Ellen Bussey
Davis,CA
Summary
I am a soon-to-be graduating UC Davis senior specializing in water management with field experience in Northern California's wetland and riparian ecosystems. Thorough experience in wildlife surveying, water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and public outreach. Extensive experience coordinating with teams to maintain restoration sites. I am eager to contribute to the SacSewer Bufferlands through hands-on habitat management and conservation efforts, with a long-term goal of supporting local municipalities in ensuring sustainable water resources, ecosystem health, and public health.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Commissioner
ASUCD Environmental Policy and Planning Commission
09.2025 - Current
- Formulate sustainability recommendations for 40+ proposed bills, supporting and strengthening ASUCD's zero-waste commitments and aligning initiatives with student priorities.
- Organize high-turnout student outreach initiatives to increase campus-wide awareness of ASUCD and assess student concerns with campus sustainability through surveys.
- Engage with students, administration, City of Davis, and campus stakeholders to communicate the commission's position, address environmental concerns, and meet deadlines through legislative advocacy, liaison work, and project coordination.
Living Laboratories Intern
The Auckland University of Technology Living Laboratories
07.2025 - 08.2025
- Conducted water monitoring tests, bird counts, and tree measurements used to inform long-term reforestation recovery research, supporting Aotearoa Nature-based solutions part of New Zealand's Ministry of Environment and NGOs policy frameworks.
- Engaged in 30+ hours of laboratory work, assisting professors and researchers in arboreal data collection for their reforestation research projects.
Bird Nest Box Monitoring and Bird Habitat Enhancement Intern
Cache Creek Conservancy
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Collected and analyzed ecological data from 20+ songbird nest boxes alongside collaborative internship teams, directly informing habitat avian management recommendations for a restored gravel mining site.
- Identified threatened avian species nesting sites to inform conservation planning, supporting Environmental Impact Report (EIR) review for a proposed park development.
- Learned and utilized bird survey techniques to track and log data and develop reporting systems on avian abundance and diversity.
Wildlife Educator
Lindsay Wildlife Experience
07.2023 - 09.2024
- Delivered engaging wildlife education programs for diverse audiences, inspiring guests to adopt sustainable habits to protect California wildlife.
- Facilitated hands-on learning experiences with live animals to enhance understanding of wildlife conservation and form deep bonds between wildlife and guests.
- Collaborated with team members to administer educational materials and resources for visitors of all ages, adapting messaging to engage guests of various backgrounds.
Education
Bachelor of Sciences - Environmental Policy and Planning
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA06-2026
Associate of Science - Natural Sciences
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA05-2024
Skills
- Technical Skills: Wildlife Surveying Techniques, Habitat Management, Bird identification, Water Quality Sampling, ArcGIS Mapping, R Script, Microsoft Excel, Equipment Maintenance, Public Outreach, and Environmental Education
- Relevant Courses Taken: Water Science and Management, Principles of Environmental Science, Principles of Organismal Biology, Applied Statistics & Research Methods, Geographical Information Systems, Water Law, and Environmental Impact Assessment
Timeline
Commissioner
ASUCD Environmental Policy and Planning Commission
09.2025 - Current
Living Laboratories Intern
The Auckland University of Technology Living Laboratories
07.2025 - 08.2025
Bird Nest Box Monitoring and Bird Habitat Enhancement Intern
Cache Creek Conservancy
01.2025 - 06.2025
Wildlife Educator
Lindsay Wildlife Experience
07.2023 - 09.2024
Associate of Science - Natural Sciences
Diablo Valley College
Bachelor of Sciences - Environmental Policy and Planning
University of California, Davis