We can’t believe Session A is already over! Students wrapped up their coursework the second week of October: those in Intro GIS presented their final project StoryMaps, Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Law took their final exams, and Urban Resilience in Climate Change presented their final video projects. While eight weeks goes by quickly, students are able to focus more on the two classes they take per session, wrap up their thoughts on the subject, and bring their takeaways into Session B!
As we move into the next session, we’re excited to share this semester’s courses — all offering dynamic, hands-on learning opportunities that connect science, policy and practice. This session’s course lineup showcases both core scientific foundations and applied, solution-oriented topics perfect for students pursuing concentrations in Water Management, Ecology, Energy & Climate Change and Health and Hazards.
Several exciting courses are on docket for this session, including Watershed Management, California Ecosystems, Advanced Data Analysis and Climate Change Mitigation. Students learn directly from faculty experts and practitioners whose research and real-world experience enrich every discussion and project.
Watershed Management | Taught by Gerhard Epke
In Watershed Management, students explore how natural processes, land use and human decision-making shape water systems. The course examines watershed dynamics from both physical and regulatory perspectives, with case studies that span wildland, agricultural and urban settings. Students will analyze hydrologic processes, stream function, geomorphic processes and restoration techniques, while considering how tools like ecosystem services trading and quantification can facilitate sustainable management.
Gerhard Epke, Water Quality Program Manager at the Marin Resource Conservation District, brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in flood mitigation, stormwater management, and watershed restoration across the Bay Area, giving him a uniquely applied perspective on the intersection of science, infrastructure and policy.
This course is particularly valuable for students in the Water Management concentration.
California Ecosystems | Taught by April M. Randle, Ph.D.
California’s ecological diversity is unparalleled. Through field trips, visits from guest speakers — most recently, John Calambokidis, founder of Cascadia Research — hands-on projects and a semester-long deep-dive into an ecosystem of their choice, students in California Ecosystems gain an intimate understanding of the state’s natural history, from chaparral and oak woodlands to redwood forests, wetlands and intertidal zones. The course integrates field methods such as species identification, specimen collection and field data recording, while also addressing human impacts and conservation strategies. This year, the class has planned trips to Point Reyes and Mount Tamalpais!
Dr. April Randle’s research focuses on how ecological factors shape species’ traits, distributions and interactions, expertise that brings rich insight to this field-based learning experience and helps her students understand the underpinnings of California’s ecological diversity. This course is ideal for students concentrating in Ecology, but is open to all who are interested in learning more about California’s vast array of biomes!
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry | Taught by Amalia Kokkinaki, Ph.D.
This course explores the chemistry governing environmental systems and interactions between air, water and soil. Students learn and apply core chemical principles to gain a foundational understanding of the mechanisms controlling how a chemical or compound will be distributed in an environment — core knowledge useful for chemical spill mitigation and understanding toxicity concerns in the context of environmental management.
Dr. Amalia Kokkinaki, a computational hydrogeologist, integrates her expertise in groundwater remediation and contaminant modeling into the course, offering students a scientific framework for addressing complex environmental challenges. This class is required for all incoming first year students.
Advanced Data Analysis | Taught by Thomas Hervey
Formerly a senior product engineer at Esri, Thomas Hervey brings professional expertise in geospatial data and environmental informatics to the classroom. In Advanced Data Analysis, students gain proficiency in statistical analysis, geospatial modeling and visualization tools essential to modern environmental work. Topics include regression analysis, model evaluation, and data-driven project design, all with a focus on practical applications in environmental systems.
This course is a cornerstone for students, providing the technical skills to translate environmental data into actionable insights and is ideal for students pursuing the GIS certificate.
Applied GIS | Taught by Paul Nesbit, Ph.D.
Applied GIS builds on foundational mapping and analysis skills learned in Intro GIS and guides students in using GIS to support spatial inquiry and environmental decision-making. Working with real-world data and applications, students strengthen their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities within ArcGIS Pro while developing an integrative project that applies geospatial data, analysis and visualization to an environmental investigation.
Dr. Paul Nesbit works at the intersection of digital geospatial technologies and environmental mapping. His current research uses drone-based photogrammetry, remote sensing and deep learning image analysis to advance 3D geovisualization and science communication.
This course is ideal for students pursuing the GIS certificate.
Climate Change Mitigation | Taught by Stephanie Siehr, Ph.D.
Addressing climate change requires innovation at every level, from local initiatives to global policy. In Climate Change Mitigation, Dr. Siehr draws from her extensive work in environmental engineering, energy analysis, environmental policy and systems thinking to guide students in developing and evaluating real-world mitigation strategies.
The course explores topics such as low-carbon urban design, renewable energy transitions, carbon sequestration and the social justice implications of climate action. Students will analyze multi-level governance approaches, learning how communities, governments and industries can work together to achieve a sustainable future.
This course aligns with the Climate and Energy concentration, challenging students to apply their knowledge of environmental management to climate change solutions.
