Trinity Rivera

Dedicated graduate with an interdisciplinary background in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Expertise in ecological field research and habitat restoration, complemented by a commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship. Demonstrated adaptability and collaboration in diverse environments, supporting sustainable ecosystems through data analysis and outreach initiatives.

• Ecological field sampling and monitoring
• Habitat assessment and restoration
• Species identification and biodiversity surveys
• Rocky intertidal monitoring techniques
• Wetland and freshwater ecosystem assessment
• Data collection and management
• Statistical analysis and scientific reporting
• Environmental policy analysis
• Community-based conservation approaches
• Scientific communication and presentation

• Younger Lagoon Reserve Volunteer, Santa Cruz, CA, Assisted with native habitat restoration projects in coastal ecosystems., Propagated native plant species in greenhouse settings and transplanted them into restoration sites., Removed invasive plant species and supported ecosystem management efforts., Participated in invasive bullfrog removal to protect native wildlife populations., Assisted with maintaining healthy wetland and coastal habitats through hands-on conservation work.
• Groundswell Coastal Ecology Volunteer, Santa Cruz, CA, Supported coastal conservation and restoration initiatives through community engagement and field activities., Assisted in documenting environmental projects and communicating conservation efforts to the public., Collaborated with volunteers, educators, and conservation professionals to promote environmental stewardship., Helped increase community awareness of coastal ecosystem restoration efforts.

• Environmental Conservation
• Public Service
• Community Development
• Environmental Policy
• Cultural Exchange
• Marine Conservation
• Habitat Restoration
• Outdoor Education

• Ecological Researcher, Santa Cruz Island Intertidal Ecology Research Project, Channel Islands National Park, CA, Co-authored a field research study examining the ecological impacts of naturally occurring tar deposits on rocky intertidal communities on Santa Cruz Island., Conducted ecological surveys at Fraser Cove and Trailer Beach using quadrat sampling and point-intercept methods to assess species abundance and richness., Collected and analyzed field data on marine invertebrates, algae, surfgrass, and rocky intertidal habitat characteristics., Worked collaboratively with a research team to design sampling protocols, conduct fieldwork, and interpret ecological patterns., Assisted in statistical analysis comparing intertidal communities between sites with and without chronic tar exposure., Presented scientific findings on the potential influence of natural hydrocarbon seeps on intertidal community structure and biodiversity., Conducted research while living and working in a remote island field station environment, demonstrating adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Ecological Researcher, Effects of Oak Species on Leaf Litter Accumulation and Invertebrate Communities, Strathearn Ranch, CA, Conducted ecological field research examining relationships between oak species, leaf litter accumulation, and invertebrate abundance., Collected ecological data using pitfall traps, sticky traps, and vegetation assessments., Analyzed data using statistical methods including ANOVA and nonparametric analyses., Prepared scientific reports and presentations communicating research findings., Collaborated with fellow researchers to evaluate ecological trends and biodiversity patterns.
• Ecological Researcher, Big Creek and Devils Creek Ecosystem Assessment, Big Sur, CA, Investigated ecological differences between stream ecosystems in Big Sur, California., Applied statistical analyses including hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and two-sample t-tests., Collected and interpreted environmental data to assess ecosystem characteristics., Presented findings through written reports and oral presentations.