A Hike in the Santa Barbara Mountains with Steve Duneier

by Elizabeth Acebu

When you come to UCSB, you will not only receive a world class education.  You will also have the opportunity to live in a city that is so remarkable in its natural beauty that it’s been called the American Riviera.  Locals love the beaches, the city, the proximity to wine country and the many hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.

Recently, several of our Master of Technology Management students asked if MTM lecturer Steve Duneier (who teaches decision analysis in the MTM and TMP Programs)  would take them on a hike.   Since he loves hiking and is always delighted to introduce new people to the many spectacular trails in our region, he gladly agreed and on a recent Friday afternoon -- in what would be the dead of winter in most places -- they had a great outing in the Santa Barbara Mountains on a gorgeous sunny day.

Steve took 7 students to local’s favorite Lizard’s Mouth, a unique sandstone outcropping popular for bouldering and with great city views, and then Knapp’s Castle -- an enormous “ruin” of a mansion that sits high above the city, with stunning panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Valley and  haunting sandstone remnants of the grand home that once was there. 

As MTM Student Yanek Metzner put it:  “Santa Barbara is such a great place; nestled between the mountains and the beaches, there are so many things to do with no more than 20 minutes of driving. No wonder UCSB has some of the highest student satisfaction ratings!”

Thanks, Steve, for a great day trip for our students!  The involvement of people like Steve is a huge asset to the Master of Technology Management Program at UCSB.  Steve is the CEO of Bija Advisors and has over 30 years experience in finance and applying cognitive science to coach hedge fund managers, CIO’s and asset allocators to improve performance.  Not to mention, he’s also an artist who has exhibited at the Sullivan Goss gallery.  And yet, he still finds the time to teach our MTM and TMP students...both in the classroom and outside!

 

 

   

--The Master of Technology Management (MTM) program at UC Santa Barbara is designed to catapult engineers and scientists into leadership positions — within both startups and established companies. This 9-month, intensive program is designed to teach the frameworks, skills, and techniques you need to be a successful technology manager. No fluff, no filler.  The MTM degree will get you further, faster.