Artun Ereren
Sales Engineer–Concentrationin Central Asian History
Class of 2014
As a Sales Engineer I provide pumping solutions for water, wastewater, and chemical applications.My history degree is so valuable because I have the patience and resilienc erequired for emergencies andcomplex projects. Utilizing the skill of asking the right questions and presenting arguments buildsthe path to successful solutions for my customers.My research skills are also crucial because the technical specifications I must understand are fundamentally historical documents sometimes dating back as far as the 1900’s. Even having a simple appreciation of centuries old infrastructure goes a long way.
Being part of projects where I provide the pumps is very rewarding because I view it as anessential service to the community. By gaining the trust of municipalities and engineering firms-I take pride in being“The Pumpman”when they need help.
Giali Garrison
Chief Litigation and Trial Paralegal
Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP
BA U.S. History, 2015
I leveraged my degree in U.S. History from Cal State Fullerton (2015) to forge a career as Chief Trial Paralegal at a boutique criminal defense firm, where I investigate complex federal cases and support trial teams through jury verdict. The work is immensely challenging, fast paced, deeply meaningful, and provides constant opportunities to learn about new subjects. Looking back, my time in the CSUF history program gave me the tools to succeed in this practice. At CSUF, I learned how to think critically, research thoroughly, analyze causality, and communicate with precision. Studying history helped me understand how context shapes events, which is an insight that now informs how I approach case investigation and the development of legal defenses. Taking part in the criminal justice system is demanding but uniquely rewarding—the stakes are high, but so is the sense of purpose. I’m proud to work alongside attorneys who fight for fairness and due process, and I’m grateful to CSUF (special thanks to professors A. Varzally, S. Smith, and V. Gunther) for laying the foundation that allows me to do this work with integrity and impact.
Jennifer Keil
Founder, 70 Degrees
M.A. in Public History (2014)
As a graduate student, I focused on oral history methodology and public history. This cross-training prepared me for a career in the museum field. I interned at the Nixon Museum, Brea Museum, and Balboa Island Museum during my studies. My academic training at CSUF prepared me for my role with local history. We worked in teams to develop local history exhibitions that included a centennial exhibit for the Nixon Library and a summer exhibit on the Arts and Crafts movement at the Brea Museum. Learning to digitize collections and managing them in open-source systems like Omeka can be incredibly powerful and central to preservation. Upon graduation, I was offered director positions at several museums and cultural centers.
I realized how important oral histories are for community heritage as I explored my own European identity. I had an opportunity to present my research at the Oral History Association conferences with colleagues. I presented my Home Front paper at the Southwest Oral History Association and became the SOHA President (2019-2021). Researching family history and connecting individuals to the collective memory is critical. Oral histories can be exhibited in new formats as we have been doing at 70° with Matterport virtual tours of exhibitions. I founded my company 70 Degrees in 2014 to provide archival, preservation, and exhibition services with my sister, a fellow CSUF Graduate student. We opened the Moulton Museum in 2022 and the Taiwanese American History in 2025. You can learn more at 70degrees.org/exhibit. Jennifer is spearheading the Newport Beach Historical Society’s museum development and 120th citywide anniversary celebration. She serves as an Arts Ambassador for the City of Dana Point.
Amanda McKnight
Chief Operations Administrator
Master of Arts in History (Public History Concentration) – Class of 2017
Bachelor of Arts in History & American Studies – Class of 2015
What I love about my job is that I get to spend every day finding ways to make my team’s work smoother–whether that’s through process optimization, customer support, marketing, or administrative operations. I love the variety in my role; no two days are the same, and that keeps me constantly learning and growing.
My history degrees shaped so much of how I approach my work. From sharpening my writing and research skills to learning how to untangle complex problems, my education gave me the foundation to thrive in any work environment. My experience giving presentations in my classes and working with my fellow students also made me confident in public speaking and group dynamics–skills that have been critical in my career growth. I carry what I learned during my time at CSUF into every part of my professional identity and couldn't be more grateful for my time as Titan."
Jake Wells
B.A. in History, 2019
I launched my sales career using foundational skills from CSUF. This role has allowed me to travel the US, build long-term relationships, and experience new cultures. I leverage my knowledge of history to view situations from diverse perspectives, enabling me to genuinely connect with people and understand their needs. This critical thinking builds strong relationships—the core of sales. I also utilize strong writing skills, an often-underestimated asset for communicating effectively in a fast-paced environment.
JonLuc Christensen, MLIS, DAM
Manager, Office of Knowledge & Content Services (Library, Records, and Archives), NASA/Caltech Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
CSUF Class: 2016, BA History, minor Anthropology
SJSU Class: 2019, Master of Library and Information Sciences (MLIS), Digital Assets Management Advanced Certification
I began at JPL as an intern in the records management group in early 2017 during my first semester of graduate school at San Jose State. Now, I oversee the Records, Archives, and Library departments. I lead a team that preserves and shares the institution’s history, contributing to the value of exploration, education, and history. My history degree provided technical skills in research, primary source handling, historical evaluation, and writing. Meanwhile, the less traditional skills, such as detecting bias, viewing situations from different perspectives, and storytelling, have been crucial in developing from an individual contributor to a leader. Overall, my history degree provided me with fundamental skills that helped me earn the Office of Research Doctoral Fellowship at Utah State University, where I will begin my Doctorate of Education this upcoming Fall.