Specializing in geographical and analysis software systems to manage plant diseases and insects. Extensive experience conducting field biology experiments internationally.
My professional career in biology began in the late 1990’s and first worked on a large scale insect population analysis project. This research focused on geographical distribution of Lymantria dispar L. (Spongy moth). My responsibilities included both field biology and computer science and I had the opportunity to work on the subsequent major versions that would go on the become the Integrated Plant Health Inspection System (IPHIS) which is currently used by plant quarantine agencies throughout the U.S. and Mexico.
In 2006-2007 I had the opportunity to work with the U.S. Peace Corps in Fungolimbi, Sénégal. I worked at the village level teaching technologies and techniques to increase the diversity and number of trees and vegetables planted with the goal to improve agriculture production and farm incomes. We created and designed community tree nurseries that were used for training and produced saplings for planting within remote villages.
I also assisted with the pruning and propagation of live fencing, introduced fast growing and drought resistant species. Worked with pilot farmers that were interested in planting large vegetable plots. Using local resources, we introduced techniques to increase the germination rates of desired vegetable species and the strength of seedlings for planting within family compounds.
After returning from the Peace Corps I returned to work with plant and insect epidemiological outbreaks. I developed applications with ESRI based systems and managed large numbers of mobile data collections units. I assisted with the design of scientific databases, performed QA testing of new features and hosted weekly meetings for both engineering and end user support teams.
• Regression testing of field data loggers and Linux desktop applications.
• Increased accuracy of research measurements.
• Produced outreach materials and presentations for a variety of groups.
Contact me for a free initial 20 minute consultation to see if I can assist your agriculture production or biological research.