Alumni Updates

Andy Powell

Philosophy, 2005

Since the last update given, I have been working at Lost Coast Communications as a DJ for KWPT "The Point" as the host of The Night Show. Outside of playing music on the show 6 nights a week, I also talk about current events (news, politics, foreign policy, and yes even some philosophy) and attempt to present a fair look at subjects or topics of debate in today's times.

As was stated in my last update, I am still playing music with my band Strix Vega as the bass player, keyboard player, and one of the composers. We're expecting to release our third album in early 2013.

Holly Edmundson

Physics & Astronomy, 2009

After graduating from HSU I went to grad school at University of Oregon where I got my Masters in Materials Science with an emphasis in Optics.

I got a job in the semiconductor industry. Humboldt's physics program gave me a major advantage when it came to E&M, electronics and lab experience all of which I used regularly in grad school and still use in my 'real job'.

Alef DuRant-Wise

Biological Sciences, 2013

Alef DuRant-Wise has recently been hired as the Laboratory Manager at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology. She is working on atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn's disease in the Ley Lab. She is taking her last two classes for her two bachelor degrees in marine biology and zoology as an intrasystem exchange student at San Diego State University. Special thanks to Professor Sean Craig for being a great mentor!

Nicholas N Entsminger

History, 2009

I am a Humboldt Alumni currently attending the Primary Care Associate Program (Physician Assistant) at Stanford University. Also, I will be applying to the Master's of Medical Science program at Saint Francis University this December. My history training at Humboldt State has been invaluable to my success. My knowledge in history has allowed me to better understand the historical backgrounds that brought about socioeconomic and cultural boundaries that plaque healthcare today. This understanding has helped me understand the need for primary healthcare in underserved areas, often representing those affected by these boundaries. Additionally, the history deparment at Humboldt State has trained me to effectively organize and communicate (both written and one-on-one) to both patients and other members of the healthcare team and to critically evaluate pharmaceutical updates, which may contain a high level of bias. I would like to especially thank Drs. Marschke, Mays, and Pasztor.

Sara M Skinner

, Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation, 1998

I recently started my own Heritage Photography business; capturing our natural and cutural words. Please check it out at www.saramskinnerphotography.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SaraMSkinnerPhotography
Thank you for your support!

Kenneth James Townsend

Business Administration, Accounting, 1967

Now retired after 30+ years of Federal service with the US Govermental Accountability Office, US Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy and US Army Vietnam veteran. Have enjoyed world wide travels with my wife of 47 years Emilie (Britvec) Townsend (66). Will always treasure our years at HSU where we met and married.

Jerry Wayne Copeland

, Botany, 1968

Currently working on a Flora of the Tetragonostachys, a major subgenus of the plant genus Selaginella. This will be a long term project beginning with species found in North America. Additional information is available at
http://cnps.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1653
and at
http://www.sanparks.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=63627
The flora is being constructed as a series of Excel interactive workbooks and are free via email to those who are interested.

Kathleen L. Dunn

Nursing, 1974

Kathleen L. Dunn, MS,RN,CRRN,CNS-BC, HSU 1974 (Nursing), was selected to receive the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary's Award for Nursing Excellent (RN-Expanded Role) for 2012. She received her award from VA Secretary Eric Shinseki in Washington DC on June 1, 2012. This award is given annually and only once in the recipients life-time.

Michael Hibma

History, M.A. History, CSU Sacramento (2007); Certificate in Land Use & Environmental Planning - University of California, Davis, Extension (2012), 2003

After graduating from the HSU, I enrolled in the History M.A. program at Sacramento State. Soon after enrolling I began a 2.5-year internship in the Community and Cultural Studies Office at the California Department of Transportations Headquarters in downtown Sacramento. While there I worked with architectural historians in research, writing, and general assistance in completing cultural resource reports for transportation projects all over the state. I also provided technical editing assistance for documenting agricultural properties in California. In 2007 I submitted my thesis titled: "Historic District Nomination of the Newton Booth Neighborhood, City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, California" and graduated with an M.A. in History.

Just prior to graduation I took a position with LSA Associates, Inc., a private environmental consulting firm as an architectural historian/cultural resources manager. I am very lucky to be doing what I am for a career. My undergraduate experience in the HSU History program definitely set me on a course of success and personal achievement. I will always be grateful for my time at HSU and the helpful, yet challenging professors I met, the stimulating learning environment, and the fun I shared with many of my peers.

Joel Correia

Geography, 2004

Since graduating from the HSU Geography program I have worked in a variety of international development jobs from a non-profit in Kenya, to serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, and also designing my own projects to increase educational opportunities for rural youth in Paraguay. The last project took me on a six month, 5,000 mile bicycle tour through South America to raise funds and awareness about the project. In May of 2012, I graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona. I am excited to continue my education in geography at University of Colorado at Boulder where I will pursue a PhD.