Alexa Macpherson Email & Phone Number

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

At Triton Environmental Consultants, I primarily work on the Caribou Habitat Restoration Monitoring Program, where I participate in vegetation assessments in the field during the summer months and manage our remote camera trap program. During the off-season, I take the lead on camera photo analysis and reporting for the Camera Technical Reports. In addition to my work on the caribou program, I also participate in a variety of wildlife sweeps, bird sweeps, and environmental monitoring projects, contributing to sustainable land management and conservation.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

As a GIS Analyst at WSP, I utilize my expertise in GIS and data analysis to support a wide range of environmental projects, including those related to wildlife modelling. From conducting spatial analysis to creating visually appealing maps and reports, my work helps to inform decision-making processes for clients and stakeholders. At WSP, I collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and planners to develop innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges. I am passionate about utilizing technology to promote sustainable practices and am committed to delivering high-quality work to achieve project success. In addition to GIS work, I have participating in various field programs conducting breeding bird surveys, nest sweeps and amphibian salvages related to pre/post construction monitoring.

As a grad student researcher at the University of Alberta, I designed and implemented a research project on cougar mortality in Alberta. Our team collared over 80 adult and juvenile cougars and collected biological and spatial data from GPS collars. Using ArcMap GIS and Rstudio statistics coding, I modeled habitat features related to risk of mortality and created spatial maps for predictive mapping to mitigate large carnivore/human conflicts. I also secured funding, created budgets, hired support staff, and published research proposals for conferences and publications.

As a Teaching Assistant at the University of Alberta, I had the privilege of mentoring and leading first-year students in Biology 108: Introduction to Biological Diversity. In this role, I created and provided educational presentation material to introduce the topic of each lab, demonstrated various procedures, and ensured that students followed safety regulations. Additionally, I proctored and marked midterms, final exams, and individual lab assignments, and hosted office hours to answer questions and provide feedback on their work. It was rewarding to help students understand the fascinating topics covered in class, including adaptations of prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals, as well as an introduction to scientific communication and writing.

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

As a Research Assistant at the Environmental Sciences Group (Royal Military College of Canada), I provided technical mapping support using ESRI ArcGIS software to analyze spatial data related to contaminated sites, species at risk, and various Canadian Forces operations. I designed and implemented databases to store and analyze information, created exceedances maps, and conducted fieldwork such as groundwater RTK surveys and collecting soil, water, and groundwater samples. I also analyzed historical data for species at risk projects, conducted benthic invertebrate research, and created an invasive species management plan. Additionally, I prepared technical reports, proposals, and GIS data packages while adhering to tight timelines and budgets.

Edmonton, Alberta

As a Graduate Student Intern at Paragon Soil & Environmental Consulting, I gained valuable experience in environmental field work, including assisting with soil surveys and vegetation monitoring programs. I also participated in the North American Oil Sands Seed Collection program and supported post-construction reclamation assessments. Additionally, I conducted phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site assessments, and was involved in data management and reporting for various projects.

Kingston, Ontario

As a Stewardship Youth Ranger Team Lead for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, I provided leadership, motivation, and supervision to a team of four rangers for three consecutive years (2016-2018). During this time, I independently planned and developed partnerships for 8 weeks of field projects with stakeholders in Eastern Ontario, including ecological restoration, water chemistry sampling, bird banding, invasive species removal, education/conservation, fish culture techniques, shoreline stabilization, trail building/maintenance, multiple day camping trips, and education/safety training programs. I also managed the Ministry Ranger budget, conducted interviews and evaluation reports for the rangers, and communicated progress and concerns with the supervisor of the Ranger team through daily check-in meetings. Additionally, I drove a company truck daily to commute rangers to and from projects while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and filling out necessary forms. I also developed reports on the challenges and successes of completed projects, networking, and finances.

Peterborough, Ontario

As an Environmental Geochemist Lab Assistant at Trent University, I assisted with lab procedures, data analysis of mineral-water interactions, and CO2 sequestration within mine sites. I completed lab safety training and organized chemical pore water data using geochemical modeling software. Additionally, I ordered lab materials, created chemical inventory lists, and prepped the lab for experiments. I also prepared class materials for a geoscience field methods course.

Lindsay, Ontario

As a Trees & Shrubs Tutor at Fleming College, I was responsible for providing mentorship and leadership to students who were studying for the "Trees & Shrubs of Ontario Identification" class. This involved creating an effective learning environment by maintaining ideal live specimens and answering any questions that students had. Additionally, I would create interactive learning sessions so that students could learn identification tips and key features of Ontario's trees and shrubs.In order to be an effective tutor, I needed to possess strong leadership and mentoring skills. I needed to be able to guide students through the learning process and motivate them to reach their full potential. This required me to be patient and understanding, and to tailor my teaching style to the individual needs of each student. I also needed to be able to provide constructive feedback in a way that was encouraging and helped students to improve. Through my role as a Trees & Shrubs Tutor, I developed and honed my leadership and mentoring skills, which I have since applied to other roles in my career.

Kingston, Ontario

As an Assistant Resource Management Technician at the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, I assisted the management biologist with fish and wildlife projects, conducted independent projects, and conducted fish population surveys using various techniques. I also participated in species at risk bird surveys, terrestrial food plots, aquatic macrophyte habitat mapping, and invasive species management projects. Additionally, I worked in diverse outdoor weather conditions, operated boats, motors, ATVs, and other small specialized equipment and tools.

M.Sc Course Work Completed, Biology

Ecological Restoration Technician Diploma

Collected and dissected Snowy Owl pellets to analyze prey diet from Amherst Island, Ontario. Collaborated project with Fleming College.

Environmental Science Honors Degree, Ecological Restoration

Activities and Societies: Studied ungulate antler asymmetry in Isle Royale National Park as part of my undergraduate honors thesis.