The ESSP program extends learning beyond the classroom into hands-on experiences. Global processes are placed into the context of our diverse local marine, coastal, and watershed systems, and framed by economic and policy considerations.
~ Dr. William Head, Founding Director
The ESSP classes taught me the skills necessary to succeed, but my fellow students and professors taught me how to be successful.
~ Samuel Hulme, Class of 2001, Ph.D. candidate at University of Hawaii, Manoa
ESSP classes and faculty gave me the practical experiences and thirst for knowledge that propel my career, while instilling in me a respect for the political and social situations that surround any ecological issue.
~ Mike Casstleton, Class of 2000, Ecology graduate student at Oregon State University
My personal connections to the faculty at CSUMB were the most valuable thing for me and my career path. The ideas generated and concepts introduced by all of the interdisciplinary courses I took were important seeds that continued to develop into more well thought-out ideas and ideologies.
~ Nicole Woodling, Class of 1998, Ph.D. candidate in environmental studies at UC Santa Cruz
I'm really happy about how things have worked out and it is wonderful for me to be spending time in South Africa—it's such a unique experience. . . . And from working in the environmental field, I have found that having GIS/GPS skills is what I need to get my foot in the door. There are lots of environmental scientists out there, but especially in the second and third world, very few GIS/GPS experts.
~ Lani Clough, Class of 2003, environmental consultant in Capetown, South Africa
I've had the opportunity to study both marine biology and science communication. Integrating the two in a science program is not something you find at every university. Here, I've tapped into the great marine research facilities of the area, like Moss Landing Marine Labs, Hopkins Marine Station, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in the course of my studies. Bringing science to nonscientific communities through writing has always been a dream of mine. CSUMB and ESSP have given me the opportunity to make that dream a concrete reality!
~ Mary Patyten, Class of 2000, technical writer for the California Department of Fish and Game
Revised 4/27/05