LAB DIRECTOR: Laurie Richmond

Dr. Laurie Richmond is an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Science & Management at HSU. She received her PhD in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology from the University of Minnesota in 2011. She then worked for two years as a social scientist for NOAA Fisheries prior to coming to HSU. She is an avid surfer and fisherman. She loves exploring the rocky shores of the North Coast looking for waves, food, and vistas.

CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENTS:

Natalie Arroyo

Project: Perceptions of trail safety in Humboldt County, California:
An analysis of public safety concerns and factors that impact trail use

My research interests are very diverse, and I’m working to refine my focus as a graduate student – broadly speaking, I’m interested in the connections between humans and their environment in extremely ecologically important rivers and estuarine systems of the north coast, and the practical management needs of these amazing places.

Sam Cook

Project: Assessing California commercial fishing community well-being in the context of Marine Protected Area formation

Fishing community well-being in California is affected by regulatory, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are one of the many influences that affect fishery health. Sam’s project will assess California commercial fishing community well-being in the context of MPAs through the development of a long-term socioeconomic monitoring and assessment program.

Kristen Orth-Gordinier

Project: Social science research to advance regional coordination and collaboration of sea level rise adaptation and planning on Humboldt Bay

The Humboldt Bay region has been challenged in maintaining regional-level planning to address sea level rise impacts that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Kristen’s project aims to conduct social science research to inform and advance the development of an inclusive regional forum for coordination and collaboration related to sea level rise.

UNDERGRADUATES/RESEARCH ASSISTANTS:

Nayre Herrera (she/her)

Project: Student Research Assistant HSU Sea Level Rise Initiative

LAB ALUMNI:

Zane Eddy (MS)

Thesis Title: On the management of urban beavers in Martinez, CA

Bente Jansen (BS – ESM)

 

Where Are They Now? Planner at the California Coastal Commission – North Coast Office

Mikayla Kia (BS – ESM)

Where are They Now? Graduate program at University of Hawaii, Hilo in Heritage Management

Ciara Emery (MA)

Thesis Title:  Bringing climate change home to meet your community: stakeholder perceptions of offshore wind energy in Humboldt County, California

Where Are They Now? Field Representative for Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02) in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties.

Kristina Kunkel (MS)

Thesis Title: Exploring community knowledge and perceptions of flooding and sea-level rise in King Salmon, California

Where Are They Now? California State Sea Grant Fellow at the California State Lands Commission

Robert Dumouchel (MS)

Thesis Title: Fishing community capitals & regulatory ghosts: Planning for sustainability in Eureka, California

Where Are They Now? City Manager Homer, AK

Laura Casali (MS)

Thesis Title: The role of social capital in fishing community sustainability: case of Shelter Cove, CA

Where Are They Now? Contractor for National Marine Fisheries Service

Wyatt Smith (MA)

Thesis Title: Evaluating socioeconomic dimensions for a resilient shellfish mariculture industry in Humboldt Bay: Assessing the strengths, vulnerabilities, and potential of Humboldt’s expanding industry

Where Are They Now? Hiking from Mexico to Canada

Kelda Britton (MA)

Thesis Title: Dinjik enjit nerrzhrii (we are hunting for moose): an evaluation of tribal co-management in the Yukon flats, interior Alaska

Where Are They Now? Teaching at Round Valley School District

Kara Simpson (MA)

Thesis Title: Overlooked fisheries of Baduwa’t: An oral history study exploring the environmental and cultural histories of eulachon and Pacific lamprey in the Mad River basin, a Wiyot watershed

Where Are They Now?: Owner of a wellness business

Lucia Ordonez-Gauger (MS)

Thesis Title: Assessing Fishermen’s Perceptions of the Ecology and Management of the California North Coast Marine Protected Area Network

Where are they now? Working as a research assistant at San Diego State University on a project collecting local ecological knowledge from commercial fishermen.

Emma Lundberg (MA)

Thesis Title: Using Q methodology to examine socioecological dimensions of conflict in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, California

Where are they now? PhD program at University of Rhode Island

LAB MASCOT:

Trinity

Trinity is a hound mix with a nose for food. She enjoys eating
berries and fruits off the tree, stealing other people’s lunches, running on the beach, lying the sun, and lounging by the wood stove. She is named after a local river – one of the most beautiful in the world.