3D visual representation of Shackleton crater on the south pole of the moon as a potential landing zone. (Image credit: ETHZ\LPI\Valentin T. Bickel and David A. Kring)
Academic Research Interests:
My academic research interests on exploring the intersection of space studies and outdoor environmental education. I concentrate my research with the interdisciplinary studies of climate science, Geographic Information System (GIS), and natural resources. In order to bridge the gap of space science and outdoor education offers fascinating research opportunities, particularly in the unique context of sending insects to space. This interdisciplinary approach can reveal how space travel impacts biodiversity and how insects key contributors to ecosystems adapt to extraterrestrial environments.
Academic Interdisciplinary Research Topics:
Citizen science, community gardens, stewardship, field studies, ethnoentomology, naturalism, environmentalism, outdoor education, natural resources, sacred sites, experimental archeology, digital anthropology, remote learning
Contour depiction of a moon's crater. (Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center)
Downloadable deliverables (PDF files):
Professional Resume
Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Environmental Science & Policy. University of South Florida, 2024
Florida Ecosystems (EVR4930)
Wetland Environments (EVR4027)
Forest Ecology & Management (EVR4163)
Wildlife Research Methods (EVR3218)
Environmental Hydrology (GEO3280)
Global Conservation (GEO4372)
Mapping and Geovisualization (GIS3006)
Climate Studies (MET4106C)
Green Engineering for Sustainability (ENV4612)
Programming Concepts Mech Engineering (EML4930)
Dynamic Earth: Intro to Physical Geology (GLY2010)
Intro to Environmental Science (EVR2001)
Intro to Environmental Policy (EVR2861)
Issues in Caribbean Religions (REL3375)
Engineering Economy Social / Global Importance (EGN3615)
Differential Equations (MAP2302)
Habitable planet imagery created with 16 bands using the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-18) climate technology. (Image credit: Sergio Díaz Ruiz)
Sustainability Associate (CSWA). Dassault Systèmes
ArcGIS© - ArcMap
Adobe Photoshop
SolidWorks
Canva Graphic Design
Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
Java Mission-planning and Analysis for Remote Sensing (JMARS)
MATLAB
AutoCAD
Aerial Insect Bug Net Catching
Public Engagement
Science Communication
2024 - The Sustainable Living Project Compost Bin. Supervision of, Georgea Snyder
2024 - ArcGIS Online Map of The Sustainable Living Project Plant Beds Area
2023 - Entomology Society at USF iNaturalist Crowdsource Insect Identification Project
2022 - Mission Concept L'SPACE Academy Lunar Shackleton Crater Regolith Analysis
2021 - NASA Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience L'SPACE Academy Proposal
Entomology Society at USF (ESSF)
Geology Club at USF
Steel Bridge Club at USF
Astronomy & Astrophysics Club
Student Environmental Association (SEA)
Society of Aeronautics & Rocketry (SOAR)
2024 - The Sustainable Living Project Urban Gardening Insect Observations
2023 - Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park Florida Habitat Identification
2023 - Lettuce Lake Park Insect Hike Tour Observations for entomology society
2023 - USF Botanical Gardens Insect Hike Tour Observations for entomology society
2023 - USF Botanical Gardens Habitat Identification
2023 - USF Botanical Gardens Forestry Tree Identification and Measurements
The Sustainable Living Project | Tampa, FL
Compost Farming Intern (Aug. 2024 - Dec. 2024)
Audited purchases of merchandise sold at the University of South Florida's Winter Farmers Market.
Demonstrated new volunteers every Saturday on how to prepare liquid fertilizer to water monstera plants.
Facilitated the removal of weeds from 28 plant beds, urban hydroponics greenhouse, and solar panel areas.
Strengthened the relationship of garden visitors by welcoming positive language and active listening.
Supervised sweeping and racking techniques along the walkable pathways for volunteers to collect debris.
Maintained a vermicompost garden compost system of Red Wrigglers to Black Solider Flies.
Guided new volunteers a tour of the sustainable garden.
Maintained sustainable garden operations.
Entomology Society at USF | Tampa, FL
Support Staff (Dec. 2023 - May 2024)
Resolved membership inquires on previous organization events and hikes information.
Provided a positive mentorship work-environment for 7 newly selected officers.
Created official documentation for club supplies, merchandise, and prints.
Entomology Society at USF | Tampa, FL
Co-Founder & President (Dec. 2022 - Dec. 2023)
Cultivated common outreach of 85+ University of South Florida entomology members via social media.
Guided the ESSF Crowdsource Project on iNaturalists platform for insect identification as citizen scientist.
Encouraged members to participate as citizen scientists for in-person.
Coordinated 6 general body meetings for "Bug Topics" to discuss insect biological taxonomy and range.
L'Space Academy Mission Concept Academy | Tempe, AZ (Remote)
Work Development Scholar (Jan. 2022 - Apr. 2022)
Developed a 30-minute presentation of the moon's polar regolith.
Collaborated with 150+ work development scholars on 12 weekly Zoom meetings.
Coordinated with a team of 12 members to write a 78-page preliminary design review.
L'Space Academy NASA Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience | Tempe, AZ (Remote)
Work Development Scholar (Sep. 2021 - Dec. 2021)
Presented a 7-page project proposal document with a team of 9 members
Assembled a 4-part 3D drill with sieves.
Produced a 10-second animation with complementary SolidWorks drawings.
iNaturalist @ Entomology Society at USF | Tampa FL
Citizen Scientist (May 2023 - Dec. 2023)
Created a project of 6+ Entomology Society at USF members to track insect populations worldwide.
Photographed endemic and vulnerable insect species of Florida such as the Atala (Eumaeus atala) butterfly.
Incorporated diverse community-based observations through location for research grade photos.
University of South Florida Botanical Gardens | Tampa FL
Event Volunteer (Apr. 2022 - Oct. 2022)
Prepared ground terrain to plant new meadow of native Florida wildflowers with a team of 4 volunteers.
Disposed vines and branches debris from the butterfly garden habitat to clean-up from Hurricane Ian.
Assisted garden visitors with informative answers of the USF greenhouse plants at the Spring Market.
Operated a honey-stand business by selling sweet honey candy sticks, lip balm, and beeswax merchandise.
Conducted customer service of greeting guests with a friendly-candid attitude from the USF Plant Shop.