Jenna Carpenter

Major Focus: Thesis Project Development

• Partnered with Texas Parks & Wildlife on an Aquatic Invasive Species Grant, producing the first remotely sensed inventory map of the invasive Arundo donax within Texas Native Fish Conservation Areas. Agency deliverables provided for the continued development of these early detection techniques.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, principal investigator, and agency partners to refine methodologies and research scope.
• Secured FFA license to operate DJI Phantom 4 drone with multispectral camera; imagery data was collected, processed and analyzed using ArcGIS Pro, Agisoft Metashape, and ERDAS Imagine.
• Conducted delineation of target species, model training, spatial and temporal analysis, and performed accuracy assessments to validate developed distribution models.
• Coordinated logistics and approvals for multi-day field collection trips; supervised and trained a project field assistant.
• Conducted thorough background research on relevant topics to provide context for current studies and inform future investigations.
• Expanded expertise and professional network through conferences and seminars.

Secondary Focus: Laboratory Instructional Assistant

• Instructed multiple sections for General Ecology (BIO.4416), designing lab activities and instructional materials in collaboration with faculty.
• Contributed to weekly planning meetings with faculty and instructional team.
• Introduced students to ecological methods, biodiversity metrics, meta-analysis, and population analyses.
• Led field trips, overseeing data collection and guiding students in statistical analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Mentored undergraduate students in research techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.

• Acted as Crew Lead and Wetland Botanist for the state of Texas in the 2021 National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The project aims to evaluate wetland health through ecological conditions and identify stressors common to poor wetland conditions. The NWCA’s survey design includes both coastal and inland wetlands, excluding deep water lacustrine and palustrine systems.
• Acted and directed sampling crew in accordance with the following EPA Standard Procedures:
• Independently Responsible for Site Evaluation
• USEPA. 2020. National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021: Site Evaluation Guidelines. EPA 843-B-21-001. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
• Directed Field Crew for Site Sampling, Serving as Botanist for Vegetation Sampling
• USEPA. 2021. National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021: Field Operations Manual. EPA 843-B-21-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
• Reviewed and submitted data forms via the EPA recommended tablet application
• Organized and shipped required soil and water samples, some iced, to contracted processing labs after each successfully sampled site. Strict FoM guidelines followed.
• Identified ~270 wetland plants to species over course of surveys
• Identified, prepped, and shipped pressed vegetation voucher specimen as needed for shipment to QA labs with EPA contracted botanists for identification verification. ~150 vouchers shipped.
• Maintained and reviewed comprehensive log of photographs requested by the FoM and shared with the EPA
• Operated ATV, trolling motors attached to canoes, and 4WD vehicles towing flatbed trailers with applicable equipment
• Maintained vehicle travel log and list of maintenance concerns
• Trained new hires, technicians and interns, in the standard sampling protocol as described in the EPA’s Field Operations Manual (FoM) for the 2021 NWCA project.
• Completed protocol training and team auditing lead by Great Lakes Environmental Center, contracted by the EPA
• Managed and directed field teams of 4-6 junior staff in field surveys across 14 weeks of multi-day collection trips, successfully sampling 31 sites.
• Represented the state of Texas in weekly project calls facilitated by the EPA and involving all state crew leads and botanists. Calls were meant to provide clarity on protocol, relay feedback on the data reporting application, and share progress updates.
• Facilitated travel measures for crew
• Travel requests & assignment of personal spending cards to each crew member
• Securement of hotel reservations and itinerary planning
• Reviewed and corrected expense reports of crew members after each weekly trip
• Safety Measures Taken Throughout Season
• Completion of CPR/First Aid training with crew
• Completion of Boater’s Safety Certificate with crew
• Completion of trailering and ATV training with crew
• Coordination with landowners for meetings and land access
• Strict COVID precautions maintained through early peaks of pandemic
• Creation of detailed itineraries shared with people of contact at the home office
• Creation of detailed float plans that were shared with people of contact at the home office
• Practiced Everyday Situational Awareness
• Navigation through wild areas with natural threats of venomous snakes, poisonous plants, wild hogs, and livestock such as donkeys and cattle
• Navigation through rural areas including barbed wire fences and electric fences
• Organized regular check-in calls via field radios when crew members were operating out of eyesight
• Worked with landowner records using County Appraisal District (CAD) information across the state to contact private landowners
• Reached out to landowners as needed to facilitate completion of a required Access Permission Form, as well as share information about the project following EIH and EPA suggestions
• Consulted data files with Google Earth Pro for desktop site evaluation and equipment planning for sample preparation
• EPA created NWCA Application used for data recording in field. The tablet-based app was a new release and feedback for improvements were frequently communicated to the production team.
• Addressed QA concerns regarding system flagged line items in data submission as needed
• Access Excel daily for tracking and organization of landowner information and contacting attempts. Running documents of encountered species, as well as photograph logs of relevant images were updated at the end of every sample week.
• Progress tracking documents were updated weekly via the EPA’s shared Microsoft Box tool

• Position filled to aid the completion of an agreement between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Forest Service (FS) as of 2015 which aimed to improve cooperation and coordination of monitoring plans and restoration efforts within the headwaters of the Mississippi, with specific interest in the Chippewa National Forest and lands belonging to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe- whose reservation boundaries are fully encompasses within the forest boundary.
• Major Project Focus: Boy River Rapid Stand Assessment
• Adhered to Forest Service standard recording method of Rapid Stand Assessments
• Canopy cover percent and identification of predominant species
• Midstory presence and identification of predominant species
• Shrub and forb identification to species
• IERAT (Invasive Earthworm Rapid Assessment Tool) classification
• Determined Native Plant Community Codes in regard to the state’s Department of Natural Resources standard practice
• Monitored and reported invasive growth species (i.e. Buckthorn or noxious weeds)
• Recorded detailed suggestions for management plans (i.e. controlled burning, removal of invasive species, restocking of woody species, or monitoring for rare plants)
• Compared data footprint to observed forest type and made recommendations on redelineation or reclassification of database as needed
• Secondary Project Focus: Fire Fuels Assessment
• Began initial survey locations for permanent monitoring plots. Plots are being monitored for ecological effects of prescribed burns over extended periods of time in forested riparian systems.
• Adhered to TNC survey protocol, including assessment of
• Herb layer; identified to species
• Shrub, seedling, sapling, and tree classifications; identified to species
• IERAT score and soil descriptions
• Measurement and recording of woody debris as well as litter and duff depth
• Assessed soil health utilizing Forest Service’s Invasive Earthworm Rapid Assessment Tool (IERAT). Tool used as a field key for ranking severity of non-native earthworm invasion through evidence of leaf litter, duff and mineral soil depths, casting and midden presence.
• Documented elements of occurrences (EO) of species with classified monitoring concern within the forest boundary. Performed alongside daily tasks.
• Operated 4WD vehicles on paved roads, graveled forest roads, and 2-track access roads of forest lands.
• Practiced independent time management skills while working on multiple projects with varied priority simultaneously.
• Utilized ArcGIS Survey123 and ArcCollector Classic daily for in-field data recording on agency provided iPads tablets.
• Navigation in remote areas utilizing prepared georeferenced, satellite dependent PDF maps on Avenza Maps with agency provided tablets.
• Analyzed attributes relating to forestry assessment stands to aid in classification creations and priority assignments.
• Updated progress tracking documents remotely through TNC and FS shared Microsoft Box tool.
• ROLE/COLLABORATION
• PROJECT INVOLVEMENT/FIELD WORK
• SOFTWARE

• Major Focus: Organized and coordinated the Galveston Bay Historic Oyster Project.
• Included: Analyzing sidescan sonar data in ArcGIS and creating oyster habitat map products, organizing and leading field work to ground-truth map product, entering and organizing data, and writing. Coordinated data sharing and use with other workgroups. Used data products to promote unified agency culture and information sharing.
• Utilized Microsoft Office Suite daily, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.
• Heavily utilized ArcGIS software for use in daily project work.
• Communicated regularly in team meetings to discuss project updates and coordinate with team members.
• Mentored and guided summer interns through office duties and field sampling techniques.
• Regularly navigated to field work sites for personal and partnered projects using 4WD vehicles and towing equipment. Captained small river vessels according to agency safety policy.
• Coordinated and led field sampling events for ground verification of acoustic and aerial imagery data in small field teams of 2-4. Independently navigated to verification sites using Garmin and Humminbird commercial aquatic navigation units.
• Participated in trips evaluation propeller damage in seagrass beds, as part of the state’s Seagrass Conservation Plan. Involved location of prop-scars in high-risk areas determined by satellite imagery and recording of GPS data as well as scar characteristics and surrounding seagrass vegetative community.
• Assisted in field work with establishment of long-term vegetation monitoring systems in a Galveston Bay Spartina salt marsh.
• Contributed assigned project updates to Team’s scheduled interim grant reports.
• ROLE/PROJECT MANAGEMENT
• SOFTWARE
• COLLABORATION
• FIELD WORK
• PROFESSIONAL WRITING

• Animal Care Program
• WILDLIFE CARE
• Tracked care sheets for animals in the Animal Care Program (ACP). Common animals included infant, juvenile, and adult opossums, fox and grey squirrels. Songbirds were admitted irregularly.
• Prepared specialized foods for each animal’s diet based on species and life stage.
• Performed subcutaneous injections of saline to dehydrated animals as needed.
• Administered prescribed oral and topical medications.
• Performed daily cleaning tasks to maintain safe living environments for the admitted animals.
• Practiced identification of abnormal behavior in wildlife species and alerted veterinary staff as needed.
• ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Assisted in necropsies to gather observational data used to advise TWRC’s board of directors in potential protocol changes.
• Trained and directed new volunteers in care.
• TWRC Center
• WILDLIFE HANDLING
• Admitted injured, orphaned, or abandoned Texas wildlife according to TWRC established protocol. Frequent animals admitted include infant, juvenile, and adult opossums, fox and grey squirrels, cottontail and swamp rabbits, and songbirds.
• Adhered to protocol of handling and informing the public of Rabies Vector Species such as raccoons and bats.
• REPRESENTATION/COORDINATION
• Attended admissions desk welcoming rescuers, volunteers, and state rehabilitators to the Center.
• Directed volunteers in daily tasks and rescuers in completion of official wildlife admission paperwork to provide to veterinary staff.
• Facilitated communication with veterinary staff on the state of admitted animals.
• Presented callers and visitors with important information on Texas wildlife, state legislation protecting Texas wildlife, and advice on how to either reunite abandoned infants or directions on which rehabilitator would best suit their situation.
• Conducted sales of TWRC merchandise and processed donations.
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the Center.
• Animal Care Program
• TWRC Center

• This position was intended to serve multiple roles in a variety of ongoing, long-term projects within the reserve. Performance as field technicians in data collection, as well as desk work with data entry and management, were most regular. Primary projects focused on; Monitoring of prescribed burns on biodiversity of prairie species; Success of species in varied degrees of planted diversity (both herbaceous and woody study species); and effects of climate change on biodiversity and species success.
• Oversaw and directed small field teams of 3-4 in collection and preparation of soil sample for compound analysis.
• Lead small field teams of 3-4 through days of data collection tree morphometrics of juvenile woody growth species. Adhered to established protocol while directing data collection and keeping record of results.
• Collected and recorded data gathered in field at multiple research locations. Species identification, woody species morphometrics, reproductive structure density, and herbaceous species presence/absence and percent cover were most commonly collected.
• Entered data in established databases according to project specified using Microsoft Excel and Dropbox.
• Assessed databases for accuracy of entry in QA/QC practice.
• Maintained plant diversity by removal of unwanted study species in plots containing 8 to 32 native prairie species. Used hand weeding tools and field identification.
• Assisted in construction of fire breaks in oak savanna and prairie habitats. Used gas powered mowers, weed eaters, and hedge clippers.
• Encouraged native oak savanna and prairie vegetative populations via prescribed burns. Operated 4WD vehicles, gas generator powered water pumps, industrial fire hoses, flappers, and drip torches.
• ROLE/PROJECT INVOLVEMENT
• LEADERSHIP
• DATA RECORDING & ENTRY/ORGANIZATION
• CONSTRUCTION/FIELD MAINTENANCE

• Compiled state and federal agency mapping data for formation of a statewide coastal mapping tool (AKA Marine Spatial Planning Tool) via utilization of public resources, downloading of available data, and cross-referencing existing shapefiles and their associated metadata in ArcGIS ArcMap 10.5.
• Used ArcGIS ArcMap 10.5 software daily to access and create shapefiles for use in the development of the statewide coastal mapping tool.
• Operated as on-board safety member and data recorder during SCUBA data collection events.
• Assisted in operation and troubleshooting of sidescan sonar equipment, vehicles, and aquatic vessels.
• Surveyed colonial shorebird nesting populations with Nature Conservancy members as a part of their annual regional survey.
• Participated in field outings, as needed, for assistance with bay sampling events. Bag seines and gill nets most common sampling methods.
• SOFTWARE
• FIELDWORK

• Independent Study: Nutrient Effects on Decomposition Rates in a Mangrove System on the Texas Coast
• Independently organized experimental design and achievable timeline of goals.
• Oversaw and coordinated volunteers in weekly data collection events in intertidal Avicennia germinans (black mangrove) stands.
• Composed literature styled paper as final product. Paper is on file with the laboratory for later development and publication.
• Practiced daily, independent field navigation of experimental sites. Road access and plot maps referenced.
• Collected environmental data regularly, tracking inundation levels, water and soil temperatures, and monitoring disturbances.
• Collected, recorded, tracked, and maintained data collection across multiple sample periods.
• Independent Study
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT
• PROFESSIONAL WRITING
• FIELD WORK

• Greet and assist members, process payments, and manage membership information with warm and professional service.
• Serviced customers by processing member check-ins and renewals, directing phone calls, and completing point of sale transactions from vendor stands.
• Supported sales initiatives by promoting membership and product options to customers.
• Provide a safe, clean, and engaging environment for children within the Kids’ Club, facilitating age-appropriate games and activities.
• Address member and parental concerns, ensuring a positive experience for all gym users.
• Maintain company standards of cleanliness and organization of both reception and childcare areas.
• ROLE