Suzanna is the Outreach Coordinator for the Ecosystems Mission Area.
Interests:
My professional interest is in relaying technical scientific information in a manner that enables non-science audiences to gain sound, science-based knowledge, as well as appreciate and see value in projects that enhance and protect the natural resources. I am a Physical Scientist and Outreach Coordinator for the USGS-Ecosystems Mission Area where I develop outreach strategies to increase the effectiveness of the Mission Area and its science centers’ activities and products.
Previously I was with the USGS-Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (2008 - 2018) where my primary duties included outreach and communication of Center science activities, website management and development, technical editing, field work related to soil and water resource sciences, and served as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Center.
I began my career serving three seasons with the National Park Service as an interpretive ranger in Grand Teton National Park, followed by two years as a chemist with the Montana Department of Agriculture and seven years with Montana State University as a research associate. While at Montana State I implemented on-the-ground water quality monitoring projects including the study of saline-sodic water management, agricultural pharmaceutical residue in surface water, and stream and spring water quality monitoring. I also designed natural resource science education materials for diverse audiences such as educators, tribal entities, and agricultural communities. I continue to work with the university delivering online water quality and soil science graduate courses for teachers and professional practitioners through the MSU Masters of Science in Science Education program.
Professional Experience
2017 - Present: Outreach Coordinator, USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, Reston Virginia
2014 - 2017: Physical Scientist (Outreach), USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, Montana.
2010 - 2014: Information & Education Specialist, USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, Montana.
2009 - 2010: Hydrological Science Technician, USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, Montana.
2003 - 2009: Water Quality Research Associate & Education Coordinator, Dept. of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University.
2001 - 2003: Chemist, Montana Dept. of Agriculture
1999 - 2001: Interpretive Ranger, Grand Teton National Park
Education and Certifications
B.A. Geology. 1999. DePauw University.
M.E. Adult and Higher Education. 2007. Montana State University.
Science and Products
USGS Ecosystems Podcast Series - Outstanding in the Field
I Am A...Natural Resource Economist
Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers. The concept is to show whimsically "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." This video is about a natural resource economist (i.e. someone who studies the value of features in the natural world).
I Am An...Ecotoxicologist
Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series. This is the tenth video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of
Episode 8 - Braving thin ice
I Am A...Climate Modeler
Welcome to the "The I Am A(n)..." series. This is the seventh video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like in the field.
In this episode, we explore a Climate Modeler (i.e., a person who forecasts future climate scenarios).
Below we feature the animated video and a coloring page.
I Am A...Wildlife Biologist
Welcome to the "The I Am A(n)..." series. This is the seventh video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like in the field.
In this episode, we explore a Wildlife Biologist (i.e., person who studies animals in the wild).
Below we feature the animated video and a coloring page.
I Am A...Wetland Ecologist
Welcome to the "The I Am A(n)..." series. This is the seventh video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like in the field.
In this episode, we explore a Wetland Ecologist (i.e., person who studies wetland plants and animals).
Below we feature the animated video and a coloring page.
Episode 7 - Science in the Swamp
In this episode of Outstanding in the Field, we take you to the swamps and coastal wetlands of Louisiana, the land of bayous and beignets and a state with one of the most dynamic coastlines in the United States. The wetlands that make up the Louisiana coast are vast and help protect important cultural and natural resources. Here we learn about how USGS plays a key role in monitoring coastal wetlan
I Am A...Malacologist
Welcome to the "The I Am A(n)..." series. This is the sixth video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like in the field.
In this episode, we explore a Malacologist who is someone who studies mollusks, the most diverse group of animals on the planets and includes mussels, snails, octopuses, clams, scallops, oysters, and MANY more (like tens of thousands of organisms).
Below we feature the animated video and a coloring page.
Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy
I Am A(n)...Ichthyologist
I Am A(n) ... Ichthyologist is part of our "I Am A..." series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" in the field and the second demonstrates a more accurate representatio
U.S. Geological Survey science to support wildlife disease management
I Am A...Science careers book for kids
By land, air, and water — U.S. Geological Survey science supporting fish and wildlife migrations throughout North America
U.S. Geological Survey invasive species research—Improving detection, awareness, decision support, and control
U.S. Geological Survey wildland fire science strategic plan, 2021–26
U.S. Geological Survey science in support of the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat)
Ecosystems Mission Area bookmark
U.S. Geological Survey response to chronic wasting disease
Invasive species research—Science for detection, containment, and control
Wildland fire science at the U.S. Geological Survey—Supporting wildland fire and land management across the United States postcard
Wildland Fire Science — Supporting wildland fire and land management
U.S. Geological Survey response to white-nose syndrome in bats
Science and Products
- Science
Filter Total Items: 17
USGS Ecosystems Podcast Series - Outstanding in the Field
The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area brings you Outstanding in the Field, an original podcast series that tells stories about our science, our adventures, and our efforts to better understand fish and wildlife and the ecosystems that support them.I Am A...Natural Resource Economist
Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers. The concept is to show whimsically "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." This video is about a natural resource economist (i.e. someone who studies the value of features in the natural world).
I Am An...Ecotoxicologist
Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series. This is the tenth video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of
Episode 8 - Braving thin ice
This is the first in a special edition of Outstanding in the Field, the U.S. Geological Survey’s podcast series produced by the Ecosystems Mission Area. In this series we will be highlighting stories from the Alaska Voices podcast, a partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey’s Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.I Am A...Climate Modeler
Welcome to the "The I Am A(n)..." series. This is the seventh video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like in the field.
In this episode, we explore a Climate Modeler (i.e., a person who forecasts future climate scenarios).
Below we feature the animated video and a coloring page.
I Am A...Wildlife Biologist
Welcome to the "The I Am A(n)..." series. This is the seventh video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like in the field.
In this episode, we explore a Wildlife Biologist (i.e., person who studies animals in the wild).
Below we feature the animated video and a coloring page.
I Am A...Wetland Ecologist
Welcome to the "The I Am A(n)..." series. This is the seventh video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like in the field.
In this episode, we explore a Wetland Ecologist (i.e., person who studies wetland plants and animals).
Below we feature the animated video and a coloring page.
Episode 7 - Science in the Swamp
In this episode of Outstanding in the Field, we take you to the swamps and coastal wetlands of Louisiana, the land of bayous and beignets and a state with one of the most dynamic coastlines in the United States. The wetlands that make up the Louisiana coast are vast and help protect important cultural and natural resources. Here we learn about how USGS plays a key role in monitoring coastal wetlan
I Am A...Malacologist
Welcome to the "The I Am A(n)..." series. This is the sixth video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like in the field.
In this episode, we explore a Malacologist who is someone who studies mollusks, the most diverse group of animals on the planets and includes mussels, snails, octopuses, clams, scallops, oysters, and MANY more (like tens of thousands of organisms).
Below we feature the animated video and a coloring page.
Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy
USGS scientists are contributing to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy, a strategy intended to provide guidance so that efforts to conserve the iconic greater sage-grouse can be expanded to the entire sagebrush biome to benefit the people and wildlife that depend on it.I Am A(n)...Ichthyologist
I Am A(n) ... Ichthyologist is part of our "I Am A..." series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" in the field and the second demonstrates a more accurate representatio
- Multimedia
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 19
U.S. Geological Survey science to support wildlife disease management
Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves a principal role in conducting wildlife disease outbreak investigations, surveillance, and ecological research to support management of diseases in free-ranging native wildlife. Approximately 60 percent of emerging human infectious diseases such as COVID-19, are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and humans and 70 percent ofAuthorsM. Camille Hopkins, Suzanna C. SoileauI Am A...Science careers book for kids
This activity book is an illustrative guide designed to introduce young minds about the exciting world of science careers. From ichthyologists to wildlife biologists, this book showcases a variety of science-based professions through fun and engaging activities. Each section of the book features a different science career and includes information about how the job got its name and what a typical dAuthorsSteven Sobieszczyk, Suzanna C. Soileau, Annie ScottBy land, air, and water — U.S. Geological Survey science supporting fish and wildlife migrations throughout North America
Countless species of animals—big game, birds, bats, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and fish—migrate to reach suitable habitats to feed, reproduce, and raise their young. Animal migrations developed over millennia commonly follow migration corridors—unique routes for each species—to move among seasonal habitats. Changes along those corridors, whether from human development (buildings, roads, dams)AuthorsMona Khalil, Mark Wimer, David H. Hu, Michael J. Adams, Melanie J. Steinkamp, Suzanna C. SoileauU.S. Geological Survey invasive species research—Improving detection, awareness, decision support, and control
More than 6,500 nonindigenous species are now established in the United States, posing risks to human and wildlife health, native plants and animals, and our valued ecosystems. The annual environmental, economic, and health-related costs of invasive species are substantial. Invasive species can drive native species onto the endangered species list, resulting in associated regulatory costs; exacerbAuthorsCindy Kolar Tam, Wesley M. Daniel, Earl Campbell, James J. English, Suzanna C. SoileauU.S. Geological Survey wildland fire science strategic plan, 2021–26
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Wildland Fire Science Strategic Plan defines critical, core fire science capabilities for understanding fire-related and fire-responsive earth system processes and patterns, and informing management decision making. Developed by USGS fire scientists and executive leadership, and informed by conversations with external stakeholders, the Strategic Plan is aligned wiAuthorsPaul F. Steblein, Rachel A. Loehman, Mark P. Miller, Joseph R. Holomuzki, Suzanna C. Soileau, Matthew L. Brooks, Mia Drane-Maury, Hannah M. Hamilton, Jason W. Kean, Jon E. Keeley, Robert R. Mason,, Alexa J. McKerrow, James Meldrum, Edmund B. Molder, Sheila F. Murphy, Birgit Peterson, Geoffrey S. Plumlee, Douglas J. Shinneman, Phillip J. van Mantgem, Alison YorkByEcosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) Program, Alaska Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Wildland Fire ScienceU.S. Geological Survey science in support of the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat)
Bats make up one-fifth of all mammalian species worldwide and are found on every continent except Antarctica. They contribute to overall ecosystem health by suppressing pest insects and pollinating plants and spreading seeds. Eight North American bat species are listed as federally endangered or threatened, and more than one-half are of current conservation concern in the United States, Canada, orAuthorsBrian Reichert, Suzanna C. SoileauEcosystems Mission Area bookmark
Scientists with the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area can be found at Science Centers and Cooperative Research Units across the Nation. We provide scientific research for the Department of the Interior that supports the management and conservation of our Nation’s biological resources.AuthorsU.S. Geological Survey response to chronic wasting disease
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is focused on the development of early detection and effective response tools that promote an adaptive management approach to chronic wasting disease (CWD). USGS scientists across the United States are working to understand the biology of CWD, assess and predict the spread and persistence in wildlife and the environment, and develop tools for early detection and cAuthorsM. Camille Hopkins, Suzanna C. SoileauInvasive species research—Science for detection, containment, and control
Invasive species research within the U.S. Geological Survey’s Ecosystems Mission Area focuses on invasive organisms throughout the United States. U.S. Geological Survey scientists work with partners in the Department of the Interior, other Federal, State and Territorial agencies, Tribes, industry, and agriculture to provide the information needed to help solve problems posed by these invaders. KeyAuthorsEarl Campbell, Cindy Kolar Tam, Suzanna C. SoileauWildland fire science at the U.S. Geological Survey—Supporting wildland fire and land management across the United States postcard
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Wildland Fire Science Program produces information to identify the causes of wildfires, understand the impacts and benefits of both wildfires and prescribed fires, and help prevent and manage larger, catastrophic events. USGS fire scientists provide information and develop tools that are widely used by stakeholders to make decisions before, during, and after wildfiresAuthorsPaul F. Steblein, Mark P. Miller, Suzanna C. SoileauWildland Fire Science — Supporting wildland fire and land management
The U.S. Geological Survey's Wildland Fire Science Program produces fundamental information to identify the causes of wildfires, understand the impacts and benefits of both wildfires and prescribed fires, and help prevent and manage larger, catastrophic events. Our fire scientists provide information and develop tools that are widely used by stakeholders to make decisions before, during, and afterAuthorsPaul F. Steblein, Mark P. Miller, Suzanna C. SoileauU.S. Geological Survey response to white-nose syndrome in bats
OverviewSince its discovery in 2007, the fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome (WNS) has killed more than six million bats. Ten of 47 bat species have been affected by WNS across 32 States and 5 Canadian Provinces. The cold-growing fungus (Pseudogymnoascus destructans) that causes WNS infects skin covering the muzzle, ears, and wings of hibernating bats. The fungus erodes deep into the vitalAuthorsM. Camille Hopkins, Suzanna C. Soileau - News
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