With a background in landscape and quantitative ecology, Justin applies ecological systems thinking coupled with geographic information systems (GIS) technology to help understand the past, present, and future condition of the world around us. Special interest areas include:
- Species distribution & habitat suitability modeling;
- Wildlife corridor, connectivity, & reserve network modeling;
- Landscape change detection & disturbance regime modeling;
- Ecosystem service valuation for impact-offset analysis;
- Decision-maker support for land use planning & management; and
- Visual interface design for interactive science communication.
By applying data science through storytelling, Justin provides innovative technical expertise to develop practical insight on ecosystems and their components for a multi-stakeholder audience that helps inform decision making for short- or long-term planning and management. He navigates projects with a holistic approach by analyzing local, site-specific attributes in the context of their integration with the surrounding landscape. GIS mapping, modeling, and analysis are frequently leveraged to derive compelling, data-driven narratives that explain how landscapes and people influence one another. His work aims to identify opportunities for improving adaptive capacity to balance the relationship between people, planet, and profit for a more sustainable, resilient future.
Justin holds a Master of Environmental Science and Management (M.E.S.M.) from the Bren School at the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Certificate in Global Sustainability from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a B.A. in Communication from Northwestern University. He resides in San Diego where he enjoys being a frequent patron of the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park and tending to his indoor jungle of houseplants.
Moriah Van Voorhis is a GIS Analyst with experience using spatial analysis to aide in the management of declining species. She takes interest in exploring the complexities and patterns present on a landscape to catalyze solutions for the restoration of natural ecosystems. She holds an M.S. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology from North Carolina State University. Her areas of expertise and interest include geographic information systems, species distribution, remote sensing, connectivity modeling, and conservation planning.
Charlotte is interested in harnessing spatial data, remote sensing, and data science tools to answer questions concerning conservation to improve conservation outcomes and human wellbeing. Charlotte earned an M.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she investigated the role of High Conservation Value areas in reducing deforestation within oil palm landscapes in Indonesia. Before joining CBI, Charlotte worked on a variety of remote sensing, climate science, and conservation impact analysis projects ranging from validating MODIS and VIIRS vegetation indices to developing a deforestation alert monitoring framework in Google Earth Engine. Having experienced some of the remaining wild places left on earth like the Bornean rainforests, and America’s temperate forests in which she was raised, Charlotte feels an ardent need to support conservation efforts. Charlotte lives in Honolulu, HI, with her many house plants, and enjoys being outside in nature whether surfing, hiking, or free diving.
Declan Pizzino is a Geospatial Analyst with the Conservation Biology Institute and has more than 5 years experience applying science and geospatial technology to support the conservation of natural resources. With a B.S. in Environmental Science and a certificate in Geographic Information Science from Oregon State University, Declan is excited to be part of a team that is focused on a science-based approach to improving the world. His areas of expertise and interest include geographic information systems, remote sensing, machine learning, modeling, and sustainability planning.
Declan’s love for the natural world has informed and enhanced his passion for conservation. Prior to joining CBI, he worked with the Nature Collective in San Diego, CA, on water quality monitoring and with Yamhill County Public Works in McMinnville, OR, to help develop a spatial roadside vegetation inventory. In Eugene, OR, he worked for Lane Council of Governments leveraging his GIS and interpersonal skills in the local government arena. Declan participates in a number of professional organizations and communities, including the Spatial Community Slack, AI for Conservation, Machine Learning for Remote Sensing, the Data Visualization Society, and the Society for Conservation GIS, where he serves on the Communications Committee.
Declan lives in Corvallis with his houseful of pets and plants. In his spare time, he loves to play Dungeons and Dragons, get outdoors and hike, play his mandolin, or explore local waterways in his handmade canoe.
Mike Gough is a GIS analyst with 12+ years professional experience in the geospatial sciences. Prior to joining CBI in 2012, Mike served as a GIS lecturer in the Environmental Science & Management Department at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. During his tenure with HSU’s Institute for Spatial Analysis, he served as the lead GIS Analyst and Systems Administrator on several multidisciplinary projects spanning oceanographic research and education, water quality monitoring, infrastructure development, natural hazards, renewable energy, and land use planning. Between 2004 and 2012, he made significant contributions to the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (HSU CeNCOOS). Among these, was the development of several automated real-time data acquisition & monitoring systems.
Mike draws upon his background in the geospatial sciences, natural resource planning, and computer information systems to guide the development of tools which help promote healthy and sustainable interactions among human and natural systems. His direct research interests comprise dynamic spatiotemporal modeling, web-mapping and database application development, scripting & automation, 3D geographic visualization, and the development of decision-support tools.
Mike earned his B.S. in Natural Resources Planning & Interpretation with an option in Geographic Information Systems & Remote Sensing and a minor in Computer Information Systems from Humboldt State University in 2005. He lives with his wife Rebecca and their entourage of furry companions.
Rebecca is a Senior Geospatial Scientist with 15+ years professional experience in the geospatial sciences and conservation planning. She leads a team performing advanced spatial analysis & modeling, remote sensing, and data visualization to further conservation of species, habitats, and biodiversity around the globe. Current projects focus on using geospatial technology to support agencies and organizations in data-driven approaches for environmentally-sustainable planning & decision-making.
Prior to joining CBI, Rebecca taught at the College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University, where she worked on numerous projects spanning natural resources, socio-economic, and community mapping and analysis. Rebecca earned a B.S. in Ecology & Visual Arts from Juniata College (PA) in 2003 and worked as a field biologist for several years. She completed a M.S. in GIS & Remote Sensing at Humboldt State University (CA) in 2007, mapping tropical forests in South America using remote sensing techniques.
Rebecca is involved in numerous professional organizations, including the Conservation Remote Sensing Network, Women in Geospatial, and the Society for Conservation GIS, where she’s currently on the Board and Chair of the Communications Committee.