Breadcrumb
Alumni Updates
Sara Dykman
Wildlife, 2008
Dykman's first book 'Bicycling with Butterflies' has been published. She describes it as part science, part adventure, part love letter to nature. It tells the story of her 10,201 mile bicycle adventure following the monarchs from Mexico to Canada and back in 2017. Those interested can learn more about her book at https://www.workman.com/products/bicycling-with-butterflies. They can also learn more about her organization and tour at www.beyondabook.org. If anyone is interested in reading and reviewing, some Advanced Reader Copies will be available soon.
Benjamin J. Crain
Biological Sciences, 2008
Benjamin Crain, Biological Sciences, 2008, recently took a position as an Ecologist with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the North American Center for Orchid Conservation. With a diverse group of collaborators, he conducts research in the Republic of Palau where they study the diversity and distribution of orchids, monitors their dynamics in the Ngardok Nature Reserve, and studies the fundamental ecology of orchids by looking at their relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. The team's goals are to improve knowledge and increase awareness of orchid diversity in Palau, understand the ecology of these plants, and develop strategic plans for conservation and restoration of orchid species and their habitats.
Aydee Zielke
Environmental Science & Management, 2008
Aydee recently obtained her dream job, joining the San Dieguito River Park JPA, taking on the role as the the Park Environmental Planner. Her work includes habitat conservation, preservation, planning, permitting, and mitigation for trails and parkland. She is also using her cartography skills to create map exbibits, maintain, and update GIS data. She had worked for various private consulting firms and earned a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Hawaii (2015). She met her husband while studying at Humboldt and they have more recently taken on the role of parents, raising their two outgoing toddlers in Coastal North County San Diego.
Joni McAtee, MD
ChemistryBioChemistry, 2008
After HSU, Joni McAtee attended UC Davis school of medicine. McAtee did her residency in Family Medicine in Duluth, MN. McAtee returned to Humboldt County to work in a broad spectrum family medicine with obstetrics. McAtee opened a business in Fortuna, Ikigai Physician Group with a clinic. Working as hospitalist in Fortuna and Eureka. Working in Hospice with Hospice of Humboldt.
Dr. Jessica K. Rendon
Environmental Science & Management, 2008
Dr. Jessica Rendon Environmental Science, 2008, recently received her PhD. in Entomology from the University of Idaho. She currently works for the Oregon Department of Agriculture, working to protect Oregon’s agriculture and natural resources from invasive species. She was recently promoted to Japanese Beetle Eradication Specialist. She says: "Experiencing HSU education, student life, and its inspirations greatly shaped my desire for further education, and future career, which I so enjoy. It also made me fall in love with the Pacific Northwest." Starting volunteering experiences at HSU, she continues to volunteer on habitat and riparian restoration.
Adam Gabriel Peretz
Environmental Science & Management, 2008
Adam Gabriel Peretz, 2008, Environmental Science & Management, now goes by Fagbemijo Amosun Fakayode, following his initiation to the Ifa religion in Nigeria. Fagbemijo was married in June to Oyaseye Fakayode. Oyaseye gave birth to their first-born son, Famarada Ojo Fakayode, on October 3rd, 2012. In, Oyeku Ofun Temple, the home of worship Fagbemijo and Oyaseye founded together, moved to Arcata, CA. In April, Fagbemijo returned to Nigeria for the fourth time to be installed as a traditional chief of Ifa with the title Otun Amufawuni of Ibadan Land, meaning "the one who holds the love of Ifa". Ifa is the traditional religion of the Yoruba people.
ADAM GABRIEL PERETZ
Environmental Science & ManagementMarine 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.
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.
Jason Storlie
Wildlife, 2007
In January of 2021, Jason began a new position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as Deputy Project Leader of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Previous positions with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service include Wildlife Biologist with the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Manager of Bitter Creek and Blue Ridge National Wildlife Refuges.
Ruben Isaí Madriz Villanueva, Ph.D.
Biological Sciences, 2007
After graduating from Humboldt State in 2007 (B.S. in Biology & Zoology), R. Isaí Madriz, Biological Sciences, 2007, embarked on a two-year-long bicycle trip through the Americas during which he rode from Chicago to the southern tip of South America, volunteering along the way at wildlife rehabilitation centers and parks. He then attended UNAM in Mexico City and received a master's degree in Electronmicroscopy. In 2011 he married HSU alum, Kristina Lindsay (2006, Women's Studies) and they moved from California to Iowa where he earned a Ph.D. in Entomology from Iowa State. He and Kristina are currently living in Patagonia, Chile where he is a Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellow focused on rare insects.