Project
Experience
The following are selected projects which showcase my experience and project management skills. If you have questions about a specific project please let me know, and I would be happy to provide additional details and photos!
Wetland Delineation - Oahu
Project Senior Scientist 2024 - Current
In my role as a Senior Scientist on this project, I worked to delineate wetlands on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a DoD Client. A detailed understanding of wetland plant ecology, hydrology, and soil science in Hawaii is needed to perform this task, and ensure that wetlands are clearly identified and limits are defined. This work is important in defining jurisdictional boundaries for permitting efforts, and protecting wetlands and Waters of the United States from impacts of development activities.
Dune Restoration - Marine Corps Training Area Bellows (MCTAB)
Project Senior Scientist 2024 - Current
In my role as a senior scientist on this project, I worked with our client to design and implement a pilot project for the restoration of an important coastal dune ecosystem in Waimanalo, Oahu, Hawaii. My role in this project was to assist with the restoration and planting design, and to coordinate the removal of invasive vegetation from the site. The pilot project is underway, with the full restoration design nearing completion.
Shoreline Restoration - Lake Erie
Project Manager 2018-2023
As Project Manager, my task was to oversee all elements of the restoration of almost 1,500 linear feet of Great Lakes Shoreline on Lake Erie. This project was designed to remove a hardened shoreline, regrade the slope to allow for use by native herptile species, and improve nearshore fishing habitat. Additionally, the project aimed to restore hydrologic function to important wetlands via hydraulic and mechanical dredging.
Ecosystem Restoration
Program Manager 2016-2023
As Chief of Natural Resources, I have had the opportunity to plan and oversee dozens of restoration efforts in Michigan. My project experience spans from upland terrestrial, to wetland, and in-water restorations. Each of these restoration projects seek to achieve specific goals, primarily the improvement of biodiversity, reduction of invasive species, and increased resiliency of the habitat to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances.
Threatened and Endangered Species Management
Program Manager 2019-2023
Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species require special consideration and careful management. I have had the opportunity to promote recovery of T&E species in a variety of habitats, and have been responsible for managing lands and waters that are core to the recovery of these species. I have also had to opportunity to work collaboratively with state and federal agencies to form and enact recovery plans. I have a great deal of experience in navigating the regulatory concerns presented by managing T&E species' habitat.
Prescribed Fire
Program Manager 2016-2023
Fire is a key element to the healthy function of a number of habitats in the United States. I have had the opportunity to work as a certified Wildland Firefighter (FFT2), working in the field to conduct prescribed fires. I have also had the opportunity to manage this program, write burn prescription plans, secure permitting, organize training, and generally administer this program in order to achieve safe and effective burns.
Strategic Planning
Team Lead 2016-2023
Strategic planning and partnerships are the core of any successful organization. I have participated, in a leadership role, in the development of a number of strategic plans including:
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Detroit Zoo and Metroparks Strategic Partnership Plan (In Draft)
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Metroparks Climate Action Plan (Download here)
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Metroparks Deer herd and Ecosystem management plan (Link here)
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Endangered Species Recovery plans for Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake , and Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid (Download here)
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Oakland County Landscape Stewardship plan (Link here)
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Oakland County Strategic Invasive Species Management Plan (Link here)
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These efforts have given me great insight into the strategic planning process, and have taught me many lessons in collaborative development of unified strategies and goals.
Wildlife Survey and Management
Program Manager 2018-2023
Managing Wildlife is a complex endeavor, which requires the navigating of regulatory compliance, human interactions with wildlife, and a variety of public stakeholders. In my experience at the Metroparks, I was responsible for conducting and overseeing a wide variety of survey and management efforts. These include performing aerial survey, radio-telemetry, camera trapping, and transect survey.
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My experience also spans to the responsible management of wildlife. I have spent years designing, evaluating, and implementing wildlife management plans. These plans rest on sound scientific and statistical inputs, utilize best management practices and methodologies, and provide for clear communication of goals and outcomes to the public, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
Public Communication, Outreach, and Education
Program Manager 2016-2023
The collaborative process of ecological restoration and management requires the clear and frequent communication with the public, and outreach to stakeholders. I have had the opportunity to be trained in media relations, and to help design responses to public events such as pollution events, natural disasters, and other critical situations.
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I have also had extensive experience in designing and deploying education pieces and outreach campaigns for both internal stakeholders, and the public at large. One recent piece can be found here, where I worked with my staff and our marketing department to highlight and promote the importance of ecological restoration, and the teams that get it done.
Working with the public and promoting volunteerism in ecological restoration efforts has been a great opportunity for me to engage with the public and speak about the work that we do. An example of a public talk I have given recently can be found here.
