Physical geographer with experience utilizing spatial problem-solving techniques and participating in interdisciplinary approaches to public outreach and provision of customer service to diverse audiences in order to protect environmental quality for ecological and human health.

Education

2014 – 2017 | Bemidji State University
Geography, B.S. Physical Geography

Geographic Information Science

Minor GPA: 3.20

2017 – 2020 | Nipissing University

Environmental Science, M.S.

Impact

From internships to public speaking events to the individual attention to student progress that is only possible at a small university like BSU, I will always be grateful for the Geography Department providing innumerable opportunities to develop spatial analysis and cartographic skills I now put to use amongst geologists, engineers, toxicologists, and policy experts to improve environmental conditions and plan for the future. I’ve designed and implemented a year-round river water sampling regime for Ontario’s 235km² Wistiwasing watershed, and I’m now responsible for making sure contaminated sites in Michigan are adequately characterized so that appropriate steps can be taken to protect people and the environment. While geographic problem solving began for me in BSU classrooms, its applications have proved boundless.

Experience

2021 – Present |Environmental Quality Analyst

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Jackson District, Remediation and Redevelopment Division

Responsible for managing remediation investigation of and responses to above-ground releases of chemicals from petroleum, manufacturing and dry cleaners that can cause an array of health concerns.

2020 – 2021 | District Technician

Saginaw Conservation District, Saginaw, MI

• Site visits & interviews with agricultural producers about nutrient and tillage practices.
• Soil sampling and Nutrient Management Plan writing in four Saginaw River Watershed counties.
• Grant research and application for new and continued funding of conservation activities.

2016 | Conservation Apprentice / Mapping Technician
East Polk Soil and Water Conservation District, McIntosh, MN

• Identified and collected GPS waypoints for noxious invasive plants.
• Surveyed streams for clarity, temperature, & pH, and reported water depth for lakes, wetland piezometers, and state observation wells.
• Informed landowners of conservation programs/grants and new regulations.