Summary
I am a scientist who is passionate about making a difference in our world and the lives of those we connect to. My work centers around using research, community engagement, and education to fight climate change. As an invited speaker at conferences and contributor to publications, I share my insights on climate change and land-based climate solutions to reach general audiences who otherwise haven't connected with climate change concepts.
As Conservation Programs Coordinator at Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, I excel in securing and managing grants, overseeing full grant lifecycles, and providing expert guidance and support to staff. I am proud to have initiated INHF's Land-Based Climate Solutions program, and I actively lead the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee.
Work experience
Conservation Programs Coordinator // Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
January 2019 - Present
Secured and managed $8 million in federal, state, and private grant funding for conservation and research projects. Oversaw full grant lifecycle, from inception to completion, handling contract setup, monitoring, budgets, reimbursement, and reporting. Spearheaded grant tracking in Salesforce, ensuring precision and timely submission. Provided expert guidance, training, and support to staff on grant management and reporting.
Developed and led INHF’s Land-Based Climate Solutions program, conducting research projects, coordinating with outside researchers, and achieving strategic plan goals. Served on the steering committee and as lead editorial reviewer for the Iowa Climate Assessment to ensure scientific concepts reached target audiences.
Led INHF’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee through strategic goal setting, program creation, and internal policy changes.
Engaged in special land use planning, water quality, mitigation, climate change projects, and targeted program communications, ensuring effective coordination with multiple departments and agencies.
Supervised the conservation programs intern and executed the INHF office intern education program.
Outdoor Guide // Wander Women
February 2021 - Present
Guided 14 groups of women on three-day camping trips across the Midwest, utilizing customer service skills, outdoor navigation knowledge, and public speaking to educate diverse audiences. Created new expeditions to increase inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Grant Writing Intern // Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
May 2018 – December 2018
Earned $826,616 in funding for land protection, trail building, and park creation for nonprofits, cities, counties. Led the restoration of two wetlands, establishment of 60 acres of prairie, and implementation of regenerative agriculture practices on a farm at the Iowa Great Lakes to protect and improve water quality.
Graduate Research Assistant // Iowa State University
August 2016 – May 2018
Directed research on nutrient removal technology, water quality issues, and the role of hydraulic residence times on denitrification and greenhouse gas emissions from woodchip bioreactors. Trained undergraduate students in laboratory and field skills.
Certifications and Awards
Leadership Red Rock 2023
Land Stewardship Leadership Academy 2022
Firefighter Type Two (FFT2 Crewmember) 2023
Wilderness First Aid NOLS 2022
Leave No Trace Trainer 2021
Education
Master of Science in Environmental Science // Iowa State University
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Minor in Biology // Iowa State University
Graduated summa cum laude and with Honors
Presentations and Publications
Presentations
Moderator, North American Prairie Conference, June 2023 – “Prairies and Climate Change”
Invited Speaker, OLLI at Iowa State University, April 2023 – “Protecting and Enjoying Nature in Iowa”
Invited Speaker, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, February 2023 – “How to Protect and Preserve Iowa’s Natural Areas in a Changing Climate
Invited Panelist, Called to Climate Action, October 2022 – “Calm in Climate Chaos”
Invited Oral Presenter, SOIL 2021 Our Soils: Our Future, November 2021 – “Land Protection in a Changing Climate”
Moderator, Iowa Trails Summit, October 2021 – “Making Your Trail More Inclusive”
Invited Oral Presenter, Iowa Water Conference, April 2021 – “Resilient Farming across Iowa Landscapes”
Oral Presenter, Soil and Water Conservation Society International Annual Conference, July 2020 – “Resilient Farming across Iowa Landscapes”
Invited Panelist, CIRAS Water Technologies: Developing Your Long-Term Strategy, November 2018
Feature Articles
“Woven in the River” Parks Stewardship Forum May 2023 special issue
“Under Wild Skies” Iowa Natural Heritage Fall 2022 issue
“Resilient Farming across Iowa Landscapes” Getting into Soil and Water 2021 issue
“Out in the Outdoors” Iowa Natural Heritage Spring 2021 issue
“Home at the Lakes” Iowa Natural Heritage Summer 2019 issue
Peer-reviewed Publications
Martin et al 2019 Impact of hydraulic residence time on nitrate removal in pilot-scale woodchip bioreactors
Davis et al 2019 Nitrous oxide and methane production from denitrifying woodchip bioreactors at three hydraulic residence times
Martin 2018 Improving the nutrient removal capabilities of woodchip bioreactors