Natalie Cowell
Kelowna, BC / natalie.cowell@alumni.ubc.ca
Research Focus
Geographic information sciences; spatial analysis and modelling; ecotourism,
wildlife ethology, environmental impact assessment policy; Indigenous knowledge systems; Indigenous-lead impact assessment.
Education
Masters of Science – Earth and Environmental Sciences
2019 – present University of British Columbia, Okanagan
Proposed thesis title: Exploring the effects of ecotourism on grizzly bear ethology in British Columbia to advance ecotourism policy in collaboration with Indigenous partners
Honours Bachelor of Arts – Geography/Environmental Studies
2013 – 2017 Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON
Thesis title: Barriers to bicycle commuting at Lakehead University
Professional Experience
Student Environmental Assessment/Geomatics Technician
Summer 2018 Parks Canada Integrated Land Use Policy and Planning, Banff National Park
• Weekly monitoring of Town of Banff project developments for adverse
environmental impacts
• Created Best Management Practices (BMP’s) protocols for vegetation removal
activities in the national park
• Performed data quality control on both Banff National Park and CEAA databases
• Collected, stored, processed, and analyzed spatial data using ArcGIS, MS Access
and Excel
• Provided geomatics services for Banff National Park including: closure maps,
navigational maps, document supporting maps and figures, GPS and Trimble
troubleshooting, data packaging, querying and analysis
• Ensured project completion for time-sensitive projects
Student Resource Management Field Technician
Summer 2017 Parks Canada Ecological Integrity Monitoring, Banff National Park
• Conducted amphibian, avian bird and pika research surveys in remote locations following specific protocols in remote, mountainous backcountry locations
• Serviced remote wildlife cameras and classified images for the Multi-Species
Occupancy study
• Data entry, quality control, management and analysis for studies using MS Access, Excel and ArcGIS
• Worked within a large team to solve problems and complete projects punctually
Research Contractor
January – April 2018 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
• Completed a formal literature review on the topics of natural resource developments in several Canadian Indigenous communities
• Conducted statistical analyses on StatsCan data to detect long-term demographic change
• Produced a comprehensive report to supplement a larger research project within the agency
Teaching Assistant
2019 – present University of British Columbia Okanagan, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Assisted in teaching undergraduate labs including: Geography 108, 109 and 271
• Delivered lectures on relevant theory and instruction needed to complete lab assignments
• Graded weekly assignments and provided feedback in a timely manner
• Held office hours twice a week to assist students with questions
Teaching Assistant
2016 – 2018 Lakehead University, Department of Geography and the Environment
• Assisted in teaching undergraduate courses including: Research Methods, Cartography and Geography of Canada
• Lead seminars and instructed labs weekly
• Graded assignments and provided feedback in a timely manner
Other Work Experience
Lead Barista
October 2019 – January 2020 Red Brick Café, Guelph Ontario
• Provided leadership in a supervisory role, trained new staff
• Ensured great customer service while maintaining a high level of product quality
• Handled several drink orders at once in a timely manner
• Regular calibration of machines and grinders
• Followed health and safety regulations, maintained café cleanliness
Bartender
April 2019 – September 2019 Brothers Brewing Co, Guelph Ontario
• Engaged with brewery customers and provided high quality service
• Learned extensively about craft beer and shared knowledge with customers
• Coordinated with another teammate to serve high volumes of customers
• Followed Ontario Smart Serve protocols to serve alcohol responsibly
Retail and Bicycle Rental Associate
May 2013 – September 2018 Chateau Mountain Sports, Banff Alberta
• Managed stock, inventory and merchandising
• Provided product knowledge to customers (shoes, outdoor gear, layering)
• Gave outdoor activity and tourism advice for tourists in the National Park
Research Experience
Masters Thesis in Earth and Environmental Sciences
2019 – present Supervisors: Dr. Mathieu Bourbonnais, Dr. Kevin Hanna, University of British Columbia, Okanagan
Proposed Title: Exploring the effects of ecotourism on grizzly bear ethology in British Columbia to advance ecotourism policy in collaboration with Indigenous partners
Honours Thesis in Geography and Environmental Studies
2017 Supervisor: Dr. William R. Wilson, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay
Title: Barriers to bicycle commuting at Lakehead University
• Conducted a comprehensive literature review of perceptions of safety in bicycle commuting in cities worldwide and types of bicycle infrastructure
• Held focus groups to map areas of concern with bicycle commuting to campus
• Analyzed findings and created figures and maps to depict results effectively through written text
• Disseminated results through a formal verbal thesis defense
Volunteer Experience
Cascade Creek Restoration Monitoring
Summer 2018 Parks Canada Aquatics, Banff National Park
• Calculated stream discharge levels to support creek restoration activities
• Communicated effectively with a research partner to record accurate instrument readings/measurements
• Travelled through tough terrain and followed safety protocols Invasive
Vegetative Species Control Summer
2017 and 2018 Parks Canada Fire and Vegetation, Banff National Park
• Identified and removed invasive vegetative species in front and backcountry areas of Banff National Park
• Wore personal protective equipment suited to each species removal
• Collected invasive species data using Trimble devices for long-term monitoring
Canoe Trip Leader
2012-2017 Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute, Guelph Ontario
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of 15-20 grade 11/12 students for 5 days in Algonquin Park
• Taught students how to pack, paddle, build fires, navigate, and leave no trace
• Followed curriculum guidelines to create and education wilderness experience
Teaching Experience
British Columbia Impact Assessment Workshop Coordinator
November 2019 Canadian Environmental Assessment Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Okanagan
• Created a two-day workshop outlining the British Columbia Impact Assessment Act for third year University of British Columbia Okanagan students
• Devised and lead several activities to promote learning and comprehension of the topic
• Held groups discussions and administered completion certificates
Teaching Assistant
2019 – present University of British Columbia Okanagan, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Teaching Assistant
2016 – 2018 Lakehead University, Department of Geography and the Environment
Student Teacher
2013-2017 Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute, Guelph Ontario
• Shadowed grade 10 geography, Indigenous studies and outdoor recreation teachers
• Prepared and delivered lessons according to the Ontario curriculum
• Mentored students
Skills/Training
• Microsoft Suite (Access, Excel)
• ArcGIS, QGIS
• Google Earth Engine
• RStudio
• SPSS Statistics
• Timelapse
• Remote camera setup/servicing (Reconyx)
• Infrared trail counters (TrafX)
Certifications
• Ontario Drivers Licence
• Ontario Smart Serve
• Wilderness First Aid (40 hr)
• Standard First Aid
• Bear Aware Safety
Interests
• Science Communication
• Backcountry Travel
• Road/Mountain Cycling
References
Available upon request