Dominic Vanden Elzen
De Pere,WI
Summary
Adept at transforming data into actionable insights, Excelled as an Undergraduate SUAS Researcher with the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, pioneering cutting-edge technology use. Strong work ethic and critical thinking skills, coupled with expertise in MS Office applications, ArcGIS Pro, and team collaboration, drove project success, optimizing management strategies to meet stringent deadlines. Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Undergraduate SUAS Researcher
Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
- Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.
- Synthesized large volumes of information, identifying key trends and patterns relevant to research objectives.
- Designed experiments with rigorous controls to maximize validity of findings.
- Maintained detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and results for accurate reporting and replication purposes.
- Utilized statistical packages to analyze data and create visualizations.
- Optimized project management strategies to adhere to a strict 10 week timeline, effectively managing resources.
- Pioneered use of cutting-edge technology in experiments, setting new standards for precision and accuracy.
Landscape/Maintenance Technician
Denali Bluffs Hotel
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Maintained pristine garden beds by regularly weeding, mulching, edging, and refreshing planting areas as needed.
- Contributed to a positive team atmosphere through effective communication, collaboration, and willingness to learn new skills as needed.
- Decreased landscape-related safety hazards through regular pruning, trimming, and removal of dead or dangerous branches.
- Managed invasive plant species through targeted control methods to protect the integrity of native ecosystems.
- Utilized power tools and landscaping machines to maintain outdoor areas.
- Performed equipment maintenance and repairs to keep tools functional for projects.
- Operated varied hand and power tools to complete repairs.
- Used problem-solving skills to alleviate issues efficiently with minimal supervision.
- Completed daily, weekly, and monthly checklists on building equipment to maintain records of scheduled maintenance procedures.
Seasonal Worker
Ledgeview Public Works
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Developed strong relationships with coworkers through effective communication skills, fostering teamwork within the group.
- Maintained grounds by trimming, weeding, and general clean-up.
- Performed planting, watering, mulching, and edging of lawns.
- Trimmed greenery, shrubs, and hedges to maintain uniform appearance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Geography
05.2025
- Dean's List [Spring, 2023] & [Fall, 2023]
- Relevant Coursework: [Field Methods] & [Geographic Information Systems (GIS)]
- Research Project: [Tracking volumetric and areal erosion along the western shore of Lake Michigan using sUAS imagery and LiDAR derived Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)], [Previous studies quantified bluff retreat in terms of both 2D bluff edge recession and 3D volumetric change using aerial photography and sUAS imagery. Additionally, the studies found that the height of bluffs greatly impacts how erosion occurs, and that lake level is the primary control on the rate of erosion. Following years of high ice coverage starting in 2014, lake levels began to rise dramatically peaking in 2019 at roughly 2 meters above where they were 5 years earlier. This rapid change in lake level, from below average to well above in the span of a decade provided an opportunity to study the response of coastal bluffs and test previous models of erosion. Our study locations included two bluffs of similar composition and aspect, one 10-meter bluff and one 20-meter bluff. We collected sUAS (small Unmanned Aerial System) imagery which was processed using Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques to produce Digital Elevation Models (DEM). These DEMs were combined with older county LiDAR surveys to show elevation change over two decades in a DEM of Difference (DoD). Using our DoDs, we observed the amount of sediment lost over time. Additionally, we showed that bluff evolution is variable both in the amount and location of erosion on the slopes. We hope that this study provides the basis for future volumetric loss analysis of bluffs on longer time scales and continues to prove sUAS as an effective way in which to measure this change. This study was completed through the guidance of the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium (WSGC) and Professor Jeff Clark of Lawrence University's Geoscience Department, as well as my fellow undergraduate researchers Sydney Closson, Zach Hogan, and Andrew Sayles.]
- [WSGC Undergraduate sUAS Summer Research Grant] Recipient
Skills
- Team Collaboration
- MS Office
- Strong Work Ethic
- Data collection and organization
- Critical Thinking
- Documentation And Reporting
- Attention to Detail
- Active Listening
- Fieldwork experience
- File Management
Certification
- [Part 107] [Federal Aviation Administration] [2024 May]
Woodworking
I enjoy making things with my hands, the projects I have worked on include bed frames, chairs, tables, desks, and desk organizers.
Timeline
Undergraduate SUAS Researcher - Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
05.2024 - 09.2024
Landscape/Maintenance Technician - Denali Bluffs Hotel
06.2023 - 08.2023
Seasonal Worker - Ledgeview Public Works
06.2022 - 08.2022
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse - Bachelor of Science, Geography
- [Part 107] [Federal Aviation Administration] [2024 May]
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