Alyssa Schaeffer Email & Phone Number

Platteville, Wisconsin, United States

Oversee public engagement and plan writing for four community comprehensive plans including forward-thinking topics such as climate resilience, dark sky planning, and creating welcoming communitiesChair the Prosperity Southwest (regional economic development organization) housing committee with monthly meetings to implement the 2024 housing studies and educate members on new housing initiatives and policiesExamine the impacts of climate change in the U.S. and analyze the potential for industry migration to WisconsinPrepared an EDA Public Works Grant for the City of Fennimore to expand their industry park by 72 acresManaged data collection, mapping, zoning review, graphic design, and plan writing for 37 housing studies in Southwest WisconsinCollaborated with seniors, cyclists, city committee members, and university and middle school students to inform the Platteville Bike and Pedestrian Plan

Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Evaluated Clinton’s existing housing options and determined how the city could meet housing needs alongside changing population demographicsModeled workforce housing demand to determine the number of housing units that should be built before 2030Illustrated housing quality and potential strategies such as condensed zoning districts and increased infill development using ArcGIS mapping Facilitated stakeholder interviews to gather feedback on potential policy recommendations and housing development strategiesProduced a professional, 150-page final report that was submitted to the City of Clinton in May 2023

Developed two ArcGIS StoryMaps to share the history of campus buildings both on the Pentacrest and along Iowa AvenueFormulated an outdoor space inventory and an architecture questionnaire to help prioritize mental health and wellness in the University’s built and natural environment Designed and produced each college’s unit plan to assist in the University’s master planning processCurated the Campus Planning website to educate students, staff, and visitors about the various planning processes and the history of campus planningPerformed several tasks for planning projects including updating photos and documents for signage changes across campus, assisting with public participation activities, and enhancing the launch of a coworking space

Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Refined the Free Produce Stand program by consulting with community partners to alleviate inconsistent scheduleCarried out 23 Free Produce Stands at five locations in the Iowa City area to distribute locally grown produce to families and community membersCoordinated with six community partners and 15 volunteers throughout the season to foster strong partnerships and ensure adequate staffing at the stands Interacted with folks from a variety of backgrounds including age, culture, education, and socioeconomic status

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States

Generated a sanitary sewer master plan for a local Iowa community including inflow/infiltration analysis, pipe and manhole rating systems, and recommendations for meeting EPA standards in the next 25 yearsPrepared a site plan and opinion of probable cost for the redesign of a city’s water, wastewater, and stormwater systems along 2 blocks near their downtown districtUtilized EPA’s Sanitary Sewer Overflow Analysis and Planning toolbox to conduct flow monitoring for a clientCompleted an antidegradation analysis to evaluate project alternatives, meet EPA standards, and protect water quality within the state

Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Assisted with cultivating microalgae using fertilizer plant wastewater and harvested the microalgae using forward osmosis technologyAdvanced the phytoremediation project by producing the 1-4 dioxane solution used to water the poplar trees Performed virtual research tasks for 2 lab groups to learn about the potential use of microalgae for cattle feed and to determine the state action levels for lead in school drinking water

Iowa City, Iowa

Tactfully advised fellow engineering students on written communication and methods to express themselves more effectivelyFacilitated meetings with undergraduates from a variety of backgrounds and engineering majors to develop their writing for the understanding of non-engineersPromoted and improved the work of the HCTC through the development of handouts and guides for students

Ames, Iowa, United States

Supported the Fareway corporation and local communities by restocking 3 stores after the derecho stormConducted additional cleaning tasks to keep customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic Assisted customers through speed and efficiency at the register and by sacking and carrying groceries to carsExercised excellent customer service using interpersonal skills both in person and on the telephone

New Delhi, Delhi, India

Coordinated water sampling in 10 rural villages and conducted fluoride testing to determine the extent of the fluoride problem in the communitiesModeled Sehgal Foundation’s mission of improving social, economic, and environmental conditions in rural India by working with community members to solve real world problemsExplored India’s food and culture for 3 weeks through trips to historic sites, shopping at local markets, and visits to 2 village homes

Ankeny, Iowa

Conducted field inspections for erosion control practices to ensure compliance with Ankeny's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitAssisted bi-weekly surface water quality sampling at 6 locations in Ankeny to determine the city's effect on water quality downstreamAided application and approval process for the city’s Best Management Practice Reimbursement ProgramExpedited maintenance process by inspecting stormwater infrastructure along rivers and near detention basins

Fort Collins, Colorado Area

Collected air samples for greenhouse gas analysis in water by nitrogen experiment to improve the sustainability of farming in semi-arid regionsPrepared and analyzed greenhouse gas data using Excel to determine environmental impact of farming practicesInterpreted past research paper and applied new knowledge to current experimentation Consulted with professionals and students to streamline minirhizotron installation and further enhance the water by nitrogen experiment

Iowa City, Iowa

Delivered flowers, balloons, and other gifts throughout the hospital to connect patients with their loved onesInteracted with patients, visitors, and staff both directly and by telephone to achieve customer satisfactionMaintained a neat, well-organized environment for shoppers to improve their stay at the hospital

Nevada, Iowa

Facilitated success in the produce department by stocking shelves and cutting produceAssisted customers through speed and efficiency at the register and by sacking and carrying groceries to carsExercised excellent customer service using interpersonal skills both in person and on the telephone

Master Of Science - Ms, Urban And Regional Planning

Concentrations: Housing and Community Development, Geographic Information Systems

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability Certificate