Curriculum Vitae

Thesis: Conservation, Connectivity, and Coexistence: Understanding Corridor Efficacy in Fragmented Landscapes

Thesis: The Steppingstones of Dispersal in Felidae

Sections: Maths for Map Makers, The Language of Graphics, Labels and Composition, Going 3D, Mapping Movement and Change

Courses: Digital Image Analysis, GIS for Applied Research, Advanced GIS, Application Development with Python Programming, Advanced GIS Programming, LiDAR Data Analysis in GIS (audit)

• Provides technical, scientific, and liaison expertise across Audubon’s internal and external network to support regional, national, and hemispheric bird conservation initiatives.

1. Investigates how climate and land-use changes impact birds and ecosystems throughout the Americas to inform landscape-scale conservation planning and decision-making.
2. Conducts spatial and statistical analysis to create cartographic and data-driven science products for managers on-the-ground and scientific publications.
3. Utilizes ArcGIS, R, and Python to collect, manage, process, analyze, and communicate results of geospatial data science to diverse audiences.

• Developed a process using R and Python to improve data integrity collected through Audubon's community science program Climate Watch.

1. Identified data gaps in terms of target species geographic coverage and demographic representation of volunteers to strategically improve the program.

• Participates in the Science Team’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) Working Group that develops and/or implements processes that integrate Audubon’s EDIB Conservation Principles into our science and partnerships.
• Joined Audubon's Access Affinity Group leadership team in July 2024.

• Inventoried forests to estimate tree biomass and quantify carbon storage using field data collection, spatial modeling, and statistical analysis.

1. Identified tree species, and measured tree DBH, height, visual obstruction, and ground cover.
2. Quantified coarse woody debris to estimate hours of fuel on the ground and determine fire hazards.

• Examined the relationship between carbon storage and avian richness using point count estimates.

1. Collected, acquired, optimized, and analyzed spatially explicit data using ArcGIS and R.

• Investigated the influence wetland and forest composition/configuration has on the prevalence of avian malaria in the context of global climate change.

1. Collected GPS data; mist netted, live handled, and identified avian species to collect blood samples and morphometric data (e.g., age, sex, weight, wing length).
2. Detected malaria using DNA extraction of blood samples and PCR amplification; optimized PCR primers.
3. Collected mosquitoes and black flies to identify parasites in blood smears using microscopy.

• Created an ArcGIS StoryMap, Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation, to communicate the interdisciplinary approach linking social and ecological systems.
• Trained the research team in small mammal trapping protocols using Sherman traps and scouting landscapes to identify areas of suitable habitat.
• Addressed complex biocultural conservation issues in one of the world's most pristine ecosystems.

1. Focused research and discussions on climate change, disease ecology, avian hosts and insect vectors, habitat structure, threats to biodiversity conservation, socio-cultural perspectives on biodiversity, biocultural diversity, ecological processes, and biodiversity assessments.

• Achieved proficiency in effectively communicating technical information to non-technical audiences.

1. Applied several teaching techniques to accommodate various learning styles of students.

• Promoted to lead TA in January 2022; evaluated and implemented recommendations to improve course curriculum.

1. Actively trained new TAs weekly to aid in their pedagogy development and success.
2. Reliably prepared weekly presentations, exams, learning materials, and organized the online course for all TAs to use.

• Revised 10 modules, lab exercises, and weekly presentation materials to facilitate lab productivity and enhance the learning process.

1. Published the 2nd edition lab manual, Field & Laboratory Methods for Environmental Science for Non-majors.

• Interpreted and synthesized experimental results to lead ~110 individualized class discussions.

1. Cultivated an inclusive learning environment to encourage students' commitment to lifelong learning by connecting course content to current events and broader environmental issues.

• Demonstrated and supervised field/lab experiments for 11-course sections with ~24 students each.

1. Tested water quality of pond and municipal samples to compare dissolved oxygen, contaminant levels, pH, and turbidity.
2. Acquired the skills to assess, devise, and apply prairie restoration strategies to promote wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, and restore native prairies for pollinators.
3. Measured nutrient levels, pH, and soil structure/texture to compare soil health between different land uses.
4. Assessed the influence fertilizers and temperature have on dissolved oxygen content in freshwater ecosystems.
5. Collected and identified benthic macroinvertebrates and biomonitors to assess aquatic habitat quality in local streams.
6. Analyzed changes in the global climate over time (e.g., carbon dioxide levels, sea levels, global temperature).

• Maintained responsibility for weekly lab exercise prep following lab protocol for all TA sections (2021).

• Provided technical, scientific, and liaison support for a long-term international collaborative project.

1. Processed, analyzed, and managed >2 TB of geospatial data using ArcGIS.
2. Completed a workflow for project team to implement geospatial processing across 11+ international landscapes.
3. Assisted with the international transportation of field and lab equipment, implementing field sampling, and training collaborators in field data collection following project protocols.
4. Developed and cultivated a strong rapport with collaborators in 5 countries.
5. Supported community-led conservation efforts; learned local decision-making processes and needs.
6. Implemented country-specific policies with data collection to support long-term collaborative conservation goals.

• Prepared presentations for internal and external partners to implement feedback and meet multi-user objectives.

1. Strengthened communication of technical and complex geospatial information to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Trained colleagues in best practices for utilizing ArcGIS and R, troubleshooting, and data management to meet their project objectives.
• Administered geospatial lab computer systems/programs to facilitate use.

• Provided scientific and technical support to streamline and implement geospatial processing for a long-term international collaborative project.

1. Standardized spatial data collection and analysis to meet project objectives and facilitate geospatial processing across 11+ international landscapes using ArcGIS.
2. Performed quality control and optimized >4,500 GPS points to integrate with spatial analysis.
3. Analyzed satellite imagery for 3 landscapes to assess forest and rangeland habitat quality and digitize 14 habitat patch boundaries for connectivity models.

• Assessed current GIS technologies to apply the best and develop new geospatial processes to assess conservation corridor efficacy and inform land and wildlife management.

1. Thoroughly documented methodological approaches and troubleshooting.

• Organized and presented geospatial data to update the project team and implement feedback to meet multi-user objectives.

• Provided geospatial processing, analysis, and data management support for a long-term international collaborative project, Do Corridors Work?, in conjunction with field data collection and genetic analysis.
• Consistently executed spatial and statistical analysis for 3 landscapes to produce cartographic and data-driven products that inform conservation planning and support best management practices for wildlife corridors.

1. Developed R and Python scripts to facilitate spatial and statistical analysis from multiple data sources in conjunction with ArcGIS.
2. Analyzed, interpreted, and synthesized geospatial data for publication and technical reports.
3. Updated, manipulated, managed, and ensured accuracy of spatial and non-spatial data to meet project objectives.

• Developed spatially explicit environmental models to quantify landscape connectivity using ArcGIS, R, Python, and Circuitscape.

1. Analyzed satellite imagery, classified land covers, and corrected errors to produce raster layers with overall >92% accuracy.
2. Measured gene flow across natural wildlife corridors to assess corridor efficacy using ArcGIS, R, and GenAlEx.
3. Extensively reviewed literature to develop expert literature-based raster models for 4 small mammals.

• Applied best and personally developed spatial approaches and tools to facilitate geospatial processing and data analysis.

1. Thoroughly documented methodological approaches and troubleshooting.
2. Implemented on-the-ground knowledge with modeling to conduct spatial analysis with higher accuracy.

• Produced cartographic and data-driven products following journal guidelines to support land and wildlife management using ArcGIS and R.

1. Debugged R scripts for statistical analysis; promptly shared with colleagues.
2. Processed, analyzed, interpreted, and synthesized spatial data for publication.

• Thoroughly reviewed pertinent literature to develop research question(s) and collect subspecies demographic data for statistical analysis.
• Assessed the influence varying levels of human disturbance has on the viability of 3 geographically distinct populations.

1. Informed global conservation efforts about recovering wild tiger populations through reintroduction, habitat restoration, and reducing human-wildlife conflict.

• Organized and managed project database in a collaborative workspace environment.

• Produced cartographic and data-driven products following journal guidelines to support land and wildlife management using ArcGIS.

1. Automated spatial analysis and data management using ModelBuilder.
2. Developed spatially explicit models using geospatial data from multiple sources.
3. Extensively reviewed literature to develop expert literature-based raster models using spatially explicit environmental data.
4. Analyzed, interpreted, and synthesized geospatial data and results.

• Conducted spatial and statistical analysis to assess the influence habitat loss has on 9 big cat populations classified as endangered, vulnerable, and near-threatened.

• Assisted the project manager with training local collaborators in field data collection following project protocols.

1. Scouted landscapes to identify forest patches suitable for small mammal trapping, forest inventory, and spatial modeling.
2. Collected GPS data, set Sherman transects, live handled and identified small mammals, collected ear tissue samples and morphometric data (e.g., sex, weight, total length, hind foot length).
3. Identified tree species, measured tree DBH, height, visual obstruction, and ground cover to assess forest habitat health.
4. Set acoustic monitors to assess the influence of sound pollution on small mammal populations.

• Set mist nets, identified bat species, and collected morphometric data (e.g., sex, weight, total length, wingspan).
• Established and maintained strong working relationships with partners in academia and local communities.

1. Supported community-led conservation efforts; learned local decision-making processes and needs.
2. Met with local landowners with collaborators to discuss field sampling on private land.

• Assisted with training a new graduate student in field data collection following project protocols for small mammal trapping and forest inventory.

1. Collected GPS data; set Sherman transects; identified tree species, measured tree DBH, height, visual obstruction, and ground cover to assess forest habitat health.

• Assisted the project manager with training local collaborators in field data collection following project protocols.

1. Collected GPS data, measured tree DBH, height, visual obstruction, ground cover; identified tree species.
2. Set acoustic monitors and camera traps.

• Established and maintained a strong working relationship with partners in private sectors and local communities.

1. Met with the director of a national government agency with collaborators to discuss permit acquisition and contracts for field sampling.
2. Supported community-led conservation efforts; learned local decision-making processes and needs.

• Collected field data and conducted lab work following project protocols with the project manager and local collaborators.

1. Utilized a mobile genetics lab to extract DNA from fecal and tissue samples.
2. Conducted walking scat surveys to collect fecal samples for mesocarnivore genetic analysis.
3. Scouted landscapes to identify forest patches suitable for small mammal trapping, forest inventory, and spatial modeling.
4. Collected GPS data, set Sherman transects, live handled and identified small mammals, collected ear tissue samples and morphometric data (e.g., sex, weight, tail length, ear size).
5. Identified tree species, measured tree DBH, height, visual obstruction, and ground cover to assess forest habitat health.
6. Set acoustic monitors and camera traps to capture and assess disturbances on small mammal populations.

• Established and maintained strong working relationships with partners in academia and private sectors.

• Volunteered 30 hours to assist a colleague with field data collection.

1. Located quail using telemetry and triangulation to understand habitat use and home ranges.
2. Located quail mortalities using telemetry; identified cause of mortality to understand predator-prey relationships.
3. Collected GPS data; identified tree species, measured tree DBH, height, visual obstruction, and ground cover to assess forest habitat health.

• Surveyed a near threatened Greater Prairie-chicken lek to assess courtship displays and breeding behaviors.
• Collected field data following project protocols with the project manager project co-PI, and local collaborators.

1. Scouted landscapes to identify forest patches suitable for small mammal trapping, forest inventory, and spatial modeling.
2. Collected GPS data, set Sherman transects, live handled and identified small mammals, collected ear tissue samples and morphometric data (e.g., sex, weight, total length, ear size).
3. Identified tree species, measured tree DBH, height, visual obstruction, and ground cover to assess forest habitat health.

• Established and maintained a strong working relationship with the local field technician.

• Designed and presented a poster of research methods and results at the MMC 3rd Annual Student Showcase.

1. Received Student Showcase Award.

• Sequenced mice DNA using extraction of tissue samples and PCR amplification.
• Compared and aligned sequences among taxa to infer evolutionary relationships.

1. Utilized DNA Subway, a bioinformatics pipeline, for DNA barcoding and phylogenetics.

• Measured gene expression using DNA extraction of plant tissue samples and PCR amplification.
• Evaluated the influence varying NaCl concentrations have on plant roots using seeds grown in lab growth chamber.
• Designed and presented a poster of research methods and results to the MMC science department.

Baxter-Slye J with Contributions from Long AM, Kalta B (2022). Field & laboratory methods for environmental science for non-majors (2nd edition). Department of Biological Sciences at University of North Texas. Kendall Hunt Publishing.

Long AM, Farr CM, LeBaron GS, Michel NL, Saunders SP, Bateman BL. Climate Watch: A community science program where birding is for everybody and every body.

Long AM, Bateman B, Feng E, Grand J, Reault S, Saunders S, Taylor L, Wu J, Wilsey C. Nature-based solutions: Opportunities to benefit biodiversity, climate mitigation, and human communities across the Midwest.

Long AM, Spence ES, Travis J, Beier P, Gregory AJ, Bullock J. An enhanced Methodology for Applied Modeling of Structural and Functional Connectivity.

*Abstract accepted

Hendrickson B, Rezaee M, Long AM, Green R, Gregory AJ. Greater Sage-Grouse are an Umbrella Species for Shrub Steppe Bird Communities at a Range-Wide scale.

*Co-author

Long AM, Spence ES, Travis J, Beier P, Gregory AJ, Bullock J. Do wildlife corridors conserve wildlife?

Long AM, Lombard A, Johnson L, Wagner J. Mice DNA barcoding.

*Received Student Showcase Award

Long AM, Lombard A, Wagner J. The Effects Different Concentrations of NaCl have on Plant Root Peroxidase.