Cal Poly Humboldt has been proudly celebrating the outstanding achievements of its alumni through the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award since 1960. This year, the University is thrilled to honor several exceptional alumni. From inspiring legislative leaders to dedicated environmental advocates, a compassionate medical professional, and a fervent mycologist, these individuals have been recognized as exemplary trailblazers in their fields. Their remarkable contributions have had a profound impact on their community, the nation, and the university.
Meet the 2024 Distinguished Alumni:
Mark Bransom, ‘87, Natural Resources Planning & Interpretation
Mark Bransom is the chief executive officer of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC). With over 25 years of experience in planning, engineering, and construction in water resources and environmental management, he has worked with state and local governments, federal agencies, Tribal Nations, NGOs, and private sector clients throughout the West.
Bransom is known for his technical expertise and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders. He is currently leading the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, a nonprofit organization formed by signatories of the amended Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement. The organization is working to restore the natural vitality of the Klamath River in order to benefit all communities in the Basin.
Bransom’s previous roles include serving as the senior vice president of Water Resources & Environmental Management at CH2MHill, where he oversaw various water infrastructure and environmental restoration projects. Additionally, he has taught, conducted research, and consulted on natural resources management and infrastructure projects as a faculty member at Oregon State University, where he received a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Aldaron Laird is celebrated for his profound contributions to environmental planning, sea-level rise assessment, and habitat restoration. His interdisciplinary expertise, scientific understanding, and artistic creativity have significantly impacted the Humboldt Bay region and beyond.
Laird’s early career began with tree planting and watershed restoration projects in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As a founding member of the Northcoast Reinhabitation Group, he contributed to some of the first watershed restoration efforts in Redwood National and State Park. He also played a key role in developing the California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual, a seminal guide still widely used today.
His work in photographing and mapping Humboldt Bay's failing dikes provided crucial evidence to regional authorities about the threats to local infrastructure. This work, often completed by kayak, has been instrumental in advancing the understanding and planning for sea-level rise. Laird's leadership in the development of a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment for Humboldt Bay has set a benchmark for West Coast communities, involving a diverse range of stakeholders from tribes to state agencies.
Laird's commitment to environmental education is evident through his involvement with Cal Poly Humboldt. He inspired the formation of the Cal Poly Humboldt Sea Level Rise Institute (SLRI) in 2018, which has become a critical hub for research and collaboration on sea-level rise issues in Northern California. His extensive outreach includes numerous guest lectures, seminars, and capstone projects that provide invaluable real-world experience to students.
His work has brought much-needed attention to the hazards of sea-level rise and the importance of habitat restoration in the Humboldt Bay region. His recent book, "A Photographic Exploration of Wigi (currently called Humboldt Bay)," published by the University Press, further showcases his dedication to documenting and raising awareness about environmental issues.
His tireless efforts, innovative solutions, and passionate advocacy for environmental conservation have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and shape the future of natural resource management.
Mark Murray, Political Science
Mark Murray has made innumerable contributions to resource conservation and environmental protection through the development and advocacy of much of California’s nation-leading waste reduction and recycling policy.
Cal Poly Humboldt is a primary inspiration behind Murray’s influential career instilling in him a deep-rooted commitment to the environment and civic engagement. As a cross-country runner under legendary coach Jim Hunt, Murray cultivated a love of the natural environment during runs through the Community Forest, Arcata Marsh, Lanphere Dunes, and Patrick’s Point.
As a student, Murray exhibited a passion for hands-on politics, serving as Chair of the Student Legislative Council, and elected Student Body President (85-86). In 1987, Murray helped develop and campaign for the Humboldt Graduation Pledge for Social Responsibility, which was passed by students and remains a part of the Cal Poly Humboldt graduation tradition. It has subsequently been adopted by more than 100 universities. By stretching outside the classroom and engaging in the campus and broader community, Murray cultivated skills and experience that he would lean on throughout his career in state politics.
Murray, as the long-time executive director of Californians Against Waste, has helped create much of California’s waste reduction and recycling policy framework. From 1989 legislation (AB 939) which made curbside recycling a reality statewide, to pioneering e-waste recycling policies, to producer responsibility for recycling ‘problem products’ like carpet and mattresses, to expansion of the Bottle Bill, which last year recycled 70 percent of the more than 28 billion containers sold.
Murray was an early leader in recognizing the threat posed by plastic pollution and the need to reduce and recycle. Murray helped forge ‘first in the nation’ ordinances banning polystyrene, and statewide bans on single-use plastic bags, and plastic micro-beads. Recent efforts have established ‘circular economy’ requirements of 75% recycling and 50% recycled content for plastic bottles.
Dan Sealy, ‘75, Natural Resources
Dan Sealy, a dedicated environmental advocate and mentor, recently retired from a fulfilling 33-year career with the National Park Service. His journey in environmental conservation began at Cal Poly Humboldt, where a career day encounter with the superintendent of Redwood National Park inspired him to apply to the National Park Service. Upon graduation, Sealy began his career at Muir Woods National Monument, a path that led him to numerous opportunities nationwide.
Sealy embodies the Forever Humboldt spirit through his giving, promoting, and volunteering at Humboldt. He serves as a cabinet member for Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation’s Boldly Rising Campaign. He is the alumni representative of Humboldt for the California State University Alumni Council. He also contributes quarterly to the Humboldt Loyalty Fund, supporting projects that enhance the student experience, like updates to the biomechanics lab to new equipment for the Coral Sea research vessel.
In addition to his financial support, Sealy volunteers with the Northcoast Environmental Center (NEC), where he collaborates and mentors student interns and serves on the board of directors. As a guest lecturer on natural resources policy at Humboldt, Sealy remains deeply connected to the University community.
His commitment to Cal Poly Humboldt and environmental conservation extends to his role as the Legislative Analyst for the NEC, where he mentors students through the Environmental Policy Internship. This program, which he started in 2013, provides students with hands-on experience in environmental policy. Sealy’s guidance helps students track legislation, write briefs, and engage in local conservation efforts.
His influence extends beyond individual mentorship. His efforts ensure that the NEC remains vibrant and forward-thinking by integrating new perspectives from students. This two-way street enriches both the organization and the interns, preparing them for careers in environmental advocacy.
Sealy's passion, kindness, and extensive knowledge have made him a beloved mentor. Sealy has been described as a dedicated supervisor who genuinely wants his interns to succeed. His support continues long after the internship ends, as he remains a resource and friend to his former mentees.
Jessie Uehling, ‘10, Botany, ‘12, M.S. Biology
Jessie Uehling’s passion for Botany and mycology was evident early on. She excelled in her undergraduate Botany courses and contributed significantly as a graduate student and teaching assistant in the Biology department at Cal Poly Humboldt. She credits much of her career success to the quality training and inspirational students, staff, and professors in the Biology Department at Humboldt.
During her graduate studies under Terry Henkel, Uehling conducted groundbreaking research on tropical ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity, including fieldwork in the remote Amazonian rainforest of Guyana. Her work led to the description of eight new fungal species and the publication of three peer-reviewed papers. These achievements paved the way for her acceptance into the Ph.D. program in Genetics and Genomics at Duke University, where she further distinguished herself with pioneering research on the fungal microbiome using cutting-edge genomics approaches. After completing her doctorate, Uehling undertook postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley.
In 2020, Uehling joined Oregon State University as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. Her research at OSU has gained international recognition for its contributions to understanding the fungal microbiome. To date, Uehling has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers and textbook chapters, solidifying her reputation as an expert in fungal biology.
Her achievements demonstrate the strong foundation provided by her education at Humboldt. Beyond her research, Uehling is a dedicated teacher and mentor, known for her positive impact on students. She has developed educational materials for K-12 classrooms, benefiting over 150 children across multiple states. Committed to public service, she is the Governor’s appointed mycologist for the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, where she contributes to shaping public health policies related to fungal medicines.
Uehling's contributions to science and public policy have earned her numerous accolades. These include the Cal Poly Humboldt McConkey Outstanding Graduate Student Award, the Alistair McCrone Graduate Fellowship Award, the Gregory Mark Jennings Research Dissemination grant, the Department of Energy graduate fellowship, and several national fellowships and awards from the Mycological Society of America. Her work has been featured in various media outlets, including podcasts, ESPN documentaries, and articles in National Geographic, Scientific American, and Science Daily. As a hobby, Uehling creates educational mycological short films.
Uehling's career is a testament to the high-caliber education and research training she received at Cal Poly Humboldt, and she continues to inspire current and future students with her dedication and success in the field of mycology.
Sawar Young-Tripp, ‘99, Biology
Dr. Sawar Young-Tripp is a dedicated medical professional and a proud alumna of Cal Poly Humboldt.
The first person from the Yurok Tribe to become an MD, Dr. Young-Tripp has made significant strides in healthcare. Her commitment to her heritage and community is evident in her decision to return to Humboldt County to practice medicine, despite opportunities elsewhere. She currently serves as a family physician at the Open Door Arcata Community Health Center. She has previously worked for Tribal Health entities such as the Klamath Tribal Health Clinic in Chiloquin, Oregon, The Karuk Tribal Health Clinic in Orleans, California, and locally at United Indian Health Services Clinics in Weitchpec and Arcata.
While in her undergraduate studies at Cal Poly Humboldt, she worked as a lab tech in the Telonicher Marine Lab and was an active researcher in Professor Jacob Varkey’s genetics lab. After graduating from Humboldt, she worked for Humboldt County Public Health and United Indian Health Services as a health educator and consultant. By the time she entered medical school in 2001 at the University of Washington School of Medicine, she was already a mother of two young sons, and while she was in residency training at the Oregon Health and Sciences University, her daughter was born. While in medical training she served the Native American community and was recognized for her efforts through the University of Washington’s Angela Paez Leadership Award. Dr. Young-Tripp is an inspiration for working mothers everywhere.
At every clinic she has worked, Dr. Young-Tripp is responsible for the primary care of approximately 1,000 patients, offering her expertise and compassion to the community she holds dear. Known for her holistic approach to medicine, she emphasizes the biopsychosocial model of medicine and takes the time to understand and address the root causes of her patients' ailments. Dr. Young-Tripp's dedication to patient care and her relentless pursuit of evidence-based treatments have made her a beloved and respected figure in the community.
From her educational achievements at Cal Poly Humboldt to her impactful medical practice in Humboldt County, Dr. Young-Tripp’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her community and her pioneering spirit in the field of medicine.
Photo (clockwise from top left): Aldaron Laird, Sawar Young-Tripp, Mark Bransom, Dan Sealy, Jessie Uehling, and Mark Murray.