Scroll through to view my individual and group project writing samples completed throughout my Master's program curriculum.
Assessing Greenspace Access in Relation to Social Factors in Baltimore, MD
Fall 2016
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Project Partner: Dale Watt
Instructor - Yelena Ogneva-Himmelberger
This project sought to assess the spatial distribution, accessibility, and relation to social factors of greenspace in Baltimore, Maryland. It used the Network Analyst extension of ArcMap to determine greenspace access of urban parks. To determine greenspace access, park service areas were created and used to produce Greenspace Access Index (GAI) values. GAI values are the percentage of populated areas that greenspace serves for each Baltimore City neighborhood. GAI values were then compared to various selected social factors, using Moran’s I Spatial Autocorrelation, Getis-Ord Gi Statistics (hot spot analysis), Ordinary Least Squares, and Geographic Weighted Regression models. This analysis unveiled that although central Baltimore City had high levels of access to greenspace, social indicators of deprivation are also present in that area, suggesting that more research is required and that it is important to take into account park quality, and not just availability, when studying greenspace access.
The Influence of Gypsy Moth Outbreak on Vegetation Health in Nickerson State Park
Fall 2016
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Project Partner: Wenle Jiang
Instructor - Florencia Sangermano
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This project focuses on the study area of Barnstable County in Cape Cod, MA in 2015 and 2016. This project looks at detecting Gypsy Moth outbreaks in Nickerson State Park, located in the town of Brewster in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. Reported in the summer of 2016, Gypsy Moth outbreaks occurred in Nickerson State Park. The summer of 2015 experienced similar climate conditions that led to the increase of Gypsy Moth populations, but not to the same degree as in 2016. Imagery of Barnstable County, MA is obtained through Earth Explorer. Remote sensing is used to compare differences in vegetation health pre- and during Gypsy Moth outbreak conditions using 3 indices - NDVI, the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and the Normalized Difference Wetness Index (NDWI). NDWI is a moisture index, while NDVI and EVI serve as measures of vegetation health. By obtaining NDVIs and EVIs of Nickerson State Park, we aim to see whether those NDVIs and EVIs correlate with the pattern of the Gypsy Moth outbreaks, in which vegetation health should be lower in 2016 than in 2015. A decrease in NDVI and EVI in localized patches from 2015 to 2016 may be indicative of individual Gypsy Moth outbreaks.
Tool to Assess Potential Earthquake Impact of Major Cities in the U.S.
Fall 2016
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Project Partners: Amanda Canarios, Zac Peloquin
Instructor - Jie Tian
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Using the arcpy module, the objective of this project is to develop a user friendly tool that outputs a neatly, formatted txt report providing an assessment of the potential impact of earthquakes on selected major cities of interest. The report will summarize the following for each city of user interest:
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Distance to nearest faultline (in meters)
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Average magnitude
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Sum population of census tracts within user-specified buffer distance
The average magnitude of a given city is determined first by finding the nearest faultline of that city. Once determined, the five closest historical earthquake points to that faultline are identified and the average magnitude of those historical earthquake points will be designated as the city’s average magnitude. This tool consists of: 1) input data, 2) graphic user interface (GUI), and 3) python code to implement the business logic of determining the average magnitude of selected major cities.
Exploratory Analysis of Global Atmospheric CO2
Spring 2017
Project Partners: Michael Endicott, Wenle Jiang
Instructor - Ron Eastman
This project focuses on exploring the characteristics and patterns of global atmospheric CO2 and its relationships to major climate teleconnections. CO2 data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument debunks the notion that CO2 is distributed evenly throughout the atmosphere. The goal of this project is to increase understanding of the patterns of CO2 in the atmosphere and its relationships to climate teleconnections to suggest avenues for future research to understand drivers of atmospheric CO2 dynamics. This study also explores relationships between free tropospheric CO2 and surface carbon fluxes obtained from the Carbon Tracker CO2 measurement and modeling system by NOAA.
Assessing Climate Security Vulnerability in Relation to Health Infrastructure in Nepal
Spring 2017
Project Partner: Michael Endicott
Instructor - Yelena Ogneva-Himmelberger
This study seeks to assess the intersection between vulnerability to climate change and access to primary health facilities in the country of Nepal through the application of geographic information systems (GIS). GIS offers a set of strong spatial tools to explore these inherently spatial issues. This study first uses GIS to perform a climate change vulnerability assessment based on a set of selected physical/environmental and social factors. The resulting map of climate change vulnerability is then compared to health facility service areas produced through
ArcGIS’ network analysis. Results of this comparison include an identification of the top 3 districts in Nepal with the most vulnerable (vulnerability score of 7) unserviced areas (Saptari, Humla, and Darchula) and an identification of the top 3 districts with highly vulnerable (Humla, Darchula, and Morang) unserviced areas. Results also include a characterization of population in those areas that are unserviced and most vulnerable to climate change.
Clark University Campus Web Map
Spring 2017
Instructor - Jie Tian
On Clark University’s current Location and Campus web page, the most detailed campus map available for the public is a pdf version of the campus map. Thus, Clark’s campus map for faculty, students, and visitors is not interactive. Due to the non-interactive nature of Clark’s campus map, many may have difficulty locating campus buildings with ease, and in general, getting a feel of Clark’s campus. Using Clark’s campus map pdf as reference and lecture content from Jie Tian’s Open Source GIS and Web Mapping course, this project serves to create a user-friendly and interactive web map for the public to locate Clark’s campus buildings and navigate its campus with more ease. One personal goal fulfilled by this project is my desire to gain experience to prepare me for future work that requires the creation of general informational maps.
The Clark University Campus web can be explored using the following link: https://sites.google.com/site/clarkuniversitycampusmap/campusmap/Jeanie_Lai_Campus_Map_Final.html
*Use Ctrl and + or - to adjust for screen size when viewing the web map.
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Waterfowl of the Prairie Pothole Region
Fall 2017
Instructor - Karen Frey
The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) is a dynamic area that spans parts of Northern Central United States and Southern Central Canada. Its importance lies in its role as a unique, large wetland complex hosting the most important breeding habitat for waterfowl in North America. Climate change is poised to change this dynamic region, impacting its wetlands and waterfowl. This paper seeks to review the most relevant literature published in the last decade, applying a conceptual framework to 29 studies. The conceptual framework consists of six thematic levels through which climate change and its impacts in the PPR can be understood. In addition to building a bigger picture of climate change and the PPR, this review highlights knowledge gaps and recommendations made by researchers. This summary of salient literature provides a broad picture of the current understanding of this changing region and helps to inform conservation practices by connecting readers to the most refined scientific understanding of the PPR available.
Invading at a Mile-a-Minute: Distribution Modeling of an Invasive Vine in Massachusetts
Fall 2017
Project Partners: Lucy Lee, Ben O' Connor
Instructor - John Rogan
Mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata) (L.) H. Gross), is an aggressive invasive plant species in the northeastern U.S., originating from eastern Asia. The vine is highly resilient and known for its aggressive growth through forming dense monocultures and outcompeting native plant species. Due to this, the vine has been listed as invasive and prohibited since 2006 in Massachusetts. P. perfoliata poses a serious threat to ecological communities of economic and aesthetic significance. The aim of this project was to analyze the relationship between P. perfoliata and several environmental variables of interest in Massachusetts. A potential distribution model was created using these environmental variables and known locations of the vine in Massachusetts. Towns of highest vulnerability and suitability for conductance were identified. In addition, possible movement patterns and corridors were identified through the application of circuit theory. Towns of highest vulnerability include Wareham, Westwood, Milton, Dedham, and Millis. To prevent further spread of P. perfoliata in Massachusetts, the authors recommend improving MAM data collection and standardization, expansion of citizen outreach, and utilization of GIS software.
Forest Change Dynamics and Protected Area Effectiveness in Peru
Fall 2017
Instructor - Lyndon Estes
One of the most significant challenges of modern global change is the fast conversion and degradation of tropical forests (Scheicher et al., 2017). Consequences of this change is related to biodiversity loss, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods (Scheicher et al., 2017). A global conservation strategy to address such consequences have been the establishment of state-controlled protected areas (PAs) (Scheicher et al., 2017). Considered one of the world’s 17 ‘megadiverse countries’ with 83 ‘life zones’ and rich biological diversity, the South American country Peru extends westward to the Pacific Ocean and eastward to the Amazon Basin (Solano, 2009). Since 1961, PAs have been established with varying levels of conservation management protection and regulations regarding human access and natural resource usage. (Solano - IUCN-EPLP No. 81, 2009). PA types in Peru include forest protection, hunting, national park, communal reserve, national reserve, landscape reserve, historic sanctuary, national sanctuary and reserved areas(Solano, 2009). Evaluation of PA conservation approach in Peru serves as an important guide for determining conservation effectiveness, especially applying to forest degradation. This project aims to explore forest change dynamics and protected area effectiveness in Peru. I will apply GIS knowledge with R software environment and capabilities to achieve the following objectives:
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Determine the rates of forest gain and loss for each protected area in Peru.
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Compare rates of forest gain and loss in protected areas vs. locally surrounding areas not under protected area conservation management (buffer analysis).
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Examine amounts and rates of forest gain and loss in relation to protected area type.
Navigating Conventional Waters: A Review of the Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) Traits, Management, and Sustainability
Spring 2018
Project Partners: Daniel Ewald, Kaila Sauer
Instructor - Gillian Bowser
The yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is one of the most valuable commercially-fished species worldwide. Yellowfin tuna are a large migratory fish considered near-threatened on the IUCN* Red List. ICCAT* is the major regulatory convention and commission that manages Atlantic yellowfin tuna. Applying the DPSIR (drivers, pressures, state, impacts, and responses) framework, specific sustainability goals were identified relating to the future management direction of yellowfin tuna. Yellowfin juveniles and adults may be impacted by different drivers and pressures. Commercial fishing and climate change are the biggest threats to yellowfin tuna populations and have driven substantial population declines. Current populations are threatened and the recent general population trend is uncertain.
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*ICCAT: International Convention for the Conservation on Atlantic Tunas; IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature
Using Phenology Characteristics to Monitor Grizzly Bear Habitat in Alberta, Canada with MODIS Vegetation, Snow Cover, and Evapotranspiration Products
Spring 2018
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Project Partners: Andy Burke, Sophia Aronow
Instructor - John Rogan
In the Alberta province of Canada, grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) populations have declined by 50% since the mid 1800s due to habitat change. Research suggests main drivers include human development including buildings and roads and vegetation change due to harvest and fire. Ample research exists on grizzly bear habitat needs and habitat change, but it is important to address the link between habitat needs and spatial phenology change captured in remote sensing imagery for better informed conservation in the future. In providing an introduction to habitat needs for bears and resources available to monitor change in habitat, we can provide nuanced methodology for habitat management for all threatened and endangered species.
There are two objectives to this research:
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Characterize vegetation and snow cover in grizzly bear habitat based on changes in past spatial and temporal patterns
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Assess the status of grizzly bear habitat based on phenology characteristics to inform future conservation management
Developing a Spatial Database to Support National Park Service’s Resource Stewardship Strategy for Minute Man National Historical Park in Massachusetts
Spring 2018
Instructor - Molly Cox
Located in the towns of Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln in Massachusetts, Minute Man National Historical Park comprises of 1,038 acres (4.2 km2) filled with preserved historic sites, structures, properties, and landscapes associated with battles of the American Revolution that took place in 1775 (NPS Minute Man, 2015). It also celebrates the divergence in literary tradition from Europe through landmarks central to the United States’ emerging intellectual culture (NPS Minute Man, 2015). Surrounding regions of this park have transformed from a semi-rural cultural area to mature suburbs facing continual pressures of growth from residential, commercial, and industrial development (NPS Minute Man, 2015). This development has increased impacts of traffic, noise and density within and outside of the park (NPS Minute Man, 2015). Creating a spatial database not only supports the RSS of Minute Man National Historical Park as park unit of NPS, but in addition, it helps this national park improve management and preservation of its priority resources. This spatial database also poses implications for improving park visitor experience by delineating the spatial layout of the park and its cultural resources.
Spatiotemporal Modeling of Argentine Shortfin Squid (Illex argentinus) to Enhance Fisheries Management in Patagonia
Spring 2018
Project Partners: Caitlin Cassisi, Nicholas Geron, Kelsey Meisenhelder, Spring Pillsbury, Eli Simonson
Instructor - John Rogan & Florencia Sangermano
Political, biophysical, and geophysical processes are important components of marine species conservation in Patagonian waters. Within this dynamic system, wind-induced ocean currents drive nutrient upwelling activity and suitable sea surface temperature that allows phytoplankton blooms to flourish and act as a valuable food resource for important fish species, such as the Argentine Shortfin Squid (Illex argentinus). In this region, commercial fishing from local and international fleets are a pressure to the ecological system. This is tracked in Global Fishing Watch (GFW) automatic identification system (AIS)-based data that locates squid jigger fishing vessels. As a heavily commercially fished species, squid face continual overfishing, as catch numbers remain high. The squid has a pivotal role in the marine food web as a consumer and a food source. By 2020, Argentina aims to achieve the conservation goal of protecting 10% of marine areas inside its marine protected areas (MPAs). In 2017, Argentina proposed the Blue Hole High Seas MPA (HSMPA) to support its conservation goals. To recommend areas for enforcement, this research assesses feasibility of using VIIR's nighttime lights as a proxy for squid fishing activity and applies environmental variables to predict squid fishery locations. Results show that nighttime lights can be explained by squid fishing activity and areas of illicit fishing can be identified with temporal linear regression. Furthermore, GFW data can be combined effectively with environmental gradients such as bathymetry and sea surface temperature to predict future squid fishery activity.
Clark University News: https://clarknow.clarku.edu/2018/10/23/students-use-gis-with-goal-of-protecting-walruses-in-arctic-sea-life-in-patagonia/
