Hannah Berklund
San Diego,CA
Summary
Environmental Science graduate with applied experience in ecological monitoring, water quality analysis, and biodiversity research. Hands-on fieldwork at federally funded research sites and contributions to published ecological studies. Skilled in GIS, statistical modeling (R, ANOVA, Excel), and laboratory techniques. Passionate about bridging research and practice to support ecosystem health, conservation, and environmental policy.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Environmental Data Analyst for Air Quality
PSU Research Collaboration
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Overview: aligned with USFS and DEQ Initiatives
- Used R Studio to analyze the relationship between lead (Pb) found in moss and socioeconomic factors across Portland neighborhoods.
- Modeled correlations between air pollution exposure and income brackets, identifying disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.
- Created scatter plots and linear regression models to communicate environmental justice findings.
- Produced monthly reports using advanced Excel spreadsheet functions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and accuracy, resulting in better-informed decisions.
Environmental Data Analyst for Air Quality
PSU Research Collaboration (12 Hours/Week)
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Overview: aligned with USFS and DEQ Initiatives
- Used R Studio to analyze the relationship between lead (Pb) found in moss and socioeconomic factors across Portland neighborhoods.
- Modeled correlations between air pollution exposure and income brackets, identifying disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.
- Created scatter plots and linear regression models to communicate environmental justice findings.
- Produced monthly reports using advanced Excel spreadsheet functions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and accuracy, resulting in better-informed decisions.
Researcher Biodiversity Monitoring
PSU Research Collaboration (12 Hours/Week)
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Overview: aligned with Portland Parks and Recreation and USFS Initiatives
- Evaluation and assessment of invasive species being present in the non-urban park.
- Ensure compliance with statewide laws and regulations of controlling the spread of invasive species.
- Conducted a biodiversity survey comparing plant species richness among two treatments; Marquam Nature Park (non-urban park) and Portland’s South Park Blocks (urban park).
- The results concluded that the non-urban treatment had greater species richness but the urban treatment had more non-natives present which suggests that past mitigation efforts of removal of invasive species at the non-urban park were succeeding.
Researcher Wildfire Impact Studies
PSU Research Collaboration (12 Hours/Week)
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Overview: aligned with USGS & EPA Initiatives
- Conducted systematic review of seven peer-reviewed studies on wildfire impacts to freshwater ecosystems.
- Identified key stressors on stream algae from wildfire events and synthesized findings into management recommendations.
- Developed applied knowledge of watershed restoration practices relevant to regulatory and consulting work.
- Conducted literature reviews to identify relevant research articles and support project objectives.
Researcher Water Quality Analysis
PSU Research Collaboration (12 Hours/Week)
10.2019 - 12.2019
- Overview: aligned with City of Portland Water Bureau Initiatives
- Designed and executed a controlled experiment testing the effects of Douglas fir ash on tap water pH across 32 samples, with control and three treatment groups (10mL, 20mL, 30mL ash).
- Collected pH data over a 15-day period using digital meters and standardized lab protocols to prevent contamination.
- Results showed a clear increase in alkalinity over time, with ash-treated groups reaching pH levels near 12 compared to the control at ~8.
- Conducted statistical analysis (ANOVA, Excel) confirming significant differences between treatment groups and time intervals.
- Presented findings using bar graph data visualization (daily averages ± standard deviation) to demonstrate the proportional impact of ash concentration on water chemistry.
Researcher Indicator Species Monitoring
PSU Research Collaboration (12 Hours/Week)
10.2019 - 12.2019
- Overview: aligned with USFS Initiatives
- Selected by Senior Instructor Patrick Edwards to assist with ecological fieldwork contributing to his published book “Investigating Ecological Disturbance in Streams”.
- Collected field data on macroinvertebrate abundance from 40+ streambed rock samples of varying sizes to test the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH).
- Analyzed data showing peak biodiversity (up to 90 insects per sample) on medium-sized substrates, confirming IDH predictions.
- Generated statistical model (R² = 0.60) demonstrating the relationship between rock surface area and insect counts.
- Results were incorporated into Patrick Edwards’ published work, Investigating Ecological Disturbance in Streams.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Studies, Sustainability
Portland State University
Portland, ORAccomplishments
- Contributed original field data on macroinvertebrate biodiversity that was published in Investigating Ecological Disturbance in Streams (Patrick Edwards).
- Conducted controlled water quality research simulating consulting practices; designed experiments with 32+ samples and performed statistical analysis (Excel, ANOVA).
- Analyzed urban air quality data in collaboration with PSU and U.S. Forest Service researchers, identifying environmental justice impacts of lead (Pb) pollution on low-income communities.
- Synthesized wildfire impact studies aligned with EPA/USGS priorities, providing recommendations for watershed and algae health management.
- Applied ArcGIS, R Studio, and Excel for ecological survey design, biodiversity monitoring, and data visualization.
- Volunteer experience with Surfrider Foundation (beach conservation) and Portland Parks & Recreation (invasive species removal).
Certification
- ArcGIS Pro Basics
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
- In Progress: HAZWOPER 40-hour, OSHA Safety Training, First Aid/CPR
- Member, Ecological Society of America (ESA)
Timeline
Environmental Data Analyst for Air Quality
PSU Research Collaboration
10.2021 - 12.2021
Environmental Data Analyst for Air Quality
PSU Research Collaboration (12 Hours/Week)
10.2021 - 12.2021
Researcher Biodiversity Monitoring
PSU Research Collaboration (12 Hours/Week)
10.2021 - 12.2021
Researcher Wildfire Impact Studies
PSU Research Collaboration (12 Hours/Week)
10.2021 - 12.2021
Researcher Water Quality Analysis
PSU Research Collaboration (12 Hours/Week)
10.2019 - 12.2019
Researcher Indicator Species Monitoring
PSU Research Collaboration (12 Hours/Week)
10.2019 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Studies, Sustainability
Portland State University