We hope you all had a restful winter break. As we are all watching with sadness and shock the devastation and loss caused from wildfires in Los Angeles County, we are ever more determined in our mission to equip our students in MSEM with the technical expertise and management skills that are necessary to reduce risks and harm to ecosystems and communities, and build resilience for a safer future for everyone.
As we step into the new year, the MSEM team wants to welcome our continuing students, faculty, staff, and prospective students to the Spring semester. This semester promises to be a productive one, filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow as we continue to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Whether you are already part of the MSEM community or looking to explore our program, there are many opportunities to engage with the program. We are kicking things off with a mix of informative events, engaging classes, and opportunities to connect with peers and professionals.
Program Highlights: Courses, Labs, and Special Events
This semester offers a wide range of exciting opportunities across various concentrations. We are particularly excited to highlight a few key courses and events:
- Environmental Risk Assessment with Xavier Fernandez
- Conservation Biology with Simon Scarpetta
- Marine Resources with Allison Luengen
- Sustainable Design with Rachel Beth Egenhoefer
- Climate Science with Deneb Karentz
In the Geospatial Analysis Lab (GsAL), students will dive deep into the use of GIS tools to analyze environmental data. Whether you are exploring the effects of environmental disturbances on ecosystems or studying wildfire management, our GIS courses are a great way to develop valuable technical skills in the field of environmental management.
- Intro to GIS with Paul Nesbit
- Applied GIS with Paul Nesbit
- Intro to Google Earth Engine with Preethi Blaji
- GIS for Public and Environmental Health with Charlotte Smith
- Intro to LiDAR Technologies with Fernanda Lopez Ornelas
- Research Methods with Amalia Kokkinaki and Paul Nesbit
Master’s Projects & Applied Research
The MSEM program is rooted in applied research, and we are excited to see our students work on projects that make a tangible impact. Our first-year students are already diving into research methods, while second-year students are working hard on their Master’s Projects under the guidance of Dr Luengen and Dr. Scarpetta. Their projects will be presented at our Master’s Project Conference on May 15th, 2025. These projects are a culmination of the hard work and dedication our students put into researching and addressing urgent environmental issues.
Upcoming MSEM Events: Connect, Explore, and Discover
We have several exciting events planned throughout the semester to help you connect with the MSEM community and explore the beautiful Bay Area. Here are a few to mark on your calendars:
- MSEM Social Brunch – We will be hosting a social brunch on Saturday, January 11th! It’s a great chance to meet fellow students and faculty in a casual setting.
- Hike & Discover MSEM – On Friday, February 9th, we’ll be hosting a hike to discover MSEM and explore the environmental wonders of our area (more details to come soon).
- Student Hiking Event – Don’t miss our MSEM student hiking event on March 22nd for a fun and active way to get outdoors and engage with your MSEM peers (more details to come soon)!
These events are great opportunities to build relationships, share ideas, and make memories with the MSEM community. These events are open to the wider MSEM community. If you are interested to learn more about us and join us on any of these events, please contact us.
Stay Connected: Follow Us on Social Media!
For the latest updates on events, deadlines, and all things MSEM, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. We love sharing what’s happening in our community, and we encourage you to join the conversation by tagging us in your posts and using #MSEM at USF.
Interested in joining our program? MSEM is the right next step whether you want to start, advance or switch your career in the environmental field. We invite all prospective students to join us for one of our upcoming Information Sessions. For those ready to take the next step, be sure to mark your calendars for our important application deadlines:
- Priority Application Deadline: February 15th
- Regular Application Deadline: March 15th (Rolling applications after this date)
Or, do you know a colleague or friend who is a good candidate for the Environmental Management Master’s program at USF? Please nominate them using this form. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the program, feel free to reach out to us at msem@usfca.edu. We love hearing from you and are always excited to support your environmental journey.
Here’s to a vibrant and impactful Spring semester at MSEM!
Warmly,
The MSEM Team
