Kate is currently working as a Natural Resource Specialist II for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, in the Division of Mining, Land and Water within the Southcentral Region Land Office in Anchorage, Alaska. Specifically, her primary responsibility is adjudicating applications for aquatic farm leases on state-owned tidelands. Aquatic farming in Alaska consists of shellfish and kelp farming. As an adjudicator, her primary duties include gathering and analyzing land use data, preparing notices for public comment on the applications they receive, and writing recommendations on whether or not a lease should be issued. In the land use research Kate conducts for each application, she utilizes state land use plans for different areas of Alaska, applicable statutes and regulations, federal agency land use plans, soliciting public comments, and coordination with other state agencies. The office conducts extensive research before issuing an aquatic farm lease.
What led you to a natural resources education/career?
Growing up on the front range of Colorado, I was always enamored with and felt drawn to the outdoors. I also always enjoyed various science classes while growing up, so an education in natural resources seemed like the obvious choice for me. I started college at Colorado Mountain College. While there, I was doing research on what degree I would transfer into, when I discovered ESS, and it felt like a perfect fit for my career goals.
What do you identify as your 'big break?' Did CSU have anything to do with it?
I would say my “big break” was the internship I did through the Student Conservation Association and AmeriCorps at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve (Alaska). I was on the Exotic Plant Management Team, surveying for and removing invasive species from the park. I was able to be in the field in front country and remote backcountry locations, I co-authored the annual published report for the season, and was able to collaborate with a youth program educating students on natural processes around glacial succession. I would say CSU definitely contributed to my success, and what stands out the most was my experience at the CSU Mountain Campus. The practical and hands-on education I received there supplied me with the skills and confidence to conduct field work.
What are you up to now in your job? Any noteworthy projects to discuss? (or any recently completed etc.)?
Aquatic farming is a rapidly growing industry in Alaska. It is exciting to be working alongside an expanding industry and see the ingenuity of the farms that are often sited in remote areas of the state. We have leases for farms that range in size from one acre, to farms that are over 100 acres. I also enjoy seeing the public engage with and provide comments on the applications we receive.
What advice do you have for current students or recent grads?
My advice for current students or recent grads would be to do internships related to your career goals. If you are in an internship, take advantage of every training opportunity to broaden your skills. I would also encourage everyone to apply for every job you are interested in, even if you don’t feel totally qualified! You never know where you can end up with the skills you have.