Sophia Fisher
Villa Park,IL
Summary
Environmental Scientist with expertise in ecological restoration, advanced geospatial analysis, and stakeholder collaboration. Proven contributions to community conservation projects and strategic use of ArcGIS Pro and Python coding to support data-driven recommendations. Committed to advancing land management and environmental policy through innovative, science-based approaches.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Student Researcher
Charlotte Town Planning Board; Vermont Land Trust; Research Team, Prof Bill Keeton
Charlotte, VT
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Planted over 50 site-appropriate native tree species based on local ecological conditions and successional dynamics
- Implemented ecological principles to boost sapling survival in high-herbivory areas affected by legacy land use
- Proposed infrastructure improvements that led to installation of a water tank, aiding early tree establishment
- Facilitated reforestation of former hayfields, enhancing ecosystem resilience and increasing biodiversity
Undergraduate Environmental Consultant
Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission; Ferrisburgh Town Planning Board, University of Vermont
Ferrisburgh, VT
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Developed spatially ranked maps in ArcGIS Pro to identify high-priority forest and wetland blocks based on ecological metrics and Act 171 criteria which were included in the updated town plan
- Supported data-driven recommendations that guided mitigation of rural sprawl and preservation of core forest and habitat connectivity areas
- Led communications with planning boards and conservation partners to share findings and prioritize conservation efforts
Undergraduate Environmental Consultant
University of Vermont; Vermont Land Trust & The Nature Conservancy
Burlington, VT
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Assessed restoration effectiveness in legacy agricultural areas on fluvial systems, informing best practices for low-order stream rehabilitation
- Collected topographic data and cross-sectional depth profiles to evaluate stream restoration outcomes
- Developed educational outreach sign on streambank stabilization and ecological restoration to engage and inform youth and community visitors
Education
BS - Environmental Science, Environmental Geology Concentration
University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Natural Resources
Burlington01-2025
Skills
- Ecological restoration
- Geospatial analysis
- Advanced skills in ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth Engine, & Python Coding
- Field data collection
- Topographic data collection
- MODIS, LiDAR & LANDSAT data interpretation/application
- Environmental Site Assessment Phase I & II
- Project coordination
- Project management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Environmental policy
- Research project design
- Scientific report writing
- Communication skills
- Leadership and initiative in professional settings
Recognition and Awards
Considered for nomination UVM Student Leadership and Community Engaged Learning Award, Letter of acknowledgement for outstanding work by the Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission
Timeline
Student Researcher
Charlotte Town Planning Board; Vermont Land Trust; Research Team, Prof Bill Keeton
01.2024 - 05.2024
Undergraduate Environmental Consultant
Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission; Ferrisburgh Town Planning Board, University of Vermont
08.2023 - 12.2023
Undergraduate Environmental Consultant
University of Vermont; Vermont Land Trust & The Nature Conservancy
08.2023 - 12.2023
BS - Environmental Science, Environmental Geology Concentration
University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Natural Resources