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Sally House

I am a professional science communicator meshing my passion for the natural world with my love of multimedia, maps, and data visualization to tell the stories of USGS science.

Professional Experience

  • Public Affairs Specialist
    USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, Reston, VA (March 2023 - Present)
    Partner with Mission Area Program Leads and Science Centers to tell broad-scale stories of how USGS ecosystems science informs the management of natural resources. 

  • Science Communications
    USGS California Water Science Center, San Diego, CA  (April 2010 - February 2023)
    Management of external and internal communication to the varied audiences served by the USGS’s largest water science center. Created a variety of print, digital, and interactive products to deliver scientific results and data to target audiences.

  • Supervisor, Direct Marketing Services
    Nielsen Claritas, San Diego, CA  (June 2006 - April 2008)
    Led daily activities of four-member direct marketing production team for a company specializing in data and applications for use in customer targeting, media strategies, and site analysis decisions.

  • Marketing Specialist
    SkyDesk, Inc., San Diego, CA  (April 2001 - May 2002)
    Supported marketing strategies for new and existing online backup and data migration software products with a focus on market research.

  • Assistant Client Marketing Manager
    ADVO, Inc., Dallas, TX  (July 2000 - March 2001)
    Assisted sales force in developing direct mail marketing strategies for existing client base and prospects. Utilized customized GIS software and relevant data to identify clients’ trade areas, potential sites, and prospective clients.

Education and Certifications

  • Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Mesa College, San Diego, CA  (in progress)

  • Master of Arts in Conservation Biology from Miami University, Oxford, OH

  • Certificate in Web Development/Open Source Technologies from Palomar College, San Marcos, CA

  • Certificate in Interactive Media, San Diego Community College District Continuing Education, San Diego, CA

  • Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from Boston University, Boston, MA

Honors and Awards

  • Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award, National Association of Government Communicators (2015)

Science and Products

Species management research program [postcard] Species management research program [postcard]

Executive SummaryOur nation’s fish and wildlife species face increasingly complex threats and challenges. Ensuring a healthy future for these species benefits all Americans, contributing to the abundance of our food supply, the well-being of diverse cultures and communities, and the future of biodiverse ecosystems. The U.S. Geological Survey Species Management Research Program (SMRP)...
Authors
Melanie Steinkamp, Mona Khalil, Sally House, Mark Wimer, David Hu, Michael Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program

A prioritization protocol for coastal wetland restoration on Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi A prioritization protocol for coastal wetland restoration on Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi

Hawaiian coastal wetlands provide important habitat for federally endangered waterbirds and socio-cultural resources for Native Hawaiians. Currently, Hawaiian coastal wetlands are degraded by development, sedimentation, and invasive species and, thus, require restoration. Little is known about their original structure and function due to the large-scale alteration of the lowland...
Authors
Judith Drexler, Helen Raine, James Jacobi, Sally House, Pulama Lima, William Haase, Arleone Dibben-Young, Brett Wolfe
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

Addressing stakeholder science needs for integrated drought science in the Colorado River Basin Addressing stakeholder science needs for integrated drought science in the Colorado River Basin

Stakeholders need scientific data, analysis, and predictions of how drought the will impact the Colorado River Basin in a format that is continuously updated, intuitive, and easily accessible. The Colorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology Pilot Project was formed to demonstrate the effectiveness of addressing complex problems through stakeholder...
Authors
Anne Tillery, Sally House, Rebecca Frus, Sharon Qi, Daniel Jones, William Andrews
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, California Water Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology

Regional water table (2014) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater Basins, southwestern Mojave Desert, California Regional water table (2014) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater Basins, southwestern Mojave Desert, California

Data for static water-levels measured in about 610 wells during March-April 2014 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Mojave Water Agency (MWA), and other local water districts were compiled to construct a regional water-table map. This map shows the elevation of the water table and general direction of groundwater movement in and around the Mojave River and Morongo groundwater...
Authors
Nick Teague, Meghan Dick, Sally House, Dennis Clark
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center

Regional water table (2010) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater basins, southwestern Mojave Desert, California Regional water table (2010) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater basins, southwestern Mojave Desert, California

Since 1992, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Mojave Water Agency (MWA), has constructed a series of regional water-table maps for intermittent years in a continuing effort to monitor groundwater conditions in the Mojave River and Morongo groundwater basins. The previously published data, which were used to construct these maps, can be accessed on the interactive...
Authors
Gregory Smith, Christina L. Stamos, Carolyn Glockhoff, Sally F. House, Dennis Clark
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center

Moloka'i, Hawai'i rapid assessment of hydrology, soils, and vegetation in coastal wetlands 2022 Moloka'i, Hawai'i rapid assessment of hydrology, soils, and vegetation in coastal wetlands 2022

In this project, we assessed the potential for twelve coastal wetland sites on the island of Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi, to provide socio-cultural resources and habitat for flora and fauna following restoration. In April 2022, a rapid field assessment of hydrology, soils, and vegetation was carried out at each of the wetland sites. The data provided here were collected in order to inform a...
By
Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

Regional Water Table (2014) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater Basins, Southwestern Mojave Desert, California (ver. 1.2, September 2020) Regional Water Table (2014) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater Basins, Southwestern Mojave Desert, California (ver. 1.2, September 2020)

During 2014, the U.S. Geological Survey and other agencies made approximately 2,500 water-level measurements in the Mojave River and Morongo groundwater basins. These data document recent conditions and, when compared with previous data, changes in groundwater levels. A water-level contour map was drawn using data from about 610 wells, providing coverage for most of the basins. Twenty...
By
California Water Science Center
Please see "Detailed Description"
2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals
2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals
Please see "Detailed Description"

2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals

2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals

The List of Critical Minerals Informs: 

  • Supply chain risk mitigation 

  • Federal policy and strategy 

  • Stockpiles 

  • Permitting Processes 

By
Energy and Mineral Resources Mission Area, Mineral Resources Program
Please see "Detailed Description"

2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals

2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals

The List of Critical Minerals Informs: 

  • Supply chain risk mitigation 

  • Federal policy and strategy 

  • Stockpiles 

  • Permitting Processes 

By
Energy and Mineral Resources Mission Area, Mineral Resources Program
Informational graphic showing data in pie graphs, text, and maps
Estimated 2010 California Water Use
Estimated 2010 California Water Use
Informational graphic showing data in pie graphs, text, and maps

Estimated 2010 California Water Use

Estimated 2010 California Water Use

Withdrawal estimates for each category represent the total amount of water removed from the water source, regardless of how much of that total is consumptively used. In most cases, some fraction of the total withdrawal will be returned to the same or a different water source after use and is available for other withdrawals.

By
California Water Science Center
Informational graphic showing data in pie graphs, text, and maps

Estimated 2010 California Water Use

Estimated 2010 California Water Use

Withdrawal estimates for each category represent the total amount of water removed from the water source, regardless of how much of that total is consumptively used. In most cases, some fraction of the total withdrawal will be returned to the same or a different water source after use and is available for other withdrawals.

By
California Water Science Center

The Mojave River: From the Mountains to Beneath Our Feet The Mojave River: From the Mountains to Beneath Our Feet

The Mojave River and associated groundwater aquifers are important water supplies in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. The river and the aquifer are connected, and when hydrologic conditions change in one, the other is usually affected. This new web tool explores the connections between precipitation, streamflow, groundwater, subsurface geology, and water quality in the Mojave River.
By
California Water Science Center

Runoff Estimates for California Runoff Estimates for California

Streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs are important natural resources for irrigation, public supply, wetlands and wildlife. Excess precipitation that flows into these sources is called runoff, and it's an important drought indicator. The California Water Science Center tracks both monthly and annual runoff.
By
California Water Science Center, Drought

Prioritizing restoration of coastal wetlands on Molokaʻi Prioritizing restoration of coastal wetlands on Molokaʻi

Hawaiian coastal wetlands provide important habitat for endangered waterbirds and socio-cultural resources for Native Hawaiians. Currently, they are degraded by development, sedimentation, and invasive species and, thus, require restoration. Site prioritization represents both an actionable plan for coastal wetland restoration and an alternative protocol for restoration decision-making.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, California Water Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area Geonarrative The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area Geonarrative

The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area provides science to help America achieve sustainable management and conservation of biological and ecological resources in wild and urban spaces.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area

California Wildfires California Wildfires

Wildfires pose significant threat in an increasingly arid California landscape, threatening life, property, and air quality, and having long-term impacts on the state's water. Knowing the location and extent of wildfire events that effect California may help scientists and resource managers predict and manage potential impacts burns may have upon water quality, availability and movement.
By
California Water Science Center

The Mojave River: Lifeblood of the Desert The Mojave River: Lifeblood of the Desert

Take a 3D tour along the Mojave River and learn about its contribution to groundwater and surface water supply and the geologic characteristics that control it.
By
California Water Science Center

Drought & Groundwater in California Drought & Groundwater in California

Long-term groundwater-level data are fundamental to the resolution of problems dealing with groundwater availability and sustainability. Significant periods of time typically are required to collect water-level data needed to assess the effects of climate variability, to monitor the effects of regional aquifer development, or to obtain data sufficient for analysis of water-level trends.
By
California Water Science Center, Drought

Drought & Surface Water in California Drought & Surface Water in California

Careful observation and analysis of the movement and condition of surface water is essential for understanding this resource, especially during times of drought. The California Water Science Center uses a network of more than 500 streamgages to collect real-time data on surface water at locations across the state.
By
California Water Science Center, Drought

San Antonio Creek Valley Hydrologic Monitoring San Antonio Creek Valley Hydrologic Monitoring

In order to understand the integrated hydrologic systems in the San Antonio Creek Valley, many different types of data are being gathered from both the surface water and groundwater system. Learn about these data types and explore them with the interactive map.
By
California Water Science Center

California Groundwater Model Archive California Groundwater Model Archive

The USGS models shown on this site are in the public domain, and are freely available. They are based on MODFLOW and other public-domain USGS software. Links to publications and web resources associated with each model are shown in the table next to the model map. The associated model files for some of these models are currently available via download.
By
California Water Science Center

Areas of Land Subsidence in California Areas of Land Subsidence in California

In California, land subsidence—mostly from groundwater pumping—was first documented by the USGS in the early 20th century. Completion of State and Federal water projects that bring water from California's wet north to its dry south allowed some groundwater aquifers to recover, and subsidence decreased in these areas. Subsidence continues today, sometimes at high rates of more than 1 foot/year.
By
California Water Science Center, Land Subsidence in California

Mojave Groundwater Data Mojave Groundwater Data

Interactive map of the Mojave and Morongo groundwater basins. Data layers include sites and data for groundwater levels, water quality, and land subsidence. Groundwater data spans 1994 to the present.
By
California Water Science Center, Land Subsidence in California

Science and Products

Species management research program [postcard] Species management research program [postcard]

Executive SummaryOur nation’s fish and wildlife species face increasingly complex threats and challenges. Ensuring a healthy future for these species benefits all Americans, contributing to the abundance of our food supply, the well-being of diverse cultures and communities, and the future of biodiverse ecosystems. The U.S. Geological Survey Species Management Research Program (SMRP)...
Authors
Melanie Steinkamp, Mona Khalil, Sally House, Mark Wimer, David Hu, Michael Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program

A prioritization protocol for coastal wetland restoration on Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi A prioritization protocol for coastal wetland restoration on Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi

Hawaiian coastal wetlands provide important habitat for federally endangered waterbirds and socio-cultural resources for Native Hawaiians. Currently, Hawaiian coastal wetlands are degraded by development, sedimentation, and invasive species and, thus, require restoration. Little is known about their original structure and function due to the large-scale alteration of the lowland...
Authors
Judith Drexler, Helen Raine, James Jacobi, Sally House, Pulama Lima, William Haase, Arleone Dibben-Young, Brett Wolfe
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

Addressing stakeholder science needs for integrated drought science in the Colorado River Basin Addressing stakeholder science needs for integrated drought science in the Colorado River Basin

Stakeholders need scientific data, analysis, and predictions of how drought the will impact the Colorado River Basin in a format that is continuously updated, intuitive, and easily accessible. The Colorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology Pilot Project was formed to demonstrate the effectiveness of addressing complex problems through stakeholder...
Authors
Anne Tillery, Sally House, Rebecca Frus, Sharon Qi, Daniel Jones, William Andrews
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, California Water Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology

Regional water table (2014) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater Basins, southwestern Mojave Desert, California Regional water table (2014) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater Basins, southwestern Mojave Desert, California

Data for static water-levels measured in about 610 wells during March-April 2014 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Mojave Water Agency (MWA), and other local water districts were compiled to construct a regional water-table map. This map shows the elevation of the water table and general direction of groundwater movement in and around the Mojave River and Morongo groundwater...
Authors
Nick Teague, Meghan Dick, Sally House, Dennis Clark
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center

Regional water table (2010) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater basins, southwestern Mojave Desert, California Regional water table (2010) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater basins, southwestern Mojave Desert, California

Since 1992, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Mojave Water Agency (MWA), has constructed a series of regional water-table maps for intermittent years in a continuing effort to monitor groundwater conditions in the Mojave River and Morongo groundwater basins. The previously published data, which were used to construct these maps, can be accessed on the interactive...
Authors
Gregory Smith, Christina L. Stamos, Carolyn Glockhoff, Sally F. House, Dennis Clark
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center

Moloka'i, Hawai'i rapid assessment of hydrology, soils, and vegetation in coastal wetlands 2022 Moloka'i, Hawai'i rapid assessment of hydrology, soils, and vegetation in coastal wetlands 2022

In this project, we assessed the potential for twelve coastal wetland sites on the island of Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi, to provide socio-cultural resources and habitat for flora and fauna following restoration. In April 2022, a rapid field assessment of hydrology, soils, and vegetation was carried out at each of the wetland sites. The data provided here were collected in order to inform a...
By
Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

Regional Water Table (2014) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater Basins, Southwestern Mojave Desert, California (ver. 1.2, September 2020) Regional Water Table (2014) in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater Basins, Southwestern Mojave Desert, California (ver. 1.2, September 2020)

During 2014, the U.S. Geological Survey and other agencies made approximately 2,500 water-level measurements in the Mojave River and Morongo groundwater basins. These data document recent conditions and, when compared with previous data, changes in groundwater levels. A water-level contour map was drawn using data from about 610 wells, providing coverage for most of the basins. Twenty...
By
California Water Science Center
Please see "Detailed Description"
2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals
2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals
Please see "Detailed Description"

2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals

2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals

The List of Critical Minerals Informs: 

  • Supply chain risk mitigation 

  • Federal policy and strategy 

  • Stockpiles 

  • Permitting Processes 

By
Energy and Mineral Resources Mission Area, Mineral Resources Program
Please see "Detailed Description"

2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals

2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals

The List of Critical Minerals Informs: 

  • Supply chain risk mitigation 

  • Federal policy and strategy 

  • Stockpiles 

  • Permitting Processes 

By
Energy and Mineral Resources Mission Area, Mineral Resources Program
Informational graphic showing data in pie graphs, text, and maps
Estimated 2010 California Water Use
Estimated 2010 California Water Use
Informational graphic showing data in pie graphs, text, and maps

Estimated 2010 California Water Use

Estimated 2010 California Water Use

Withdrawal estimates for each category represent the total amount of water removed from the water source, regardless of how much of that total is consumptively used. In most cases, some fraction of the total withdrawal will be returned to the same or a different water source after use and is available for other withdrawals.

By
California Water Science Center
Informational graphic showing data in pie graphs, text, and maps

Estimated 2010 California Water Use

Estimated 2010 California Water Use

Withdrawal estimates for each category represent the total amount of water removed from the water source, regardless of how much of that total is consumptively used. In most cases, some fraction of the total withdrawal will be returned to the same or a different water source after use and is available for other withdrawals.

By
California Water Science Center

The Mojave River: From the Mountains to Beneath Our Feet The Mojave River: From the Mountains to Beneath Our Feet

The Mojave River and associated groundwater aquifers are important water supplies in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. The river and the aquifer are connected, and when hydrologic conditions change in one, the other is usually affected. This new web tool explores the connections between precipitation, streamflow, groundwater, subsurface geology, and water quality in the Mojave River.
By
California Water Science Center

Runoff Estimates for California Runoff Estimates for California

Streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs are important natural resources for irrigation, public supply, wetlands and wildlife. Excess precipitation that flows into these sources is called runoff, and it's an important drought indicator. The California Water Science Center tracks both monthly and annual runoff.
By
California Water Science Center, Drought

Prioritizing restoration of coastal wetlands on Molokaʻi Prioritizing restoration of coastal wetlands on Molokaʻi

Hawaiian coastal wetlands provide important habitat for endangered waterbirds and socio-cultural resources for Native Hawaiians. Currently, they are degraded by development, sedimentation, and invasive species and, thus, require restoration. Site prioritization represents both an actionable plan for coastal wetland restoration and an alternative protocol for restoration decision-making.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, California Water Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area Geonarrative The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area Geonarrative

The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area provides science to help America achieve sustainable management and conservation of biological and ecological resources in wild and urban spaces.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area

California Wildfires California Wildfires

Wildfires pose significant threat in an increasingly arid California landscape, threatening life, property, and air quality, and having long-term impacts on the state's water. Knowing the location and extent of wildfire events that effect California may help scientists and resource managers predict and manage potential impacts burns may have upon water quality, availability and movement.
By
California Water Science Center

The Mojave River: Lifeblood of the Desert The Mojave River: Lifeblood of the Desert

Take a 3D tour along the Mojave River and learn about its contribution to groundwater and surface water supply and the geologic characteristics that control it.
By
California Water Science Center

Drought & Groundwater in California Drought & Groundwater in California

Long-term groundwater-level data are fundamental to the resolution of problems dealing with groundwater availability and sustainability. Significant periods of time typically are required to collect water-level data needed to assess the effects of climate variability, to monitor the effects of regional aquifer development, or to obtain data sufficient for analysis of water-level trends.
By
California Water Science Center, Drought

Drought & Surface Water in California Drought & Surface Water in California

Careful observation and analysis of the movement and condition of surface water is essential for understanding this resource, especially during times of drought. The California Water Science Center uses a network of more than 500 streamgages to collect real-time data on surface water at locations across the state.
By
California Water Science Center, Drought

San Antonio Creek Valley Hydrologic Monitoring San Antonio Creek Valley Hydrologic Monitoring

In order to understand the integrated hydrologic systems in the San Antonio Creek Valley, many different types of data are being gathered from both the surface water and groundwater system. Learn about these data types and explore them with the interactive map.
By
California Water Science Center

California Groundwater Model Archive California Groundwater Model Archive

The USGS models shown on this site are in the public domain, and are freely available. They are based on MODFLOW and other public-domain USGS software. Links to publications and web resources associated with each model are shown in the table next to the model map. The associated model files for some of these models are currently available via download.
By
California Water Science Center

Areas of Land Subsidence in California Areas of Land Subsidence in California

In California, land subsidence—mostly from groundwater pumping—was first documented by the USGS in the early 20th century. Completion of State and Federal water projects that bring water from California's wet north to its dry south allowed some groundwater aquifers to recover, and subsidence decreased in these areas. Subsidence continues today, sometimes at high rates of more than 1 foot/year.
By
California Water Science Center, Land Subsidence in California

Mojave Groundwater Data Mojave Groundwater Data

Interactive map of the Mojave and Morongo groundwater basins. Data layers include sites and data for groundwater levels, water quality, and land subsidence. Groundwater data spans 1994 to the present.
By
California Water Science Center, Land Subsidence in California
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