Suzanna Soileau
Biography
Education:
M.E. Adult and Higher Education. 2007. Montana State University.
B.A. Geology. 1999. DePauw University.
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.
Science and Products
U.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...
Hopkins, M. Camille ; Soileau, Suzanna C.
Ecosystems science: Genes to landscapes
Bountiful fisheries, healthy and resilient wildlife, flourishing forests and vibrant grasslands are coveted resources that benefit all Americans. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) science supports the conservation and management of the Nation’s fish and wildlife, and the landscapes they inhabit. Our biological resources—ecosystems and the wild things...
Biological and ecological science for Montana—The Treasure State
Montana is rich in minerals, energy, and soils, as well as prairies, forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, fish, and wildlife. Many enterprises that drive the economy are based on natural resources, including tourism, hunting, fishing, agriculture, and energy development. The outdoor-recreation economy alone supports 64,000 Montana jobs and generates...
Observations of elk movement patterns on Fossil Butte National Monument
The elk herd that frequents Fossil Butte National Monument, a subset of the West Green River elk population, provides visitors with seasonal opportunities to view an iconic species of the western United States. Throughout the year, these elk range across a variety of private, State, and Federal lands within close proximity to the Monument. These...
Olexa, Edward M.; Soileau, Suzanna Carrithers.; Allen, Leslie A.
Rancher and farmer quality of life in the midst of energy development in southwest Wyoming
Quality of life (QOL) is usually defined as a person’s general well-being, and may include individual perceptions of a variety of factors such family, work, finances, local community services, community relationships, surrounding environment, and other important aspects of their life, ultimately leading to life satisfaction. Energy development can...
Allen, Leslie; Montag, Jessica; Lyon, Katie; Soileau, Suzanna; Schuster, Rudy
U.S. Geological Survey water-resource monitoring activities in support of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative
The quality of the Nation’s water resources are vital to the health and well-being of both our communities and the natural landscapes we value. The U.S. Geological Survey investigates the occurrence, quantity, quality, distribution, and movement of surface water and groundwater and provides this information to engineers, scientists, managers,...
Soileau, Suzanna; Miller, Kirk
Flexibility in Behavior of Some Animals Helps Them Accommodate a Changing Climate
A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and its partners has identified situations and conditions where some animals display behavioral flexibility – the ability to rapidly change behavior in response to short – or long-term environmental changes such as climate variability.
Return of the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear
From the journals of Lewis & Clark, April 13, 1805 (in the vicinity of Pouch Point Recreation Area - 16 miles south of New Town, North Dakota):
Glaciers Rapidly Shrinking and Disappearing: 50 Years of Glacier Change in Montana
The warming climate has dramatically reduced the size of 39 glaciers in Montana since 1966, some by as much as 85 percent, according to data released by the U.S. Geological Survey and Portland State University.
Hybridization between Native and Invasive Trout is Increasing in the West
Hybridization, or the interbreeding of species, is increasing between native and invasive trout across the northern Rocky Mountains, according to a study released Tuesday by the U.S. Geological Survey and partners.
USGS Support to the Department of Defense - U.S. Northern Command
USGS has many partnerships, both foreign and domestic, that enhance our science capabilities, provide needed support to others, and expand our ability to serve the global community. One little-known partnership that serves both foreign and domestic needs is the USGS science support to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) - U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).
Small Alpine Insects are Big Messengers of Climate Change
West Glacier, Mont. – Two rare alpine insects – native to the northern Rocky Mountains and dependent on cold waters of glacier and snowmelt-fed alpine streams – are imperiled due to climate warming induced glacier and snow loss according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey and its partners.
Pikas Disappearing from Parts of the West Due to Climate Change
American pikas – small herbivores that typically live in rocky slopes, known as talus, across many mountain ranges in the American West – are disappearing from some locations across the West due to climate change, according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey and some of its partners.
Videos Reveal Birds, Bats and Bugs near Solar Project Power Towers
Video surveillance is the most effective method for detecting animals flying around solar power towers, according to a study of various techniques by the U.S. Geological Survey and its partners at the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System facility in southeastern California.
Bullfrog Genetics Confirm Source and Degree of Spread in Montana
Bozeman - A new U.S. Geological Survey study illustrates the usefulness of genetic approaches to track invasive bullfrog introductions. Results will inform management actions for identifying and controlling importation and secondary spread of invasive bullfrogs in Montana.
Study Shows Pathways of Disease Transmission Between Elk, Bison and Cattle in the Greater Yellowstone Area
The U.S. Geological Survey and its partners have shown how brucellosis has impacted cattle, bison and elk in the greater Yellowstone area.
Study Shows Cold and Windy Nights Physically Drain Mangy Wolves
During winter, wolves infected with mange can suffer a substantial amount of heat loss compared to those without the disease, according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey and its partners.
Genetic Study Confirms Growth of Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Population
BOZEMAN, Mont. – Genetic data show the grizzly bear population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem has grown since the 1980s with no loss in genetic diversity, according to a report by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team.