Courtney King

Courtney coordinates a program called EMPLOYS, funded by the NSF-NRT program, which allows students to receive two graduate degrees (M.S. in Ecology and Master in Environmental Management) on an accelerated timeline. She enjoys problem solving as she engages with current and prospective students, seeks out funding and partnerships with institutions like the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), and organizes workshops on professional development, DEIJ+ principles, and leadership in STEM. Beyond working with individual students, she is excited about how the EMPLOYS program can serve as a mechanism to cultivate a culture of interdisciplinary, applied ecological research at Western that leverages big data, AI/machine learning, open educational resources, and technological advancements. Courtney also coordinates the Taylor Park Adaptive Management Group, and currently acts as the Lead Field Technician for the AMG Science Team. She enjoys bringing her experience in field ecology to Taylor Park, working with students to hug trees — i.e., measure diameter at breast height. While her work mostly involves baseline sampling following protocols under the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) network, she is excited about how new technologies including sensor arrays and imagery from UAV’s can add to our understanding about forests — particularly concerning snowpack and wildlife habitat. Courtney tends to enjoy her activities on the slower side — including swimming, backpacking, and hammocking with a good book — but also enjoys ice hockey, skiing, and (more recently) delving into the long-distance running world. She is originally from upstate New York, but considers the Gunnison Valley a home, too.

Courses Taught

• ENVS 623: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)