My work consists mainly of statistical analysis for an ongoing project focused on model selection procedures for the North American Breeding Bird Survey (NABBS) data, using hierarchical models for analysis.

In this role I was the lead analyst of Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC), a long-term continent-wide early-winter monitoring effort. During this 10 year period I collaborated closely with biologists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center to analyze population trends of North American birds using CBC data. We did this by applying to the CBC modified versions of the hierarchical models and analytic methods previously developed at Patuxent for the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). We then… Show more In this role I was the lead analyst of Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC), a long-term continent-wide early-winter monitoring effort. During this 10 year period I collaborated closely with biologists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center to analyze population trends of North American birds using CBC data. We did this by applying to the CBC modified versions of the hierarchical models and analytic methods previously developed at Patuxent for the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). We then used the results of these analyses to (for example) generate biodiversity indicators, continental and regional "State of the Birds" reports, and to address conservation issues such climate change. Show less

Audubon’s U.S. Important Bird Area (IBA) Program is part of a global initiative spearheaded by BirdLife International to identify, monitor, and conserve sites most important for sustaining populations of all vulnerable bird species. I guided the development of state-based efforts to identify and protect IBAs, and worked to coordinate these efforts at the national level. I convened and chaired a National Technical Committee to develop scientific criteria for identifying IBAs and to oversee… Show more Audubon’s U.S. Important Bird Area (IBA) Program is part of a global initiative spearheaded by BirdLife International to identify, monitor, and conserve sites most important for sustaining populations of all vulnerable bird species. I guided the development of state-based efforts to identify and protect IBAs, and worked to coordinate these efforts at the national level. I convened and chaired a National Technical Committee to develop scientific criteria for identifying IBAs and to oversee their identification and recognition. Show less

I coordinated the development and implementation of a long-term, statewide monitoring program to assess the environmental condition of major Illinois ecosystems. To this end I led teams of researchers to develop statistically valid sampling designs, monitoring protocols and bio-indicators. I hired and supervised a team of 11 field biologists to collect these data, and I participated in the development of parallel citizen scientist programs. I also coordinated the State’s participation in the… Show more I coordinated the development and implementation of a long-term, statewide monitoring program to assess the environmental condition of major Illinois ecosystems. To this end I led teams of researchers to develop statistically valid sampling designs, monitoring protocols and bio-indicators. I hired and supervised a team of 11 field biologists to collect these data, and I participated in the development of parallel citizen scientist programs. I also coordinated the State’s participation in the U.S. Forest Health Monitoring Program and I edited over 25 multi-author environmental assessment reports. Show less