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
I Am An ... Ornithologist
I Am An ... Ornithologistt 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...
I Am A ... Herpetologist
I Am A ... Herpetologist 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...
I Am A...
Welcome to the "I Am A..." series. This is the first 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" in the field and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like....
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.
Member of the Media?
NOROCK scientists enjoy interactions and engagement with the media. Please contact Suzanna Soileau to request an interview or learn more about the Center.
U.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...
Reichert, Brian E.; Soileau, Suzanna C.
Ecosystems 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.
U.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...
Hopkins, M. Camille; Soileau, Suzanna C.
Wildland 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...
Steblein, Paul F.; Miller, Mark P.; Soileau, Suzanna C.
Wildland 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...
Steblein, Paul F.; Miller, Mark P.; Soileau, Suzanna C.
Invasive 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...
Campbell, Earl W.; Tam, Cynthia S.; Soileau, Suzanna C.
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 M.
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
Webinar Series - Friday's Findings
Friday's Findings is a public webinar series hosted by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area. Our webinars are typically the first Friday of each month at 2 p.m. eastern time. These half hour webinars are meant to provide listeners an overview of the science topic and chance to ask questions. We hope to offer our audience an opportunity to discover the Ecosystems science capacity...
Collaborative Species Conservation
Science in support of management and conservation of threatened and endangered species
NOROCK Scientist Receives USGS Award for Lifetime Achievement in Science Communications
Research Ecologist Dan Fagre is the recipient of the 2017 Eugene M. Shoemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Communications
Innovation in Addressing Invasive Species and Disease in Montana Waters
Western waters support some of the most intact aquatic ecosystems in North America, yet invasive species and emerging infectious diseases pose significant and immediate threats to these ecosystems.
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).
Nature vs. Nurture: Evidence for social learning of conflict behavior in grizzly bears
Offspring of grizzly bear mothers with a history of human-bear conflicts are more likely to be involved in human-bear conflicts than offspring of mothers without a history of human-bear conflicts, according to a new study.
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.
Oil field spills reduce wetland productivity in the Williston Basin
A new study by the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center and the NPS Greater Yellowstone Network has shown that contamination of wetlands by brine had negative effects on plant productivity and macroinvertebrate communities.