Hi, my name is Gabriel Abundis. I am a third-year majoring in rangeland resources with a minor in botany and soils. I am from southern California and although I grew up with nature, I never truly appreciated it for what it is. I fell in love with rangelands and their role in supporting ecosystems. Currently my research focuses intently on exploring the intricate dynamics between photovoltaic cells and the delicate coastal California grasslands. I am particularly interested in the forage value of species, and holistic approaches for rangeland management. When I am not in lab, I enjoy taking my dogs on adventures and eating/cooking.

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Hello! My name is Claudia Alfaro Hernandez (She/Her/Hers pronouns) and I’m a student assistant in the Luong lab. I’m an Environmental Science & Management major with a concentration in Ecological Restoration and a double minor in Geospatial Analysis and Wildland Soil Science. Before coming to Humboldt County in 2020, I was originally from Southern California, specifically Jurupa Valley (Inland Empire region). Before working with Dr. Justin Luong in his lab, I was a Soil Science Trainee with the NRCS Soil Survey assisting soil scientists with plant identification and soil analysis. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work within the Luong lab this semester, as it allows me to practice my strengths within soil science, correlating its impacts on plant communities regarding sustainable land use applications. When I’m not in the Luong lab, you can find me on the nearby beaches paddleboarding, tide pooling, birding, and beachcombing.

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Hi! I’m Soren and my pronouns are he/him. I’m a fourth year botany student and a student assistant in the Luong lab and the Dennis K. Walker Greenhouse. I have always had an appreciation for plants but was only interested in gardening and horticulture until coming to Cal Poly Humboldt. It was here that I discovered my passion for plant taxonomy, conservation, and lichenology. Outside of botany I enjoy reading, lapidary arts, and puzzle games!

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Hello, I am a member of the Luong lab assisting in research related to grassland management and conservation. I was born and Raised here in the Bay Area, in Pacifica, and currently am a senior at Cal graduating Spring 2026. I am finishing my undergraduate degree with a BS in Conservation and Resources studies with the Rausser college of Natural Resources with a focus on the wildland urban interface. During my time at UC Berkeley I have focused my education largely on forestry and fire ecology, as well as urban ecology and development. Outside of academics, I work as a tattooer as an owner of my own tattoo parlor in Pacifica and also at times as a guest artist at different shops throughout the country. In my spare time I enjoy traveling to different cities and national parks, hiking, plant and tree ID, producing artwork in many different styles, and snowboarding in the Sierras when the powder is fresh!

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Hi, my name is Sage (she/her) and I’m a third-year Rangeland Resource Science major. I’m from Southern California originally where I grew up hiking, camping, and working outdoors. I’ll always have a soft spot for coastal grass and shrublands. I’m interested in range conservation particularly with wildlife, invasives, and urban sprawl. In my free time I like to collage, garden, sketch, create fiber art, I am Vice President of the Range & Soils Club, and I’m on the logging sports team. Unsurprisingly, I’m a big fan of North American sages!

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Hi, my name’s Tonia and I use they/them pronouns and I am the Luong Lab Manager and GRASS-Net Coordinator. I grew up not far from Humboldt in the Trinity Alps where I learned to love ecology. I then graduated from UC Santa Cruz earning a BA in Environmental Studies and Community Studies. I wrote my senior thesis on the importance of anti racism in environmental non-profits. I love being the Luong Lab Manager because I get to support our students and projects daily! I’ve also really loved working on our greenhouse drought experiment and on the development of GRASS-Net. I wear many hats like I use our LICOR to measure leaf gas exchange in the greenhouse, I conduct research interviews, and I plan our field work trips. I’ve learned so much about experimental design and management of long term projects. My scientific and technical communication with diverse audiences has improved a lot through my work in Luong Lab! I’d love to answer questions you have about any of our projects.

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Marina Dunlop is a senior at Cal Poly Humboldt, pursuing a B.S. in Rangeland Resource Sciences with an emphasis in Natural Resource Policy. Her passion for restoration and land stewardship stems from her upbringing in a rural Sierra Nevada town with strong ties to agricultural communities. Her academic journey has been diverse, encompassing studies in Marine Biology, Geography, Environmental Science Management, and Natural Resource Policy, ultimately leading her to the Rangeland Resource Sciences program. Collaborative coursework and interactions with landowners, ranchers, and restorationists have solidified her commitment to supporting land stewards by translating research into practical land use and livestock management techniques that align with individual goals and broader restoration objectives. Following graduation in Fall 2026, Marina intends to pursue a master’s degree in rangeland ecology or natural resource management, with the long-term goal of lecturing at the university level to mentor future generations of ecologists and restorationists. Outside of her academic pursuits, Marina enjoys fishing, reading, experimenting with new recipes, traveling, and collecting antique furniture. Her favorite native plant is Witchgrass (Panicum capillare).

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Trinity Edwards is a Senior at Cal Poly Humboldt majoring in Rangeland Resource Science with a concentration in soil science. During her academic journey Trinity has gained an interest in Geospatial Sciences and as a result, is also pursuing a Geospatial Science minor. With strong interests in land stewardship, sustainability, and agroecology, Trinity is passionate about giving back and taking care of the land. Trinity’s academic journey has been shaped by her deep love for nature and the world around her. Through the connections made at Cal Poly Humboldt Trinity has been able to evolve these passions into research in the realms of restoration and soil conservation. In the future, Trinity aims to further her understanding of native plant species and their potential use in various agricultural practices. Outside of academics, Trinity enjoys camping, playing ultimate frisbee, and volunteering at Special Olympic event.

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Logan Fogle is currently working towards a Rangeland Resource Science B.S. at Cal Poly Humboldt. He hails from the scrubland of Southern California, originally coming to Humboldt County to study Forestry. However, after a few months working as a Timber Cruiser and a few Forestry classes, he soon realized his passion lied with Rangeland. He has loved the outdoors all his life, but has cultivated a more mature admiration for the vastness and complexity of the wilderness in his recent years. He lived and worked on a horse ranch in Riverside County before going to college. He is specifically interested in sustainable livestock operations. Logan’s favorite range plant is Encelia farinosa!

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I am a post-baccalaureate student in the Rangeland Resource Science program at Cal Poly Humboldt. Prior to returning to school, I worked as a sustainability consultant where I learned about resource management in the built environment. While working on large-scale waste management studies I became interested in learning about natural resource management. While pursuing my second bachelor’s degree I interned for NRCS Idaho and competed on the Collegiate Soil Judging team. My research project is focused on understanding the ecological conditions which may influence Pleuropogon hooverianus development.

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Hi! My name is Hazel Goode. I am a Botany Student minoring in Wildland Soils in my final year at Humboldt. I grew up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and have always loved being outside. I became interested in rangelands working alongside a Rangeland Specialist/ Botanist for the Tahoe National Forest and have come to deeply appreciate their beauty and diversity. In my free time I love to kayak, create art, and spend time in the woods. My favorite gramminoid is Carex utriculata!

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Hello! My name is Brandon Gutierrez and I am a Rangeland Resource Science undergraduate student. I’m interested in pasturelands, ecology, grassland restoration, and cattle. I grew up in a small town in Jalisco Mexico in a family farm. This is where my interest in natural resources, and range began. I spent a lot of time in pasturelands with the cattle moving them in and out of corrals. In my free time you can catch me in the gym, playing soccer or playing FC26. My favorite grass will definitely be Bouteloua gracillis.

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Hi, I am Ashley and I’m a Rangeland Resource Science major with a Minor in Botany. Some of my hobbies include enjoying anything outdoors including foraging, hiking, camping, and pressing plants. I also really enjoy journaling, scrapbooking/creating collages, and thrifting. In the future it would be really cool work in land conservation/ and or conducting plant surveys for government agencies. I have a passion for plants and I really enjoy learning new plant species everyday.

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I am a full time student studying the management of rangelands at California Polytechnic University Humboldt. I focus on the development of sustainable rangeland management practices with an emphasis on soil health and native plant communities. I strive to restore rangeland ecosystems through native plant and soil restoration and the implementation of practices that allow the symbiotic relationship between humans and the land to return.

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Wendy Kornberg runs her microfarm with her family is Southern Humboldt County, raising fruits and vegetables as well as rabbits and poultry. Kornberg is currently a student at Cal Poly Humboldt majoring in Rangeland Resource Science and is employed by the Luong Lab as a lab assistant and researcher, as well as being employed grading papers for CPH Biostatistics classes. She attended the University of California at Santa Barbara where she studied environmental science and chemistry before moving to the Hawaiian island of Maui to pursue advancement in the scuba diving industry while working in hospitality. Kornberg has a deep passion for the environment and sustainability; a passion that shows through at every level of her work. She ardently supports regenerative farms and cares intensely about people’s health and wellness and the connection to our food supply and ecosystem management. Kornberg sits on the CDFA’s Small Scale Producer Advisory Committee as well as being a board member on the Humboldt Area People’s Archive.

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Hello! My name is J.J. I am a senior undergraduate studying Rangeland Resource Science with a minor in Sustainable Food Systems. My interests include food sovereignty, gardening, and ethnobotany. Cooking with family was a very important aspect of my growing up and inspired my passion for sustainable food systems. One of my favorite plants recently has been one my grandma introduced me to outside her house in Michoacan, Mexico. She called it cinco llagas: Tagetes lunulata. I enjoy spending time in the sun and making fiber arts and other crafts.

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I am a senior majoring in Environmental Science and Management with a concentration in Ecological Restoration. I’m originally from the Washington, D.C. area, but some of my fondest memories come from weekends spent at my uncle’s ranch in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. That’s really where my fascination with livestock care, wildlife, and habitat conservation took root. After relocating to Humboldt County, I started studying redwood ecology and, after taking a rangeland management class, I rekindled my love of ecological restoration. My research interests now focus on ecological restoration in coastal prairies and the application of climate adaptation strategies in coastal environments. Working as a Student Research Assistant in the Luong Lab, I’ve loved learning about Northern California’s unique ecosystems and being part of projects that foster conservation and restoration. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, biking, and saying hi to my favorite redwoods.

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Hi, I am Eli! I am the editor of this website and like many wonderful people around me I am finishing up my Range Resource Science degree. I have a passion for anything analytical and enjoy a healthy mix of plants on the range and electronics. I enjoy things like tissue culture, watch movement repair and audio engineering and am intrested broadly in using parallel computing, design + fabrication, and opensource concepts in areas that still rely on aging infrastructure. If you want to see more of my work you can learn more at eliengine.com - While grasses are cool carnivorous pitcher plants are my favorite especially Nepenthesis Edwardsiana

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Hi, I’m Josh. I’m from the Bay Area, and I am pursuing a degree in Rangeland Resource Science with a concentration in geospatial analysis and a minor in environmental policy. Increasing environmental knowledge and ecological health is a deeply held goal of mine. I’ve been playing in and learning about the natural world my whole life. I have eight months of land management experience, ranging from forest thinning to recreation management to fence repair. I’m secretary of the Range and Soils Club, and I’m interested in a wide range of land management career paths. In my free time, I love backpacking, botanizing, and playing music. My favorite native plant is the Santa Cruz Island buckwheat (Eriogonum arborescens).

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Hi! My name is Max (they/them). I’m from central Florida, and have since moved around California and Oregon for school and work. I’m now a fourth year botany student. My interest in rangeland ecology started during my first field season, where I worked for the Agricultural Research Service in the Oregon high desert. I’m broadly interested in plant ecology in the contexts of conservation, restoration, bioremediation, and plant responses to climate change. Outside of biology, I like reading, crossword puzzles and sudoku, and botanical illustration.

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Hello, I’m Derek! I’m a junior at CPH, majoring in Forestry and Soils. I grew up on a raspberry farm in Bellingham, WA and managed the family business for a decade before moving to Humboldt County to pursue an education in natural resources. I have a particular interest in forest-grassland transition zones, conifer encroachment throughout the PNW, and subalpine plant communities. I’m really grateful to be part of such an ecologically minded community in one of the most beautiful and biodiverse places on the planet. Outside of school I enjoy hiking, photography, and writing music. My favorite grass is Hesperostipa comata and favorite tree is Tsuga mertensiana.

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Hello, my name is Danielle Virnoche, and I am a student assistant in the Luong Lab. I’m currently in my third year at Cal Poly Humboldt studying Forestry with a concentration in Forest Soils. I originally went to college to pursue a degree in psychology, but I realized a more active and outdoors career is what was going to make me happy. I appreciate what my field work and the people I’ve worked with taught me; the most important being that I found the right career path. I hope I can work for the Forest Service as a soil scientist in the future. In my free time, I like playing rugby, practicing logging sports, and riding my motorcycle.

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Hello my name is Tyvone Wilkey-Burrell but my friends call me Ty. I am currently a sophomore at Cal Poly Humboldt and my major is Forestry (Wildland and Fire Management). I also currently have two jobs on campus so if you ever happen to be in Nelson Hall come stop by The Umoja center located on the second floor and say hi. Finally in my free time I like to explore places I haven’t been, go to the beach, and hangout with friends.