Alumni Updates

Eric Burke

Forestry & Wildland Resources, Minor in Environmental Ethics, 2005

Currently a Registered Professional Forester and working for the Plumas National Forest, Feather River Ranger District as a Timber Sale Administrator.

Rani Ram

Wildlife, Minor in Anthropology, 2011 (Spring)

Since graduating with my B.S. in May, I have been busy applying to Anthropology graduate programs to specialize in Primatology. An important aspect of this process is applying to scholarships, such as the NSF GRFP, which I highly recommend getting started on early. I have been accepted to my top choice school, Kent State, OH, to study the feeding ecology of saki monkeys in Surinam with Dr. Marilyn Norconk. I didn't follow a traditional path in gaining my degree, and it may have taken me a little longer, but what matters in the end is that if you persist with your education, you will achieve your desired goals. Good luck.

Jessica A. Whatcott

Environment & Community (Social Sciences), BA in Political Science, minor in Women's Studies, 2012

After recieving my MA from the Environment and Community program, I was hired as a temporary lecturer for the new department of Critical Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies. I am excited to be involved in this new program and engaging students in intersectional critical analysis.

Ethan Derner

, Media Production & Environmental Ethics, 1993

Ethan has been an adjunct faculty member for the Art Institute of Portland since 2009, teaching classes in editing and multi-camera production for digital film and video. His freelance career mosaic includes producing & directing for clients such as Nike and The Presidio Trust, as well as a feature documentary he is editing for the international markets.

Jennifer Humphreys

Anthropology, 2011

I am currently earning my M.S. in Primate Behavior at Central Washington University, specializing in molecular primatology. Soon I will be heading to the forests Suriname to study gene flow through conservation corridors.

Fernando Elizondo

Elementary Education (Liberal Studies), 1967

Dr Elizondo HSU'67 retired California superintendent of schools recently completed a year long term as foreperson of the 2011 Monterey Civil Grand Jury.

Verena Kellner

Geography, 2001

With work being slow my fiance Mike and I are taking time off to sail our 38' sailboat from Mexico to Australia via the South Pacific Islands. You can follow our journey on our blog at www.pacificsailors.com

Kenneth Shonk, Jr.

History, 1996

I earned my doctorate in Irish History from Marquette University in May of 2010, and upon graduation, accepted a position as Assistant Professor of History and Social Studies Education at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. In addition to courses on global and Irish history, I supervise student teachers and offer courses in the methodologies of social studies education. In 2009 I served as a Research Fellow with the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Learning.

Gary Perless

Geography, 1984

Two and a half decades after my first immersion in Latin America, I've maintained my Spanish fluency through travel, friendships, and teaching. I earned my M.A. in Geography Education at U of Oregon in 1993. I teach Spanish and World Geogaphy/History at West Sound Academy, a small, private, International School (grades 6-12) in Poulsbo, WA.

I live just outside Port Townsend with my wife, Jocelyn and our children William (9) and Serena (4). I'd love to hear from any fellow Geography or Oaxaca Program graduates.

Melanie Bettenhausen

Sociology, 2005

Promoted to Outreach Director at the North Coast Co-op. Now responsible for Marketing & Membership. I use my background in Sociology (specifically what I learned at HSU) to inform my work in the community around access issues (food, bathroom, exercise, etc.)