Research

The development of a valid and reliable survey tool to measure conservation science learning (CSL) in informal learning contexts standouts as a project that exemplifies my research activities. A member of  the core project team, I oversaw multiple phases of data collection and was involved in the testing and refinement of original survey items in the initial phase of the project. As the project scaled, I worked with partners to implement the survey tool outside my home organization and managed the incoming, cross-organizational data. When the project reached maturity, I applied the survey to multiple programs and experiences as part of broader studies (see these for example) within my home organization. Leveraging an inductive research approach, I used results to address program specific questions and outcomes for stakeholders. I also merged and managed comparative data sets that allowed for more complex analysis and answering of broader research questions. Likewise, these comparative data sets allowed myself and colleagues to conduct ad hoc analysis and be responsive to emergent questions of our organization and field.