Alumni Updates

Dennis A. Hansell

Biological Sciences, 1978

Oceanography professor at the University of Miami, FL. Research focuses on the ocean carbon cycle, with particular interest in the role of organic matter. Presently serve as Chairman of the United States Carbon Cycle Scientific Steering Group. Research cruise in Feb/March 2013 in the Ross Sea of the Southern Ocean (53 days at sea) followed by June cruise in Gulf of Alaska.

Eric Burke

Forestry & Wildland ResourcesMinor in Environmental Ethics, 2005

RPF # 2873, I have recently accepted a promotion as Vegetation Management Officer for the Tahoe National Forest, Yuba River Ranger District. Married to Martha Burke (RPF # 2918). Expecting first child Sierra Elizabeth Burke 3/27/2013.

Penelope Black Liotta

Wildlife, 1984

Master's of Education Conferred December 2012 along with teaching license from Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee. Beginning a new career as a secondary school biology teacher.

John Paul Hunt

Geology, 1985

I just recently celebrated my 25th year at SMC, a Geotechnical Consulting firm in Orange County that I have been a partner in for the last 10 years. My wife Patty, who also graduated from HSU in 1985 with a buisness degree, and I, just celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. I have also been very active in cross-country mountain bike racing and just recently won my first race. If only HSU had mtb racing back in the day.

Kellie Tharp

Wildlife, 2002

The Humboldt State University Wildlife program provided an excellent foundation for pursuing a career in wildlife conservation. After graduation I worked as a biologist for the BLM, USFS and USGS in Alaska and Oregon. I received my Master of Science degree from the Johns Hopkins University in Environmental Science and Policy in 2007 and subsequently accepted a position with the Arizona Game and Fish Department as the Environmental Education Program Manager. After 2 years I promoted into the position of Education Branch Chief with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. In 2011 I received the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Mark J. Reef memorial award which recognizes distinguished young wildlife management professionals for their outstanding service in the conservation of fish and wildlife resources and for overcoming challenges through creative, determined initiatives of the nominee’s own device, producing benefits beyond the immediate area of mandate of the nominating agency.

Bret Comnes

Physics & Astronomy, 2011

Attending Humboldt State University and choosing to major in Physics has been one of the most important and beneficial decisions I have ever made. The faculty are fantastic educators, the curriculum is challenging and rewarding, it has intimate upper division class sizes, and there is ample opportunity to gain research experience if you want it.

I am currently getting started in the Doctoral Physics program at Portland State University.

Christopher J. Watt

Geology, 1997

I have been working for a local engineering firm (LACO ASSOCIATES) for the past 15 years and was recently elected President and CEO.

Ed Busch

Fisheries Biology, 1980

I wanted to share the news that my project with civil war letters and photos went live today. See http://news.msu.edu/story/civil-war-stories-forever-preserved/

http://www.abc12.com/story/19644173/msu-to-place-civil-war-letters-and-diaries-on-website

Áki Jarl Láruson

Biological SciencesGeneral emphasis, minor in Chemistry., 2010

I am starting my second year as a doctorate student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Månoa. I am focusing on molecular ecology, population genetics and quantitative genetics in the shallow water urchin genus Tripneustes. Thanks to Professor Sean Craig of Humboldt State, I had my first publication as a lead author before finishing my first year of Grad school.

Carin Kaltschmidt

Computer Science, 1990

Ernst & Young LLP recently announced promotions of professionals based in its San Francisco office, including Humboldt alumnus Carin Kaltschmidt. Kaltschmidt was promoted to principal from senior manager. She is a member of Ernst & Young LLP’s Advisory practice and serves in its program management performance improvement practice, focusing on complex program management for enterprise transformation programs. Kaltschmidt has spent the majority of her 20-year career providing program and change management services to companies in the healthcare, technology and financial services industries. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Science from Humboldt State University and is a certified Project Management Professional.