Kara Forest
About Kara Forest
Kara Forest is a Hydrologic Technician at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Troy, New York, where she has worked since 2023. She holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Rutgers University–New Brunswick and has experience in land surveying, river discharge modeling, and environmental health and safety.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Kara Forest has been employed as a Hydrologic Technician at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 2023. In her role at the USGS NY Water Center in Troy, New York, she conducts land surveying and prepares visit write-ups. Her responsibilities also include calibrating probes and modeling river discharge, contributing to the understanding of hydrologic processes. Additionally, she has participated in the maintenance and operation of USGS stations, which involves rewiring and assembling new gages.
Education and Expertise
Kara Forest earned a Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Science from Rutgers University–New Brunswick, completing her studies in 2023. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science from the same institution, graduating in 2022. Her academic background provides her with a solid foundation in environmental science principles, which she applies in her current role at USGS.
Previous Work Experience
Before joining the USGS, Kara Forest served as a Graduate Student Mentor at Douglass College Engineering LLC at Rutgers University–New Brunswick from 2022 to 2023. She also gained experience as an EHS External Supply Co-op at Johnson & Johnson for three months in 2022. Additionally, she worked as a Horseman at Philmont Scout Ranch in 2021, where she spent three months in Cimarron, New Mexico.
Professional Contributions
In her role at the USGS NY Water Center, Kara Forest has contributed to significant projects involving the calibration of hydrologic instruments and the modeling of river discharge. Her work supports the operational integrity of USGS monitoring stations, ensuring accurate data collection and analysis for hydrologic studies.