Alumni Updates

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.

Jane Bardolf

Wildlife, 2001

After 35 years of public service including U.S. Peace Corps, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Finally 20 years with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jane retired in April after working 6 years at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Amanda Shufelberger

Wildlife, 2000

After working for several government agencies, I have been working as a Wildlife Biologist in Grass Valley for Sierra Pacific Industries for 5+ years.

Jeremy Bisson

Wildlife, 1999

Jeremy Bisson, 1999 Wildlife, spent six years working as a biologist in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office Observer Program after graduating HSU. In 2006, Bisson moved to south central Idaho, where he has been working as a wildlife biologist in the Burley BLM Field Office for the last nine years. His focus in Idaho has been sage-grouse habitat restoration where he’s had success in developing a landscape scale habitat restoration plan and collaboration.

Peter Schmidt

Wildlife, 1997

Peter Schmidt, 1997 Wildlife, recently accepted the Refuge Manager position at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Ruby Valley, Nevada after spending 14 years at Tualatin River NWR in western Oregon. Schmidt is moving from an urban refuge with 2,200 acres to the most remote refuge in the lower 48 states with almost 40,000 acres to manage. The nearest services are 60 miles when the pass is open.

Gage Dayton

Wildlife, 1996

Gage Dayton, 1996 Wildlife, was recently appointed to the Wilton W. Webster Jr. Presidential Chair for the UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves. Dayton has served as administrative director of the UCSC Natural Reserves since 2008.

Stephanie Foster

Wildlife, 1995

Stephanie Foster, 1995 Wildlife, is currently working at the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. The center provides care and rehabilitation for injured, sick and orphaned wildlife.

Joyce Schlachter

Wildlife, 1994

Joyce Schlachter, Wildlife, 1994, has retired after 26 years with the Federal government, working as a wildlife biologist. Joyce is enjoying her freedom and continues to volunteer with Project Wildlife, rehabilitating bats. Joyce says "thanks HSU for the best years of my life!"

Eugene Charles Justus (Charlie)

Wildlife, 1989

Justus has Retired, after a 30 year career as a Conservation Officer with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. He retired at the rank of Regional Conservation Officer (Enforcement Manager/Lieutenant).

Justus received his BS in wildlife management in 1989. The broad educational experiences gained at HSU was a perfect fit for a career as a Conservation officer/game warden.

I'm filling my retirement time by working part time as a marine deputy for the Canyon County Sheriff, a small group leader at the local Celebrate Recovery, and documenting Herps on iNaturalist and my YouTube channel.

Eugene "Charlie" Justus

Wildlife, 1989

Charlie Justus has Retired from Idaho Fish and Game. After 30 years as a Conservation Officer, finishing his career as a Regional Conservation Officer (Lieutenant) Charlie has retired. He is working part time this summer as a Marine Deputy for the Canyon County Sheriff's Department while he figures out his next pursuit, or vacation or ... He is looking forward to spending time with his wife Sue (wildlife class of 89) exploring.