| Chad Smith (’04 Biology) is in the second-year of his master’s degree program in biology at Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne, and plans to graduate in winter 2008. His area of focus is reptile and amphibian ecology, and he is conducting a study of the hibernation ecology of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake in Michigan. Smith’s work of understanding the snake’s ecology is critical for implementing successful management strategies for this declining species. |  |
| Courtney Pugh (‘07 English) along with Casey Chainee (‘07 English) and Jose Amaro (‘07 English) presented at the National Women’s Studies Association conference in late June. Julia Balen, associate professor of English, was the groups’ moderator. Their presentation focused on the novel, “Reading Lolita in Tehran” by Azar Nafisi, and was heard and praised by 19 of the conference’s attendees. Prior to this national event, the group presented at the Women and Gender Conference at CSU Fullerton in March. |  
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| Lupita Gutierrez (’05 Art) recently joined California State University Channel Islands as a graphic designer in the Communications & Marketing unit of University Advancement. In this role she will design University publications (including this edition of Current) and provide graphic support for advertising and marketing collateral for the University.
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| Tom Froelich (‘05 Business) is the new University Advancement database specialist at California State University Channel Islands. He supports ongoing operational and strategic efforts for the Advancement team. He and his wife Mindy (’07 Math) previously owned a custom embroidery company while attending classes at CSUCI.
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| Christy Weir (’05 Liberal Studies) currently is serving as the Deputy Mayor of the City of Ventura. She’s been a member of the City Council since 2003. While attending classes at CSUCI, Weir campaigned for a seat on the council. Her previous careers include teaching and publishing.
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