Fire Ecology in National Parks
Research Overview
This project focused on modernizing fire effects data analysis for the National Park Service (NPS) by developing R-based quality control and data analysis workflows. It also contributed to community building in NPS fire ecology through mentorship, presentations, and collaboration.
Moving to Tucson & Transition to Fire Ecology
After graduating from Notre Dame, I started a Scientist in Parks internship as a Fire Ecology Assistant in Tucson, Arizona.
- A major shift from the Midwest—this was my first experience living in the desert.
- Excited to explore desert ecology and fire science through a year-long internship.
The 20+ Year Fire Effects Dataset Challenge
The fire ecology program in Southern Arizona maintained a 20+ year fire effects dataset, passed between many different fire ecologists.
- Problems:
- Data had errors, inconsistencies, and gaps.
- No standardized quality control (QA/QC) or workflow for analysis.
- Solution: I independently proposed creating an R package to systematically check and analyze the data.
Developing R Packages for Fire Data
I created two R packages to streamline fire data quality control and analysis:
FFI QAQC → A package to detect data issues in fire effects monitoring.
FFI Analysis → A package for automated fire data analysis and reporting.
Key Contributions:
- Designed a reproducible workflow for fire data quality control.
- Created automated reports for NPS fire managers to use in decision-making.
- Improved data transparency and efficiency within the fire program.
Final Analysis Report on the 2002 Fire
As part of this project, I produced a final analysis report on a 2002 fire, conducting:
- Data analyses on long-term fire effects
- Management recommendations based on fire severity trends
- A discussion with fire managers about future fire mitigation strategies
💡 Impact: This report sparked an in-depth discussion among NPS fire managers about refining long-term fire monitoring strategies.
Founding the NPS Fire Ecology R Working Group
Recognizing the lack of structured R support, I helped establish the NPS Fire Ecology R Working Group:
- A national community of fire ecologists discussing R-based workflows.
- Monthly meetings to discuss coding challenges, best practices, and data analysis.
- This group still meets today, supporting NPS-wide fire data analysis!
Nationwide Presentations & Policy Impact
I presented my work to:
✔ NPS Inventory & Monitoring Data Managers – Highlighting the impact of fire ecology QA/QC.
✔ National Park Service Fire Ecologists (Nationwide Call) – Led a discussion on modernizing fire data analysis.
✔ Committee for FFI Database Improvements – Ongoing involvement in enhancing fire data quality.
Key Takeaway: This project didn’t just improve one dataset—it started a system-wide shift toward better fire data management in NPS Fire Ecology.
2024 NPS Regional Fire Management Achievement Award
For my contributions to fire data modernization, software development, and community leadership, I was honored to receive the 2024 NPS Regions 6,7,8 Fire Management Achievement Award.
Fieldwork & Personal Growth
Alongside data analysis, I participated in fire effects field trips with the Inventory & Monitoring Network, collecting real-world data on:
- Vegetation recovery after fire
- Fuel loads and fire severity
- Long-term ecological changes
My time at the Desert Research Learning Center (DRLC) and in Tucson was transformational.
- Gained a lifelong passion for fire ecology.
- Committed to educating others about fire science.
- Continue to stay involved with NPS Fire Ecology to this day.
🖼️ Project Images
Key Takeaways
✔ Developed R-based QA/QC & analysis tools for NPS fire ecology.
✔ Founded the NPS Fire Ecology R Working Group, which still meets today.
✔ Presented research to nationwide audiences of fire ecologists & managers.
✔ Produced a 2002 fire analysis report that influenced management discussions.
✔ Received the 2024 NPS Regional Fire Management Achievement Award.
✔ Continue to stay involved with NPS Fire Ecology efforts.