Jelisa Renee Oliveras
Bronx,NY
Summary
Biologist and GIS Specialist with over 8 years of experience in ecological modeling, land cover analysis, and conservation communication. Proven ability to analyze and maintain spatial datasets, model habitat changes, and create intuitive maps and dashboards to support environmental decision-making. Experienced remote collaborator, educator, and detail-focused analyst with deep roots in U.S.-based conservation projects. Passionate about helping people connect with nature through data integrity and storytelling.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Professor – GIS & Environmental Science
Dominican University New York
08.2022 - Current
- Teach GIS, spatial modeling, and conservation mapping to undergraduate students
- Guide student research focused on U.S. ecological issues and land use datasets
Graduate Researcher – Bat Habitat Suitability
Northwest Missouri State University
03.2023 - 12.2024
- Modeled bat habitat suitability across New York State using climate and NDVI raster data
- Conducted geospatial QA and created conservation priority overlays
- Developed communication-ready map products and stakeholder visuals
Science Communicator & GIS Analyst
Missouri River Bird Observatory
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Produced species distribution and land cover change maps using ArcGIS and R
- Collaborated with USDA CEAP on wildlife habitat trends across the U.S.
- Created public-facing StoryMaps to communicate ecological patterns
Graduate Researcher – Lemur Movement Ecology
City College, CUNY
08.2017 - 05.2021
- Analyzed species movement using GPS and environmental layers
- Co-authored peer-reviewed research with geospatial visualization outputs
GIS Analyst (Volunteer)
New York Botanical Garden
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Processed urban canopy and biodiversity data to support green infrastructure plans
- Maintained geodatabases and created maps for internal and grant reporting
Education
M.S. - Geographic Information Science
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO10-2024
M.S. - Biology (Ecology, Evolution & Behavior)
City College, City University of New York
New York, NY05-2021
B.S. - Environmental Science (Biology)
Lehman College
The Bronx, NY09-2012
Skills
- GIS & Remote Sensing
- Habitat & Land Cover Modeling
- Raster Analysis
- Data QA/QC
- ArcGIS Pro
- ArcGIS Online
- Dashboards
- StoryMaps
- SQL
- R
- Python
- Remote Work Productivity
- Trail & Conservation Data Interpretation
- Science Communication
Publications
- Ripper, D., Oliveras, J., et al. (2022). CEAP Wildlife 2022 Avian WRE – Missouri, USDA NRCS.
- Smith, S. E., Oliveras, J. R., et al. (2022). Humpback Whale Lunge Feeding in the NY Bight, Frontiers in Marine Science.
- Oliveras, J. R. (2021). Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur Ranging Behavior, CUNY Academic Works.
- Baden, A. L., Oliveras, J. R., et al. (2020). Sex-Segregated Range Use in Lemurs, Folia Primatologica.
Timeline
Graduate Researcher – Bat Habitat Suitability
Northwest Missouri State University
03.2023 - 12.2024
Adjunct Professor – GIS & Environmental Science
Dominican University New York
08.2022 - Current
Science Communicator & GIS Analyst
Missouri River Bird Observatory
09.2021 - 04.2022
GIS Analyst (Volunteer)
New York Botanical Garden
01.2018 - 01.2019
Graduate Researcher – Lemur Movement Ecology
City College, CUNY
08.2017 - 05.2021
M.S. - Geographic Information Science
Northwest Missouri State University
M.S. - Biology (Ecology, Evolution & Behavior)
City College, City University of New York
B.S. - Environmental Science (Biology)
Lehman College
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