Alex Arena
Richmond,VA
Summary
Plant Health Care Technician with a proven track record at Arborscapes, skilled in plant identification and chemical safety. Successfully enhanced wetland conservation through data and GiS analysis at Fear to Hope. Adept at engaging diverse audiences, fostering appreciation for sustainable practices while delivering impactful educational experiences.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Plant Health Care Technician
Arborscapes
07.2025 - Current
- Applied insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and growth regulators to soil and plants
- Consulted clients for potential pest and disease issues affecting their trees and shrubs
- Followed safety procedure according to VDACs standards while working independently
Data & GIS Lead
Fear 2 Hope
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Developed 3 detailed maps of Ragged Island Park using ArcGIS Pro, analyzing elevation and NDVI to enhance wetland vegetation conservation efforts.
- Developed 5 informative graphs to visualize tree metrics, enhancing student engagement for a poster project.
- Coordinated with high school teachers across the East Coast to assist in data interpretation and analysis to allow their students' projects to succeed
Graduate Lab Assistant
Christopher Newport University
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Facilitated pre-lab lectures and engaging lab materials for over 60 students weekly in an introductory biology course.
- Led 12 engaging evolution and taxonomy lessons through interactive lectures and field trips, boosting student engagement and knowledge.
- Coordinated with two professors, streamlining instruction, field trips, lab prep, and clean up each week.
Children's Garden Assistant Horticulturist
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Coordinated plant management in the Children's Garden, enhancing displays and maintaining over 100 plants while conducting tasks such as weed removal, pruning trees and plants, mulching, and bed creation.
- Supervised and managed weekly volunteer efforts, engaging 15+ members to maintain a 2-acre garden through efficient weeding and pruning.
- Engaged 50+ families in the Children's Garden by sharing insights on native vegetation, pollinators, and hands-on experiences growing fresh fruits and vegetables, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable gardening.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Biology
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA05-2024
Skills
- Plant ID/Horticulture
- Customer Service
- Wetland Identification
- Education/Teaching
- Data analysis & Interpretation (Microsoft Office, R Studio, ArcGIS Pro)
- Chemical Safety
Accomplishments
I have worked on multiple research projects during my time as an undergrad and graduate student. I have developed maps and performed data analysis for Fear 2 Hope which are still being used to this day. Additionally, I have been working on my own thesis research for 1.5 years and have presented it at a research conference in which I was given the honor of "Best Poster" in the Ecology Section.
Affiliations
- Botanical Society of America
- Fear 2 Hope
Certification
- CPR Certification
Timeline
Plant Health Care Technician
Arborscapes
07.2025 - Current
Data & GIS Lead
Fear 2 Hope
08.2024 - 06.2025
Graduate Lab Assistant
Christopher Newport University
08.2024 - 05.2025
Children's Garden Assistant Horticulturist
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
05.2024 - 08.2024
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Christopher Newport University
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Biology
Christopher Newport University