From geography to financial management­­­ — a CEMML principal investigator changes careers at CSU

As part of CEMML, Shannon Voggesser spent the last 18 years working with maps. Most recently as principal investigator and head of its GIS team. During her career with CEMML, she discovered an interest in the finance and budgeting side of her work. In June, she transferred those skills over to CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension where she now supports project managers as the grant and special funds manager.

July 21, 2023

A career-changing student finds success through CEMML

With the help of CEMML’s Early-career Development Program, James Fujioka is making a transition from managing kitchens to managing natural resources. After beginning his career in the culinary arts, the added stress of working in the restaurant industry during the pandemic, combined with his love for the outdoors, made him rethink his career trajectory.

July 6, 2023

CEMML herpetologist slithers off into the sunset

CEMML principal investigator Tom Mathies retired in June after six years with the Center. An expert in herpetology and invasive species, Mathies was captivated by the natural world from a young age and has spent a lengthy career studying snakes, lizards and bugs of all kinds. During his time with CEMML, Mathies developed a biosecurity program in Guam, helping the military control invasive species across the Marianas.

July 5, 2023

Environmental compliance expert appointed as CEMML interim director

Dr. Barker Fariss has been appointed CEMML interim director following the departure of Tony Chapa at the end of June. Dr. Fariss brings an extensive background in environmental regulatory compliance, overseeing projects at both the state and federal level. He will take over director duties starting July 1, 2023.

June 8, 2023

Reymundo “Tony” Chapa to step down as CEMML executive director

At the end of June, Reymundo “Tony” Chapa will leave his post as executive director of Colorado State University’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). After a five-year tenure, marked by transition, Chapa is hopeful new leadership can pickup where he left off and continue to expand upon it.

June 1, 2023

From pizza delivery to natural resources planning

Amber Bumgardner Mense always knew she wanted a career in the outdoors. After earning multiple associates degrees and certifications, volunteering every chance she got, and navigating a slow job market during the COVID pandemic, she came across an opening in CEMML’s Early-career Development Program. That experience led to a full-time position with CEMML as a Natural Resources Planning Specialist.

June 1, 2023

CEMML program helps military installations plan for climate change

CEMML’s Climate Adaptation and Management Planning Program (CAMPP) provides a multi-disciplinary analysis of the threats that Department of Defense installations face from climate change. Program manager Dr. Mindy Clarke shares her perspective on the origins of the CAMPP program, its current work, and its vision for the future.

June 1, 2023

Newscast highlights CEMML’s environmental support to U.S. Army in Hawaii

During an open house event in April, CEMML staff based at the U.S. Army’s Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) in Hawaii, shared information about the recycling program and provided interactive displays and other activities to highlight natural and cultural resource management efforts.

April 28, 2023

CEMML internship leads to full-time wildlife job in Alaska

Before finding CEMML, Corey Clements had no idea that a career as a biologist on a military base was possible. Following a string of short-term jobs after graduating from South Dakota State University, an opportunity in CEMML’s early-career development program brought him to Alaska, evolving into a full-time position.

April 24, 2023

CEMML aids Army in monitoring threat to native trees in Hawaii

CEMML staff members Pamela Sullivan and Jason Dzurisin, members of Pōhakuloa Training Area’s Natural Resources Program, conducted aerial surveys in January 2023 to monitor for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), a new fungal disease that is a threat to native tree populations in Hawaii.

April 18, 2023

CEMML principal investigator and natural resource expert joins executive committee

Bill Sprouse, a long-time CEMML natural resource expert and principal investigator, recently joined its executive committee as an assistant director. After nearly three decades of experience with the organization, he hopes to hit the ground running and continue to support one of CEMML’s most crucial resources: Its people.

April 3, 2023

Ph.D. candidate visits CEMML endangered species staff at Fort Polk

Ohio State University Ph.D. candidate Emily Rabung, recently met with CEMML endangered species staff Chris Melder, Matt Christiansen, Amy Brennan, and Andrhea Massey. They discussed conservation efforts on Fort Polk with the red-cockaded woodpecker and the Louisiana pine snake.

March 27, 2023