moved to the University of Maine for Bob’s Master of Science (Zoology/Fisheries), then relocated in 1968 to Colorado State University, where they both graduated (Ph.D., Fisheries and B.S., Speech Therapy). Bob’s jobs at Virginia Tech, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Oregon State University followed. They have lived in Corvallis, Oregon, for the past 43 years. As a student at Humboldt, Bob lived on campus in the “Game Pens.”
Frances Boring
Botany, 2004
Frances is now 90 years old and retired. Frances loved college at HSU and sometimes wonders what has happened to classmates in Dr Walker's botany class and a lab mate in another class called Katz.
Albert Ochoa-Castillo
Chemistry, 2022
Albert is currently in the second year of his PhD studies at Colorado State University, focusing on the fundamentals of plant cryopreservation. He recently received the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, one of the country’s top STEM fellowship programs. Albert crafted a method to visualize sucrose in plant cells and proposed a technique for simultaneous imaging of two molecules in plant tissue. His research explores cryoprotectant-cell interactions using advanced microscopy methods. After graduating, Albert aims to teach chemistry at a primarily undergraduate institution, prioritizing research inclusion for first-generation and Hispanic students to enhance diversity in scientific fields.
Michelle Emily Nielsen
Biological Sciences, 2019
Michelle is currently residing in Texas and is attending the Blinn Veterinary Technology Program. She will be graduating in May 2026 with an Associate of Veterinary Technology and will then take a test to receive her Registered Veterinary Technology License.
Rick Tholen
Forestry & Wildland Resources, 1976
After graduating, Rick continued to work seasonally for the Shasta Trinity NF until he was hired on permanently with the FS in Potlatch, ID. From there he went to work for the BLM in Medford, OR. Transferred to a BLM office in Missoula, MT, and then to Boise, ID, where he worked for the Washington Office and then at the National Interagency Fire Center. In Boise, he earned a Master's from Idaho. He retired with 34 years of federal service in 2010. He still lives in Eagle, Idaho (31 years now) and stays active by hiking, backpacking, biking, and golfing.
Dan Troxel
Fisheries Biology, 2007 (B.S.), 2010 (M.S.)
Dan Troxel is an Environmental Scientist for the California Department of Fish & Wildlife based in Arcata, CA, working in the Klamath and Trinity Rivers Program. In the face of Klamath basin dam removal efforts, adaptability is key, but generally speaking, he is responsible for recreational fishery surveys and quota management. He is the lead coordinator for mid-Klamath spawning grounds surveys and is the Salmon Report Card lead, amongst other things. Dan appreciates hiring Cal Poly Humboldt students to give them early career opportunities in fisheries and fieldwork.