Greg Gearheart
Year Graduated: 
1992

Director, Information Management and Analysis

CA Water Boards

Job Description

Act as Data Liberation Officer for CA Water Boards, overseeing the data lifecycles of some high value datasets regarding water quality, water rights, drinking water and use. I advocate for open data and data literacy at all levels of the organization as well as engage with public and partners on use of our data.

Why did you choose this program?

It sort of chose me, ha. My dad was a professor in the program when I was a kid and throughout my experience at Humboldt. After going to a different (UC) campus and trying different majors, I ended up back at Humboldt wondering what I should do. My love of all things water and math and creative problem solving, and more importantly my desire to serve, led me to enroll in the ERE program.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

In so many ways. I entered the work force with excellent writing skills, analysis experience, a broad understanding of water quality issues and solutions, and a passion for collaborative problem solving. My colleagues assumed I had a graduate degree and I got all this from my BS at Humboldt. I made lifelong ERE friends who I still work with at the Water Boards.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

Working with the professors and students on projects and access to real-life issues. One of the things I struggled with in college was trying to apply the learning in classroom (and in books) to real issues I cared about, and the culture in ERE was ready to help.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

Go talk to people there and get a sense of the whole culture. Chances are it is similar to how I remember but there is no substitute for visiting and talking (and listening) to people there now. The region is spectacular to me but I have learned it is not for everyone, another great reason to go visit.