Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development MS
St. Louis River Estuary and Geotools Projects

I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin with degrees in environmental studies and biology after a roundabout journey that included time in the engineering department, a stint as a pre-med.

I recently decided to stay for another year and complete the GIS certificate program and am looking to exploring the possibilities of the field. My current role as a project assistant for the St. Louis RIver Estuary project will help me gain hands-on experience with educational applications of GIS. Eventually I hope to pursue a masters degree possibly as a continuation of the landscape conservation/education route that I am currently following.

In my personal life, I am techy, with a strong affinity for photography and film, and music. I love traveling (particularly to places others might miss), camping, backpacking, fishing, and pretty much anything else involving the outdoors.

Research

As the PA for St. Louis River Estuary project, I am working as a media specialist, arranging and enhancing photos and audio for the project web portal. I also arranged an expansive database of resources related to the estuary, including articles from journals, newspapers, and magazines. Other projects include the development of a place-based games using the ARIS mobile gaming platform. These games incorporate stories, science, and locations from the estuary to create a synoptic, interactive experience for students and educators. We are creating the games with the understanding that the most effective way to learn the importance and history of a location is to immerse yourself in the stories, on site. Eventually, I will transition into the creation of GIS-based materials including a web ‘deep map’ that will incorporate locations and perspectives from within the estuary.