Once a bear is radio collared, researchers can track its movements with telemetry.
Suzanna Soileau, MEd
Suzanna is the Outreach Coordinator for the USGS Geology, Energy and Minerals Mission Area where she provides coordination and develops outreach strategies to increase the effectiveness of the Mission Area and its Programs' activities and products.
Background
Suzanna's professional interest is in relaying technical scientific information in a manner that enables all audiences to gain understanding in science that supports natural resource decision-making. She also enjoys working with and leading teams on interdisciplinary projects and efforts.
Previously, Suzanna was with the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area (2018 - 2025) where she served as an Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist and Outreach Coordinator leading bureau-wide outreach coordination and developing audience specific outreach strategies and products. She also served as a Mission Area Tribal Relations Advisor. Suzanna began her USGS career at the USGS-Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (2009 - 2018) where her primary duties included outreach and communication of Center science activities, website management and development, technical editing, and served as the Public Information Officer for the Center.
Prior to USGS, Suzanna worked as a Water Quality Research Associate and Education Coordinator in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences at Montana State University. During this time, she implemented water quality monitoring projects and completed field studies and community outreach on topics such as coalbed methane produced waters and agricultural pharmaceutical residues in surface and ground water. She also worked for the Montana Department of Agriculture as a Chemist in the state’s analytical laboratory and spent three seasons with the National Park Service as an interpretive ranger in Grand Teton National Park.
Professional Experience
2025 - Present: Physical Scientist-Outreach Coordinator, USGS Geology, Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Reston Virginia
2018 - 2025: Physical Scientist-Outreach Coordinator, USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, Reston Virginia
2014 - 2018: 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
M.E. Adult and Higher Education. 2007. Montana State University.
B.A. Earth Sciences. 1999. DePauw University.
Honors and Awards
National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil Gold Screen Award, K-12 Educational Program, 3rd Place, 2024
U.S. Geological Survey Eugene M. Shoemaker Communications Award, Small Print Product, 2020
Science and Products
Ecosystems science: Genes to landscapes Ecosystems science: Genes to landscapes
Biological and ecological science for Montana—The Treasure State Biological and ecological science for Montana—The Treasure State
Yellowstone grizzly bear investigations — Annual report of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team 2014 Yellowstone grizzly bear investigations — Annual report of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team 2014
Observations of elk movement patterns on Fossil Butte National Monument Observations of elk movement patterns on Fossil Butte National Monument
Rancher and farmer quality of life in the midst of energy development in southwest Wyoming Rancher and farmer quality of life in the midst of energy development in southwest Wyoming
Yellowstone grizzly bear investigations—Annual report of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team 2013 Yellowstone grizzly bear investigations—Annual report of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team 2013
U.S. Geological Survey water-resource monitoring activities in support of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative U.S. Geological Survey water-resource monitoring activities in support of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative
I Am A...Chiropterologist I Am A...Chiropterologist
I Am A ... Fire Ecologist I Am A ... Fire Ecologist
I Am A ... Herpetologist I Am A ... Herpetologist
I Am An ... Ornithologist I Am An ... Ornithologist
Once a bear is radio collared, researchers can track its movements with telemetry.
Researchers with IGBST measure the bear's girth as part of body fitness data collection.
Researchers with IGBST measure the bear's girth as part of body fitness data collection.
The kerchief over the bear's eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.
The kerchief over the bear's eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.
IGBST researchers begin gathering biological data from the bear. The kerchief over the bear's eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.
IGBST researchers begin gathering biological data from the bear. The kerchief over the bear's eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.
IGBST researchers are very careful to keep the bear under shade and protected from the elements while they collect biological data.
IGBST researchers are very careful to keep the bear under shade and protected from the elements while they collect biological data.
Researchers with IGBST have tranquilized the bear and prepare to lift it out of the trap and onto the tarp for data collection. Once on the tarp the bear is easier to move.
Researchers with IGBST have tranquilized the bear and prepare to lift it out of the trap and onto the tarp for data collection. Once on the tarp the bear is easier to move.
When looking for a place to set up a trapping location, scientists look for existing bear sign such as scratches on trees and bear scat. Sometimes traps are set in areas that have no obvious bear sign to determine if indeed bears are present.
When looking for a place to set up a trapping location, scientists look for existing bear sign such as scratches on trees and bear scat. Sometimes traps are set in areas that have no obvious bear sign to determine if indeed bears are present.
This video describes USGS research utilizing remote thermal imaging cameras to study the extent and impact of mange on wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
This video describes USGS research utilizing remote thermal imaging cameras to study the extent and impact of mange on wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
On Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, ice from the glacier is breaking up and melting at a rapid rate. Cold, glacier fed waters provide crucial habitat for native aquatic species such as trout, and as the ice is disappearing, so are the ideal habitats to sustain native ecosystems.
On Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, ice from the glacier is breaking up and melting at a rapid rate. Cold, glacier fed waters provide crucial habitat for native aquatic species such as trout, and as the ice is disappearing, so are the ideal habitats to sustain native ecosystems.
Science and Products
Ecosystems science: Genes to landscapes Ecosystems science: Genes to landscapes
Biological and ecological science for Montana—The Treasure State Biological and ecological science for Montana—The Treasure State
Yellowstone grizzly bear investigations — Annual report of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team 2014 Yellowstone grizzly bear investigations — Annual report of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team 2014
Observations of elk movement patterns on Fossil Butte National Monument Observations of elk movement patterns on Fossil Butte National Monument
Rancher and farmer quality of life in the midst of energy development in southwest Wyoming Rancher and farmer quality of life in the midst of energy development in southwest Wyoming
Yellowstone grizzly bear investigations—Annual report of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team 2013 Yellowstone grizzly bear investigations—Annual report of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team 2013
U.S. Geological Survey water-resource monitoring activities in support of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative U.S. Geological Survey water-resource monitoring activities in support of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative
I Am A...Chiropterologist I Am A...Chiropterologist
I Am A ... Fire Ecologist I Am A ... Fire Ecologist
I Am A ... Herpetologist I Am A ... Herpetologist
I Am An ... Ornithologist I Am An ... Ornithologist
Once a bear is radio collared, researchers can track its movements with telemetry.
Once a bear is radio collared, researchers can track its movements with telemetry.
Researchers with IGBST measure the bear's girth as part of body fitness data collection.
Researchers with IGBST measure the bear's girth as part of body fitness data collection.
The kerchief over the bear's eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.
The kerchief over the bear's eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.
IGBST researchers begin gathering biological data from the bear. The kerchief over the bear's eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.
IGBST researchers begin gathering biological data from the bear. The kerchief over the bear's eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.
IGBST researchers are very careful to keep the bear under shade and protected from the elements while they collect biological data.
IGBST researchers are very careful to keep the bear under shade and protected from the elements while they collect biological data.
Researchers with IGBST have tranquilized the bear and prepare to lift it out of the trap and onto the tarp for data collection. Once on the tarp the bear is easier to move.
Researchers with IGBST have tranquilized the bear and prepare to lift it out of the trap and onto the tarp for data collection. Once on the tarp the bear is easier to move.
When looking for a place to set up a trapping location, scientists look for existing bear sign such as scratches on trees and bear scat. Sometimes traps are set in areas that have no obvious bear sign to determine if indeed bears are present.
When looking for a place to set up a trapping location, scientists look for existing bear sign such as scratches on trees and bear scat. Sometimes traps are set in areas that have no obvious bear sign to determine if indeed bears are present.
This video describes USGS research utilizing remote thermal imaging cameras to study the extent and impact of mange on wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
This video describes USGS research utilizing remote thermal imaging cameras to study the extent and impact of mange on wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
On Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, ice from the glacier is breaking up and melting at a rapid rate. Cold, glacier fed waters provide crucial habitat for native aquatic species such as trout, and as the ice is disappearing, so are the ideal habitats to sustain native ecosystems.
On Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, ice from the glacier is breaking up and melting at a rapid rate. Cold, glacier fed waters provide crucial habitat for native aquatic species such as trout, and as the ice is disappearing, so are the ideal habitats to sustain native ecosystems.