Ian (Shea) Burns
Shea is a Geographer with the GMEG Science Center in Tucson, AZ. He received a B.S. in Hydrology and M.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Arizona in 2003 and 2010, respectively. Since joining the USGS in 2023, he has devoted his career to supporting the publication of geologic maps for the Lower Colorado River Geologic Mapping Project and the Basin and Range Geologic Mapping Project.
Before joining the USGS, Shea worked as the primary developer for a GIS-based watershed modeling tool (AGWA) led by the USDA. He brings a strong background in GIS, software development, watershed modeling, and hydrology to a role now focused primarily on supporting geologic mapping. Shea works with geologists to create, edit, and revise geologic maps, creates datasets, tools, and workflows used by mappers, and manages data libraries and repositories used by project staff.
Professional Experience
May 2023 – present, geographer, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Tucson, AZ
August 2011 – May 2023, Senior Research Specialist, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
August 2005 – August 2011, Research Specialist, Tucson, AZ
February 2004 – August 2005, Research Technician, Tucson, AZ
May 2003 – February 2004, Hydrologic Technician, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ
Education and Certifications
M.S., Natural Resources, University of Arizona, 2010
B.S., Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona, 2003
Minor, Computer Science, University of Arizona, 2003