As a member of the Computational Support team, I support IBED scientific staff and students with anything related to geospatial data and geographic information systems. I contribute to ongoing research and education, create maps and visualizations, and develop geospatial analysis workflows mostly using ESRI ArcGIS and R/RStudio.
I have a special interest in communicating science to project stakeholders and the public using maps, visualizations and infographics. Here are the story maps that I have created using ArcGIS to highlight specific IBED research projects:
This story map (https://arcg.is/1OPb1X) shows how our team at IBED and Waternet developed a cost-efficient automated camera trap network designed to monitor wildlife in a Natura 2000 protected site. We used ArcGIS to create the sampling design, which integrated detailed geospatial data related to habitat and site features. I also provide support to the field team when they need to change sensor locations and create maps for publications, reports and presentations related to the project.
This story map (https://arcg.is/11u0jj) provides an overview of research carried out during the Interactions between birds and offshore wind farms: drivers consequences and tools for migration project. The project began in 2018 as an effort to develop knowledge and tools to support the sustainable co-existence of birds and offshore wind farms in the North Sea. It was a five-year effort carried out by IBED researchers and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) led by Prof. Dr. Judy Shamoun-Baranes of IBED.
We created an ArcGIS Story Map (https://arcg.is/Xjvy4) to present multi-level digital geomorphological maps developed by the Research Foundation for Alpine and Subalpine Environments and the University of Amsterdam IBED. This innovative, three-digital mapping method was developed in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg and published in 2021 in the Journal of Maps (DOI: 10.1080/17445647.2021.1897047).
As a Research Assistant at IBED from 2018-2019 I worked on the Eemshaven Showcase project, a feasibility study designed to investigate spatial and temporal dynamics of bird migration around the Eemshaven wind park using meteorological radar data. This study aimed to improve knowledge about collision-induced mortality of migrating birds and explore the use of temporary shutdowns to mitigate bird mortality. I analyzed and synthesized radar data, created visualizations for stakeholders and collaborators, and developed and implemented a methodology to use weather forecasts to predict nights of high migration to support field investigations. I also contributed to project management, generating meeting materials and report writing.
I enjoy working on interdisciplinary, collaborative projects with multiple partners from across academia, industry, government and consulting. I have extensive experience in project management, technical writing and facilitating communication among collaborators and stakeholders, especially for large, technical projects. One of my soft skills is fostering a collaborative work environment for researchers and students by ensuring that knowledge and skills are being communicated and shared.
I was a Research Fellow in the Clinical Informatics & Health Outcomes Research Group at University of Surrey, UK, where I supported the Integrate study, a real-world implementation of one-health and big data concepts which focused on innovative, rapid gastroenteritis surveillance based on UK primary care data from 2015-2017. During this project, I developed a special appreciation for ontologies. Prior to making the move to Europe, I worked for over ten years in the United States and Venezuela in the field of environmental consulting which kick-started my interest in GIS and databasing. I also had many opportunities to get my hands dirty doing field work in exotic (and not-so-exotic) locations.