Sophie Nichols
Denver,CO
Summary
Diligent Environmental Scientist with a strong background in environmental science, geospatial analysis, and comprehensive ecosystem management and sustainability practices across the United States. Proven to enhanced conservation efforts (invasive species removal, forest/stream mitigation monitoring, online sustainable resource/trail maps) and regulatory compliance (USACE 404 permit, NEPA) while fostering collaborative team environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Environmental Scientist
Parsons Corporation
Indianapolis
06.2023 - Current
- Conduct 50+ wetland and stream investigations across Indiana biomes (wetlands, plains, hardwood forests, Lake Michigan Dunes) for the Indiana Department of Transportation
- Coordinate with State and Federal Agencies (INDOT, IDEM, USFWS, USACE) to conduct data research, timely reviews, and mitigate environmental impact via design discussions, as well as to submit contract documents (USACE 404 permits, early coordination letters, etc.)
- Monitor 6 INDOT wetland, terrestrial, and stream mitigation sites to assess vegetation health and ecosystem performance, inventory 1000+ trees
- Geolocate hundreds of environmental features using Trimble GPS, Excel, and ArcGIS Pro
- Identify native and invasive plant species across diverse habitats
- Collect, record, and manage field data to support environmental compliance and restoration projects
Mapping and Maintenance Intern
Nature Conservancy
Nags Head, NC
09.2022 - Current
- Performed hands-on land management including weeding, trimming, planting, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration
- Applied plant identification skills to maintain healthy native ecosystems
- Geolocated (Trimbl) 10+ miles of trails and 50+ park resources and produced an ArcGIS Online map to support conservation and land accessibility
Data Technician Intern
Casey Trees
Washington D.C.
06.2022 - Current
- Designed Excel-based tools to analyze longitudinal health data for 15,000+ urban trees
- Created and published public-facing tree maps to support community engagement
- Developed planting plans based on species requirements and site conditions
- Conducted site visits assessing plant health, pests, and environmental stressors
Student
Coastal Institute for the Environment
Wanchese, NC
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Conducted semester long capstone analyzing species richness, plant cover and stem diameter in maritime forest Buxton Woods, surveying 1+ acre of forest via vegetation surveys
- Utilized dichotomous key to identify trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
- Collected, analyzed, and presented data to local stakeholders (Buxton, NC residents and NPS management)
Research Analyst Intern
Smart Surfaces Coalition
Washington, D.C.
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Conducted nature-based solution cost-benefit analysis research
- Created Social Media toolkit and coordinated outreach to over 30 partners (local, state, federal agencies and NGOs)
Botanical Garden Assistant
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Chapel Hill, NC
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Performed hands-on horticulture care: weeding, trimming, planting, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal across the piedmont, mountain, sand hills, and perennial habitat gardens
- Educated visitors on native plants and sustainable landscaping practices
Cultivate the City Intern
Cultivate the City
Washington, D.C.
05.2020 - 07.2020
- Maintained rooftop greenhouses, hydroponic wall gardens, and satellite gardens across Southeast DC (e.g. Gallaudet University community garden), including watering, planting, mulching (excludes hydroponics) and harvesting food crops
- Assembled and sold weekly CSA distribution (70+ shares), ensuring efficient operations
- Engaged community members by providing gardening advice, completing transactions, and conducting sales outreach via weekly newsletters (MailChimp) and marketing via Instagram
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science, Geographic Information Science
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill05.2023
Skills
- Horticulture & Urban Farming: Plant identification, invasive species management, planting, harvesting, greenhouse maintenance, pest/disease awareness
- Field & Environmental Work: Wetland delineation, habitat monitoring, restoration practices, site maintenance
- Data & Mapping: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Trimble GPS, Excel data tracking & reporting
- Tools & Equipment: Familiarity with horticultural and field equipment
Leadership
Officer — Club Water Polo: Organized events, fundraising, and team coordination Officer — Club Water Polo: Organized events, fundraising, and team coordination
Timeline
Associate Environmental Scientist
Parsons Corporation
06.2023 - Current
Mapping and Maintenance Intern
Nature Conservancy
09.2022 - Current
Student
Coastal Institute for the Environment
08.2022 - 12.2022
Data Technician Intern
Casey Trees
06.2022 - Current
Research Analyst Intern
Smart Surfaces Coalition
06.2021 - 08.2021
Botanical Garden Assistant
North Carolina Botanical Garden
01.2021 - 05.2021
Cultivate the City Intern
Cultivate the City
05.2020 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science, Geographic Information Science
University of North Carolina