GIS

  

I first learned about GIS in 2007 in a course using ArcGIS 9.3. I subsequently assisted in teaching an Intro to GIS course, took higher-level GIS courses, and used GIS in my undergraduate senior thesis and graduate school projects. In my current and past positions as a GIS Specialist, I am frequently using ArcGIS 10.4. In these two positions, I have spent most of my time working with raster data analysis, e.g. proximity analysis, overlays, statistics. See my Resume and Projects pages for more on my GIS work. I taught myself ArcGIS Online and Web AppBuilder when I was at Waterborne Environmental to share interactive data online. I have used these skills to develop web maps and surveys at the Wisconsin DNR. I was also teaching myself QGIS, because open-source access to spatial tools is extremely important. 

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Coding

  

I have always been interested in automating geoprocessing and learning how to code. I was accepted to the Intensive Summer School for Computing in Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia and learned the basics of Python and high-performance computing. In my current and previous job I use ArcPy for geoprocessing and am looking for more opportunities to code. I have taken a few basic courses in R Programming, taught myself how to use R with spatial data, and ran and manipulated population models in R for endangered species risk assessment at Waterborne Environmental. In my current position, I taught myself to use R for spatial statistics, which helped contribute to one publication in the journal Ecology. I also taught myself how to run Species Distribution Models (SDM) in R for my Karner blue butterfly project (see Projects page).

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Communication

  

Not only do I have strong technical skills, but I am recognized as a highly-skilled communicator. I have presented posters and presentations at several conferences, and won 3 awards for poster presentations. One award was specifically for the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to people outside of my field. In my current position as the Northeast-Midwest LANDFIRE Coordinator, the main part of my job is making contact with and collaborating with individuals from 20 states. I have excelled in connecting with a wide array of personalities and backgrounds, forming numerous trusting and productive relationships. My work also involves giving lots of presentations, some of which have recordings available on my Projects page.

 

Networking

 

I have developed personal and professional connections with several conservation non-profit organizations, state agencies, federal government agencies, consulting firms, town associations, and volunteer groups across the U.S. I excel at poster presentations at conferences and making connections with people in my area of work. 

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Leadership

 

My passion for my work and interests have led me to become an effective leader. I started the first environmental group at my high school, was an active member and co-president of the environmental group at the University of Richmond, and initiated recycling programs on campus. In my professional life, I have started managing projects much earlier than many employees due to my natural ability to lead. I am extremely motivated and driven, and seek opportunities to empower others. 

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Field work

 

My experience in field work ranges from plant species surveys in Michigan prairies, to coral and sponge research in the Florida Keys, to building deer fences and setting up plant experiments on steep hills. I always jump on the opportunity to participate in field work and I hope to do more in the future.

 

Plant identification

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I took a plant taxonomy course at the University of Virginia's biological station, Mountain Lake, which involved going out in the woods and practicing our skills every day for three weeks. I have subsequently been working on my skills on my own (see iNaturalist) and frequently go on walks with Virginia Master Naturalists who continue to teach me even more.