- Yoga
- Marathon Running
- Outdoor Recreation
- Culinary and Food
McKayla Chonos
Summary
Motivated Environmental Science student with experience in environmental research, GIS, data analysis, sustainable agriculture, and community outreach. Proven leadership and problem-solving abilities through supervisory and internship roles. Seeking opportunities to apply technical and field-based skills to environmental conservation, restoration, and resource management projects.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisor
Crossroads Trading Co.
10.2024 - Current
- Supervisor at a thrift store that aims to mitigate the effects of fast fashion.
- Developed my leadership and problem solving skills.
- Organized and planned store pop up events at venues such as the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival.
- Responsible for creating an uplifting experience for both customers and fellow team members.
Intern
Pilgrim Terrace Aeroponic Tower Farming
04.2023 - 07.2025
- Utilized soil science principles to create compost and support crop production.
- Applied aeroponic farming techniques to grow and harvest produce for a low-income elderly community and local restaurants.
- Learned about sustainable agricultural practices and the inner-workings of community gardens.
- Participated in planting, maintenance, harvesting, and distribution of crops.
Volunteer
Friends of The Los Angeles River
07.2022 - 07.2024
- Participated in the cleaning of the Los Angeles river, an annual event with an organization called FOLAR.
- Gained knowledge about LA native plants, animals, and other wildlife.
- Collaborated with community members and gained insight on how pollution affects people, watersheds, and native wildlife .
- Hands-on experience with restoration practices to restore a local watershed.
Volunteer
LA COMPOST
07.2021 - 03.2023
- Addressed food insecurity by the creation of community gardens around Los Angeles.
- Participated in the creation of green spaces in urban areas
- Operated a booth at a farmers market to collect food waste materials from community members.
- Synthesized compost and distributed it to local community members.
Education
Undergraduate B.S. Degree - Environmental Studies
University of California Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA06-2026
Skills
- Experienced in a laboratory
- Familiar with R for Data Analysis
- Excel skills
- Python skills
- Familiar with arcGIS
- Hands-on Experience with Soil Science & Farming Techniques
- Writing and Oral Skills
- Values-Based Leadership
- Self-Motivated
Interests
Timeline
Supervisor
Crossroads Trading Co.
10.2024 - Current
Intern
Pilgrim Terrace Aeroponic Tower Farming
04.2023 - 07.2025
Volunteer
Friends of The Los Angeles River
07.2022 - 07.2024
Volunteer
LA COMPOST
07.2021 - 03.2023
Undergraduate B.S. Degree - Environmental Studies
University of California Barbara
Relevant Courses Taken
- ENV S 1,2,3
- Biometry (R Data Analysis)
- Wildfire Ecology
- Intro GIS
- Hydrology
- Food and Agriculture
- Water Management: Supply and Demand
- Fungi and Enterprise
- Aquatic Food Management
- Water Quality
- Applied Watershed Management