Alumni Updates
Vanessa Crandell, 2013
Submitted: November 23, 2022 Vanessa Crandell ('13, Geology, Oceanography) earned an M.S. in Geology from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 2016. She is currently working as an Environmental Geologist in Anchorage, Alaska. Vanessa primarily works on contaminated sites and geological and geotechnical projects. Amazing education and experiences in the field for both geology and oceanography provided her with the skill necessary to pursue a career as an Environmental Geologist. Vanessa would like to thank her professors and advisors - without their support and compassion, completing dual degrees in Geology and Oceanography would have been impossible.
George FitzGerald, 1968
Submitted: August 23, 2022 As the first geology graduate of Humboldt State in 1968, George FitzGerald went to work as an underground mine geologist in Grants, New Mexico. Using investigative skills taught by my Humboldt professors, he directed the quality-based safe extraction of uranium ore for over 15 years. Great education and experience in field geology provided him with the skills to successfully hold positions in industry, teaching, consulting and government regulation for environmentally protective mineral production. FitzGerald thanks Humboldt's first geology professors Dr. Young, Dr. Kilmer, and Dr. Longshore for creating one of the great programs at Cal Poly Humboldt.
Theodore "Ted" Smith, 1972
Submitted: September 22, 2021
Following a 30-year career with the State of California, Ted Smith retired as Supervising Geologist with the California Geological Survey in 2001. Since then he earned a PhD in Education (Specialization: Teaching & Training Online) and for 18 years has taught courses online, mostly with Baker College (located in Michigan). In 2019, Ted moved to Whidbey Island, Washington and recently was appointed to the Board of Directors of Geology in the Public Interest, a nonprofit that focuses on use of geology for the public good in sustainable ways.
Brett A. Budick, 1976
Submitted: February 17, 2017
Brett A. Budick, 1976 Geology, was appointed to the position of Chief Deputy State Coordinator of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management in December, 2016 by Governor Terry McAuliffe. As the number two in the agency and a 26-year Virginia state employee, Budick is responsible for all disaster response and recovery activities throughout the Commonwealth, radiological emergency preparedness at nuclear power plants and with the nuclear Navy, and Virginia's Homeland Security initiatives. He stays active in academia as an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University and remains active in sports with USA Rugby and World Rugby in their Coach Development Programs.
Tyson wilofsky, 2008
Submitted: August 15, 2015
Tyson Wilofsky, 2008 Geology, has been doing environmental remediation (RCRA/CERCLA) work as a government contractor.
Tim Kustic, 1981
Submitted: October 23, 2014
Tim Kustic, 1981 Geology, California's 13th State Oil and Gas Supervisor, recently retired after a 32-year career with California's Department of Conservation. Kustic began his state career as a field engineer with the California Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), in the Bakersfield office. After assignments in the Bakersfield and Santa Maria DOGGR offices, Kustic joined the newly created State Office of Mine Reclamation in 1991. In 2001 Kustic rejoined DOGGR and was appointed by Governor Brown to lead DOGGR as the Oil and Gas Supervisor in 2011. Kustic, his wife Debra, and their three children reside in Sacramento.
Michael Sandecki, 1979
Submitted: March 11, 2014
Michael Sandecki, 1979 Geology, is currently a water quality analyst employed with the California Coastal Commission.
John Paul Hunt, 1985
Submitted: November 8, 2012
I just recently celebrated my 25th year at SMC, a Geotechnical Consulting firm in Orange County that I have been a partner in for the last 10 years. My wife Patty, who also graduated from HSU in 1985 with a buisness degree, and I, just celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. I have also been very active in cross-country mountain bike racing and just recently won my first race. If only HSU had mtb racing back in the day.
Christopher J. Watt, 1997
Submitted: October 17, 2012
I have been working for a local engineering firm (LACO ASSOCIATES) for the past 15 years and was recently elected President and CEO.
Eric Friedlander, 2004
Submitted: January 19, 2011
After graduation I spent three summers working as a hiking/backcountry guide in Skagway, Alaska. I now live in Lake Tahoe and enjoy any and all outdoor activities on a daily basis (especially rock climbing in the summer, and skiing in the winter). I currently work for the City of South Lake Tahoe as the Environmental Programs Analyst. I have also recently become engaged and will be married next August. I'm looking forward to a road trip to Humboldt so I can show my fiance the amazing campus at HSU, the redwoods and the incredible coastline!
