A Bit About Me

Personal Overview

Hello there!!! This is the part where I tell you a little bit about myself so you have a little more context about me and where I’m coming from.

As an Environmental Data Scientist and PhD Candidate in Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University, my work resides at the dynamic intersection of traditional field-based ecology, geospatial analysis, and data science. My journey as a researcher spans from the Canadian Shield's rugged rock outcroppings and the boreal forests of the Boundary Waters-Quetico ecosystems to high-latitude polar ecosystems, with a special emphasis on Antarctica. My academic and research endeavors are anchored in the Lynch Lab for Quantitative Ecology, where I am dedicated to pioneering new methodologies for acquiring environmental and ecological data. My goal is to leverage these insights to unravel the complex realities of climate change in Antarctica and to communicate these discoveries effectively to drive meaningful change.

I'm passionate about the intersection of innovative research and technology methodologies and novel design frameworks, which encompass the use of remotely-piloted aircraft systems (drones), Earth-orbiting satellites, and advanced machine learning techniques. This multi-faceted approach allows me to delve deep into the interactions between Antarctic predators and their environments, exploring how environmental factors influence animal behaviors, migration patterns, and overall health over time. A significant aspect of my work focuses on the correlation between multi-decadal sea ice declines and their consequential impacts on penguin populations across Antarctica. By integrating these various technologies and analytical methods, my aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem dynamics in the face of climate change, contributing valuable insights towards global ecological conservation efforts.

Moreover, I deeply value the idea of free, open-access, reproducible work and data. Data justice (the fair and equitable use, collection, and distribution of data) is really important to me. I strive to make materials fully accessible for those who want to use them. Whether you're a scientist, an educator, or even a student who has never programmed before and is just interested in getting their feet wet, I make sure that the works I put together are accessible and useful no matter who you are.

Current Research Initiatives

At the forefront of my current research initiatives is the development of computational pipelines designed to process and analyze ecological and geospatial data. Central to these efforts are Machine Learning techniques, which are instrumental in deepening our understanding of the intricate interactions between the environment and Antarctic wildlife. This work goes beyond merely predicting future changes; it involves crafting models that offer valuable insights into the complex interplay between environmental variables and animal behaviors.

A key component of my research is the construction of a multi-decadal assessment of winter sea ice conditions around the Antarctic Peninsula. This assessment utilizes data from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMI) and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) Unified datasets. Through this analysis, I aim to elucidate long-term trends and variations in sea ice coverage and thickness, providing crucial context for understanding the ecological shifts affecting Antarctic species. By integrating these satellite-based observations with Machine Learning models, we can more precisely explore how environmental changes correlate with shifts in wildlife populations and distributions.

This research not only advances our scientific understanding of Antarctic ecosystems but also plays a vital role in informing conservation strategies and policy decisions. These efforts are aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on vulnerable polar species, ensuring their survival in an increasingly changing world.

Technical Skills

  • Programming and Software Development: Python, R, SQL, Regular Expressions (Regexp), GitHub, Markdown, LATEX, High-Performance Computing (HPC), Amazon Web Services (AWS), Visual Studio Code, Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS Suite, QGIS, Trimble eCognition, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Final Cut Pro, Ableton Suite.

  • Machine Learning and Data Science: Machine Learning Algorithms, Bayesian Statistics, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA), Random Forest Model, Data-Driven Research, Data Processing and Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, Temporal Data Analysis, Geospatial Statistical Analysis, Image Classification, Change Detection, Population and Community Ecology.

  • Geospatial and Remote Sensing: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing Techniques, Satellite Imagery Analysis (Landsat, Quickbird, Worldview, ICESat-2, MAXAR Worldview Legion, Planet constellations), Structure from Motion (SfM), Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Orthorectification, Geospatial Visualization, Cartographic Product Development, RPAS (drone) survey design, execution and analysis.

  • Research and Analysis: Scientific Research, Ecosystem Dynamics, Climate Change Impacts, Ecological Monitoring, Resource Selection Patterns, Habitat Characteristics, Multi-Decadal Trend Analysis, Fine-Scale Sea Ice Feature Extraction, Habitat Suitability Modeling, Presence/Absence Investigations.

  • Project Management and Leadership: Project Design and Implementation, Pipeline Development, Supervision of Graduate and Undergraduate Researchers, Resource Allocation and Management, Data Curation and Quality Assessment, Workshop Facilitation, Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration, Field Operations Support.

Education

  • PhD Candidate in Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University

  • MA in Geographic Information Science, University of Minnesota

Active Licenses and Certifications

  • Wilderness Medicine Institute

    • CPR Certification

    • Defibrillator Certification

    • Epinephrine Auto-injector Certification

    • Wilderness First Responder

  • National Outdoor Leadership School

    • Leave No Trace Certified Instructor

  • Federal Aviation Administration

    • FAA Certified UAS Pilot (175 flight hours)

  • International Maritime Organization

    • Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Certification

Let’s Work Together