Education
M.S. Geography, Virginia Tech, present
B.S. Geological Sciences, Minor in Environmental Science, Virginia Tech, 1996
Research Project Title and Description
Modeling the Incidence of White Pine Blister Rust Infection in Whitebark Pine at Alpine Treeline in the Northern Rocky Mountains using GIS
My thesis combines biogeographic and geospatial components. It revolves around alpine treeline dynamics related to environmental conditions, topographic factors, and the influence of exotic, invasive species. Specifically, my research objective is to use GIS to model the geographic correlates of blister rust infection throughout the range of whitebark pine across alpine landscapes of the northern Rocky Mountains. Blister rust is an exotic, invasive fungal pathogen causing high mortality rates in white pines, and the environmental variables that may contribute to its success at treeline are uncertain. Combining field collection of presence/absence of infected vegetation data, and terrain representation through GIS/GPS technologies, I stratified and analyzed blister rust incidence and environmental variables spatially across the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountain Continental Divide in Glacier National Park, Montana. Through spatial analysis of many different variables, I hope to determine patterns of incidence for this disease.
Career and Academic Interests
Biogeography, Geomorphology, GIS, and their integration in understanding distribution, disturbance and climatic impacts on vegetative species. I would like to pursue a career in the geospatial field, integrating environmental, GIS/GPS, and Remote Sensing technologies for purposes of advancing our understanding of natural systems and creating geospatial solutions.
Research or Teaching Activities
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Mountain Geography (Dr. Resler) Spring 2008/2009
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Introduction to GIS (Dr. Carstensen) Fall 2007/2008
Graduate Research Assistant: Center for Geospatial Information Technology Fall 2007/Spring 2008
GIS Research Assistant: Center for Geospatial Information Technology – Spring/Summer 2007
Advisor* and Committee
Lynn Resler
Bill Carstensen
Korine Kolivras
