What is the Conservation Data Lab?!?
Logo design by Chloe Walimaa
The Conservation Data Lab is a “ragtangle nature lovers and scientists hailing from an incredible diversity of backgrounds and skillsets, all here with the purpose of bettering ecosystems and ourselves” (Downing pers comm., 2020).
Started in fall of 2020 by Randy Swaty, Laura Slavsky, Cole Bonino, Mathurin Gagnon and Myles Walimaa, we use the coding language R, mapping software, mostly old laptops and whatever crafty means we come up with to wrangle, explore, map, summarize and present data. We also have some fun along the way!
Do you have a large dataset that needs a little work? Land management questions that require an understanding of vegetation conditions across a large area? Wonder how you might present your data in a new or interactive way?
Co-leads
Rachel Meier: Program management, GIS, Excel, data visualization, mentoring, coffee.
Randy Swaty: Founder and cheerleader-in-chief, R, GIS, data visualization, mentoring, coffee.
Mentors
- Laura Slavsky-forestry, GIS, Excel
- Myles Walimaa-R, QGIS, data wrangling
Current members
- Abril Belgara-GIS and data wrangling
- Avery Merritt-State-and-transition and connectivity modeling
- Beth Teeters-GIS and data wrangling
- Cassie Beghert-GIS and data wrangling
- Cole Bonino-Communications
- Elina Zhang-website and art consultant
- Garrett Knowton-GIS and data wrangling
- Laura Roncal-GIS and data wrangling
- Liz Armstrong-GIS and data wrangling
- Stacy Cotey-GIS and data wrangling
- Stacey Marion-GIS and data wrangling
Adjunct
- Sarah Trujillo-GIS and data wrangling, diversity and inclusion
Alumni
- Anna Wright-off to Colorado State for a Master’s Degree
- Brandon Caltrider-GIS technician and ecologist with the Superior Bio Conservancy
- Cassidy Downing-intern with Wyoming Wildlife Federation
- Celeste Basken-intern with US Department of Agriculture
- Julia Olsen-ecologist with Isle Royale NP, heading to graduate school
- Mathurin Gagnon-off to University of Michigan for undergraduate degree
- Scott Benhart-hatchery technician, WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Pre-CDL contributors
- Nick Leach
- Alanis Gonzalez
- Kati Gross
- Andrea Denham
- Piersen Suriano
Important Supporters
- Campfire CoWorks- https://campfirecoworks.spaces.nexudus.com/en
- Shea Lutton
- Ron Leonard
- Sarah Bixby
- Chloe Walimaa