Alumni Updates

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 Sciences, General 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.

Mary K. Wicksten

Biological Sciences, 1970

Mary K. Wicksten, 1970, Biological Sciences, published her monograph "Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces" in the journal Zootaxa this year. Over 20 years in the making, the 307-page work covers all the crabs, shrimps and lobsters, including both marine and freshwater species, to be found from Washington to mid-Baja California. It is the first major work to cover these crustaceans in California since 1921. Keys and illustrations are included for all species.

ADAM GABRIEL PERETZ

Environmental Science & Management, Marine Ecology, 2008

I went to Ibadan, Nigeria in January 2011 where I was initiated to Ifa, traditional West African Religion. Through Ifa initiation, I have shed my old self and have even been given a new name, Fagbemijo Amosun Fakayode. I since have returned twice to research and study Ifa as well as to bring other people to do their own initiations and other rituals.
My wife, Oyaseye Fakayode, a priestess of Oya, and I have formed Oyeku Ofun Temple, a traditional Ifa and Orisha temple based in Northern California. The temple serves many devotees.
I have written two books on Ifa religion thus far, "All Days Are Sacred" (2011) and "Ori Mi Gbe Mi: Ori, Support Me" (2012), both published by Oyeku Ofun Temple.

Rick Hoffmann

Forestry & Wildland Resources, 1968

After two careers - Entomology Research (UC Berkeley) and Science teacher, I have retired from full time employment. I now work as a Science Education consultant, substitute teach, and tutor students in science.