Kristen Alkins
About Kristen Alkins
Kristen Alkins is a Physical Scientist and Geographer currently employed at the U.S. Geological Survey in Santa Cruz, California. She has a background in spatial ecology and geographic information systems, with previous roles at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Dominion Energy.
Current Role at U.S. Geological Survey
Kristen Alkins serves as a Physical Scientist and Geographer at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Santa Cruz, California. She has held this position since 2018, contributing to various projects and research initiatives within the agency. Her role involves applying scientific principles and geographic information systems (GIS) to address environmental and geological challenges.
Previous Experience at Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Prior to her current role, Kristen worked at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a Spatial Ecology Coordinator from 2016 to 2017. In this position, she focused on spatial analysis and ecological assessments, contributing to the department's efforts in environmental protection and resource management.
Professional Background in GIS
Kristen Alkins has extensive experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She worked as a GIS Technician at Dominion Energy from 2011 to 2014, where she managed and analyzed spatial data. Additionally, she served as a GIS Analyst Intern at Stantec for one month in 2010, gaining foundational skills in GIS applications.
Educational Qualifications
Kristen holds a Master of Science (MS) in Marine Environmental Science from Nova Southeastern University, where she studied from 2013 to 2016. She also earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geographic Science from James Madison University, completing her studies from 2008 to 2011. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her work in environmental science and geography.
Research Experience at Nova Southeastern University
At Nova Southeastern University, Kristen worked as a Graduate Research Assistant in the GIS and Spatial Ecology Lab from 2014 to 2016. In this role, she engaged in research projects that focused on spatial ecology, further developing her expertise in the application of GIS in environmental studies.