Alexander Harper Email and Phone Number

I own and manage Nature in Mind, which offers services for organizations that prioritize wildlife and habitat conservation, outdoor education, and mental health.Here is my mission statement:Nature in Mind is dedicated to transforming lives and inspiring conservation through mindful connection with nature. My mission is to provide accessible, science-based programs that deepen self-awareness, improve wellbeing, foster ecological understanding, and nurture a profound love for the natural world that lead to positive personal, community, and environmental impact.https://natureinmind.org

I specialize in birds, marine mammals, and ecosystems in destinations like Alaska and Baja, California.Click here to see my bio and upcoming trips:https://www.expeditions.com/about/expedition-team/alex-harper

I was a field technician collecting data for an environmental consulting company in the western United States. I began as an avian technician on solar energy generating sites in the Mojave, and eventually began monitoring for pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases of wind and solar projects as part of NEPA requirements. My specialty was bird identification, raptor nest monitoring, assessing habitat and presence of protected reptiles and mammals across the Mojave, Great Basin, Sonoran, and Chihuahua Deserts.

Point count technician doing bird surveys across Wyoming.

Monitor the south-bound migration of migrating diurnal raptors (hawks, falcons, harriers, eagles, vultures and kites) as they migrate through the Florida Keys. Data was recorded from a stationary position at Curry Hammock State Park. The position required the skill level to identify distant migrating raptors. All bird species detected in addition the raptors were recorded, as well. All information is physically recorded an later entered into an online repository. Conducting standardized bird-monitoring transects at Long Key State Park, data entry, and maintaining the project's blog were also important tasks.

Conduct point counts to monitor bird populations in state, federal, and private land in numerous but specific locations across Colorado. Tasks involve using GPS to get to transects, record all birds seen or heard at each point at the respective transect, entering transect and bird data into software program, and coordinating with park service officials, biologists, and private landowners. Up to sixteen points are conducted per square kilometer transect in a variety of habitats, with points being two-hundred fifty meters apart. The composition of present vegetation is assessed, along with the habitat. Additionally, there is some emphasis on detecting the presence of Prairie Dogs, Abert's and Red Squirrels.

Instruct biology to 9th and 10th grade students at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School.

Seasonal position held as an interpretive naturalist and environmental science instructor for students in grades 4-8. Students from New England private and public schools visited for 3-5 days to supplement science curriculum. Educators designed curriculum and instructed students on marine and terrestrial ecology and biology (i.e. wildlife and tree identification), coastal morphology and processes, and a variety of natural sciences in outdoor settings.

Directly supervise managers and address major student issues. Implement logistical changes for the program.

Conduct point counts to monitor bird populations in five national parks that fall into the Chihuahuan Desert Network (Amistad National Recreation Area, Big Bend National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and White Sands National Monument).Tasks involve using GPS to get to transects, record all birds seen or heard at each point at the respective transect, entering transect and bird data into software program, and coordinating with park service officials and biologists.Up to sixteen points are conducted per square kilometer transect in desert/grassland habitat, with points being two-hundred fifty meters apart. Surveys are also taken in riparian habitats, with up to nine points following a water source.The project concluded towards the end of passerine migration (mid-May)

Supervised and managed 24-26 staff members that advised and administered to 300-320 students at a large summer program. Communicated with parents/guardians of students and students. Oversaw student life. Entered data into a real-time database. Created schedules and duties for staff.

Tended to several coastal grasses of the genus Spartina and Juncus in a greenhouse.Restored coastal locations by installing oyster beds to reduce wave energy and stabilize coastlines in contracted locations in the Pensacola area.

Day Program Assistant: Entered data daily into a real-time database.Contacted parents and guardians of students to address inquiries and disseminate information for the program.Day Advisor: Oversaw student life and advised 25-30 8th or 9th graders.

Instructor: Instructed a three week course on wilderness survival (included plant identification, fire safety, survival scenarios) to 8th and 9th graders.This required lesson plans and curriculum development.Residential Advisor: Oversaw student life and advised 30-35 9th grade boys.

Instructor:Instructed a three week course on molecular biology to 8th and 9th graders.This required lesson plans and curriculum development.Residential Advisor:Oversaw student life and advised 25-30 8th or 9th graders.

Program Assistant:Data entry, inventory of mail and packages, communicate with parents/guardians via phone.Day Advisor: Oversaw student life and advised 25-30 8th graders.