Parker A. Hopkins

www.linkedin.com/in/parkerhopkins

Experience

Michigan State University – Department of Forestry

East Lansing, MI

Research Assistant (Part-time) – Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Lab

5/17/2023 – present

Supervisor: Emily Silver

  • Conduct research on agroforestry in Lake States, using surveys and interviews to examine stakeholder engagement and decision-making processes for landowners, interest groups, and governance systems
  • Collaborate within the department, lab, and affiliated universities to organize, draft, and administer surveys, events, publications, and meetings
  • Perform spatial analyses of agroforestry geographic features (windbreaks, riparian buffers) using advanced machine learning/AI methods and GIS (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, etc.)
  • Assist in teaching coursework and labs, including grading exercises and providing technical support for students

Teaching Assistant (Part-time) – Introduction to Forestry and the History of Michiganʼs Forests

8/21/2023 – 12/17/2023

  • Led weekly discussion sections, graded assignments, and assisted with field labs in forest ecosystem history and management
  • Provided technical support in GIS exercises and research methods for undergraduate students

United States Forest Service – Ashley National Forest

Vernal, UT

Forestry Technician (Recreation) (Full-time) – Vernal Ranger District

8/14/2021 – 9/8/2023

Supervisor: Joseph Ellsworth

  • Managed and maintained 400+ miles of motorized/non-motorized trails, several caves, eight campgrounds, three historic ranger cabins, and three yurts in collaboration with internal and external partners
  • Researched, documented, and protected forest resources while developing recreation infrastructure
  • Hired, trained, supervised, supported, and mentored seasonal staff

Customer Service Representative (Full-time) – Vernal Ranger District

10/12/2020 – 8/14/2021

Supervisor: Tom Parrack

  • Provided customer service and information to park visitors, handled permitting, and managed fee collection

National Park Service – Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate

Fort Collins, CO

Natural Resources Specialist/Biological Science Trainee (Full-time) – BioDiscovery Program

12/11/2018 – 10/15/2020

Supervisor: Terri Hogan

  • Coordinated and consulted on national efforts to utilize citizen science platforms (e.g., iNaturalist) across all National Park Service units; provided technical expertise on best practices and engagement
  • Contributed to biological, physical, and social science projects addressing air quality, climate change, invasive species, geology, hydrology, auditory and night sky preservation, paleontology, communication, and outreach
  • Established biodiversity education events and outreach for park leadership, organizing 400+ individual park projects nationally

Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Intern (Part-time) – Landscape Restoration and Adaptation Branch

3/27/2018 – 12/10/2018

  • Assisted with landscape restoration planning and adaptation projects, including field data collection and GIS mapping

Colorado House of Representatives

Denver, CO

Legislative Intern (Part-time)

12/26/2017 – 3/26/2018

  • Researched and prepared talking points on political issues before the Colorado State Legislature
  • Organized schedules and communicated on behalf of the representative
  • Wrote summary briefs and managed email outreach for constituent updates on legislative action

United States House of Representatives

Washington, DC

Legislative Intern (Full-time)

8/21/2017 – 12/20/2017

  • Facilitated advocacy and legislation support for the representative, submitted bills, and compiled endorsements
  • Prepared daily news reports, briefs, memos, and packets on environmental, natural resource, defense, and technology bills
  • Wrote summary briefs and managed incoming calls to report constituent concerns

United States Forest Service – Rio Grande National Forest

Saguache, CO

Forestry Aid (Recreation) (Full-time), Saguache Ranger District

6/19/2017 – 8/15/2017

  • Gathered and analyzed information on forest and trail conditions
  • Educated visitors on forest policies and regulations
  • Maintained, developed, and improved recreational infrastructure

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Boulder, CO

Pulse of the Planet Intern (Part-time), Global Monitoring Laboratory, Halocarbons and Trace Species

5/2013 – 5/2017

Supervisor: James William Elkins III, PhD

  • Built airborne scientific collection tools and analyzed data to quantify distributions, magnitudes, and sources of ozone-depleting trace gases and greenhouse gases with the HATS group

National Park Service – Greening Youth Foundation (contract)

Estes Park, CO & other locations

Biodiversity Youth Ambassador (Part-time)

7/2012 – 5/2016

  • Led and participated in NPS and local community events to cultivate awareness of biodiversity and environmental conservation
  • Planned and collaborated with diverse groups to organize educational outreach programs and citizen science initiatives

Education

Masters of Science – Michigan State University

Fall 2023 – Spring 2025 (expected)

  • Department of Forestry
    • Thesis on agroforestry and private landowner decision-making processes, institutions’ roles in supporting sustainable land management
    • Coursework: natural resources science, governance, and management
  • President of the Forestry Graduate Student Organization, Fall 2023 – present
  • Society of American Foresters involvement; MSU Forestry Club participation
  • Selected for Forest Policy Institute experience, Spring 2024
  • Maintained a 4.0 GPA through Summer 2024

Bachelor of Arts and Sciences – University of Colorado at Boulder

Graduated May 2019

  • Magna Cum Laude Honors and Distinction
  • Major: Environmental Studies (ENVS); Minor: Atmospheric/Oceanic Sciences (ATOC)
  • Honors Thesis: “Using citizen science to approach invasive species: a case study of an early detection and rapid response program in the National Park Service”
  • Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Delta Sigma Chapter (leadership roles)
  • 3.63 GPA – Dean’s List throughout final two years of coursework

Publications / Features

  • Part of ongoing studies on Agroforestry in the Great Lakes Region; defense on 3/18/25: “Agroforestry Extent around the Lake States Region: Novel Spatial Methods Combined with Survey Evidence to Analyze Agroforestry Adoption Across Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, USA” (other publishing forthcoming)
  • Christopher Baish, Alanna Post, Ashton Shortridge, Randall J. Schaetzl, Parker Hopkins, Anthony Bowman, Isabella Rabac, Bernard Frantz, Andrew Finley. “Thousands of Shallow, Relict Gullies Indicate Thermo-erosion on the Sandy Uplands of Northern Lower Michigan during the Late Pleistocene,” Geomorphology (15 Dec 2024)
  • Bruce E. Young, Michael T. Lee, Mark Frey, Kris Barnes, Parker Hopkins. “Using Citizen Science Observations to Develop Managed Area Watch Lists,” Natural Areas Journal, 41(4), 307-314 (18 Oct 2021)
  • Parker Hopkins. “Using Citizen Science to Approach Invasive Species: a Case Study of an Early Detection and Rapid Response Invasion Program in the NPS” (15 Apr 2019)
  • Part of ongoing BromeCast study; publishing pending
  • E.O. Wilson BioDiversity Foundation, Featured on CBS Sunday Morning “Inspired by Nature” https://eowilsonfoundation.org/nps-biodiversity-youth-ambassadors/ (2014)
  • GeoAdo Magazine “Explore L̓Amerique Sauvage” feature article on exploring biodiversity in American National Parks (Nov. 2012)

Presentations

  • Presenter and Lead Author: “Agroforestry in the Great Lakes: A Remote Sensing Perspective on Intentionality and Land Use” (Science Flash), Society of American Foresters National Conference (20 Sept 2024)
  • Panel Discussion Moderator: Student Meetup Event, Society of American Foresters National Conference (18 Sept 2024) – Focus on early career soft skills and long-term goal setting
  • Presenter and Lead Author: “Characterizing Agroforestry in Lake States” (Poster), Forest Landowners National Conference (June 2024)
  • Presenter: “GoPollinators: a citizen science and technology approach to pollinator studies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” Ecological Society of America Conference (Aug 2018)
  • Presenter and Lead Author: “Citizen Science in the National Parks,” Ecological Society of America Conference (Aug 2017)
  • Presenter and Lead Author: “BioBlitzes: Linking Ecosystem Services and Citizen Science in 24 Hours,” Ecological Society of America Conference (Aug 2017)

Honors and Awards

  • Multiple Performance and Appreciation Awards for excellent work as a Civil Servant – Awarded at both NPS and USFS
  • 2nd place (2021) & 3rd place (2022) – Ashley National Forest Photo Contest (Carhartt Beanie Hat Award included)
  • “Best Senator” (May 2017) – Residence Hall Association (CU Boulder), Baker Hall Council
  • “Meritorious Award” (May 2017) – Residence Hall Association (CU Boulder), Baker Hall Council
  • NOAA’s Pulse of the Planet Award, Texas Regional Science Fair (Sept 2012) – Recognized for outstanding climate science project; led to funded NOAA internship

Notable Additional Volunteer / Leadership Experience

  • National Park Service – Natural Resource Stewardship & Science Directorate & Rocky Mountain NP – Citizen Science Assistant (Volunteer) 10/16/2020 – present
    • Continued assistance, consultation, support, and project management for citizen science efforts in NPS
  • Volunteer-in-Parks – Rocky Mountain National Park 4/2012 – 12/2014
    • Assisted with volunteer projects: educational/outreach programs, road/trail work, landscape restoration, and natural resource protection
  • Society of American Foresters – Student Executive Committee
    • Vice-Chair, National Student Executive Committee (SEC) 9/2024 – present
    • SEC Representative for District 4 (IA, MI, MN, WI) 7/2024 – present
      • Coordinate with local SAF chapters, plan national events, facilitate communication between students and SAF leadership, promote forestry careers
  • Forestry Graduate Student Organization – MSU, Department of Forestry – President 11/2023 – present
    • Re-established the Graduate Student Organization, focusing on professional skill development, diversity, equity, inclusion, and hosting community events
  • Forest Policy Institute – Organized by Forest Landowners Foundation 2/2024
    • Explored forest landownership dynamics, policy influences, and management approaches through interactions with policymakers and forestry leaders in Washington, DC
  • University of Colorado at Boulder – Athletic Department, Football Program

    8/2018 – 1/2019

    • Social Media and Photography Assistant
    • Managed live broadcasts, produced multimedia content, and drove social media engagement
  • University of Colorado at Boulder – Recreation and Club Sports – Head Photographer, Videographer, and Social Media Manager 12/2015 – 3/2019
    • Captured and produced multimedia content; increased engagement for club sports
  • Rocky Mountain Sustainability and Science Network – Student Researcher 5/2016 – 9/2017
    • Contributed to climate change research; drafted protocols, conducted field studies on pollinator biodiversity, and managed data collection/analysis
  • University of Colorado at Boulder – Housing and Dining Services – Eco-Rep 8/2016 – 5/2017
    • Promoted sustainability initiatives, pioneered composting and zero-waste programs, created educational programming, and engaged with diverse student populations

Certifications / Training / Additional Proficiencies

  • Leadership Training
    • USFS Foundations of Leadership Program (Spring 2021 cohort)
      • This Is Who We Are, Our Agencyʼs Values, Our Agencyʼs Voice
      • Setting Goals and Managing Your Time
      • Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
      • Code and Commitment – Learning from Mistakes
      • Finding Your Voice
      • Interpersonal Communication
      • Leaderʼs Habit – Nurturing the Relationship Loop
      • Oral Communication
      • Leaderʼs Habit – Communicating the Big Why
      • Effective Written Communication
      • Influencing Others
      • Code and Commitment – Treating Everyone with Respect
      • Resolving Workplace Differences
      • Code and Commitment – Protecting One Another
      • Developing a Customer Service Mindset
      • Code and Commitment – Empowering One Another
      • Building a Team
      • Leaderʼs Stance – Stares Leadership
      • Exploring Leadership Styles
      • Continue Developing Leadership Skills
      • Developing a Growth Mindset
    • National Park Service Fundamentals (June 2019 cohort) – Two-week federal training on NPS organization, teamwork, leadership, diversity, and inclusive operations
  • Fire Certifications
    • Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)
      • S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (NWCG, May 2020)
      • S-130 Firefighting Training (NWCG, April 2021)
      • L-180 Human Factors in The Wildland Fire Service (NWCG, May 2021)
      • Work Capacity Test (WCT) completed 2021, 2022, 2023
      • Field Day and Shelter Deployment (June 2021, April 2022, April 2023)
    • Resource Advisor (READ) – N-9042 (April 2021)
    • S-212 Chainsaw/Sawyer Training (completed 2022, renewed 2023)
    • Fireline Resource Advisor (REAF)
    • SEC2 Security Detail for Fires (Road Guard, IC camp, etc.) – FPO combined with FFT2
    • Incident Command Training:
      • IS-100 (April 2021)
      • IS-200 (April 2021)
      • IS-700 (April 2021)
  • Forest Protection Officer (FPO) Training – Region 4 USFS FPO law enforcement training completed April 29, 2021 (renewed 2022, 2023)
  • Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Level 1 Training – Completed January 20, 2022
  • Forest Collection Officer Training – October 2020
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
    • Create, modify, and improve media (photos, graphics, GIFs) for intended purpose
    • Conduct 508 compliance work in InDesign
  • Social Media Communication
    • Create, write, and revise posts for public outreach on social media
    • Admin privileges on Ashley National Forest Facebook page (2021–2023)
    • Coordinated content verification and formatting with forest staff
    • Produced over half of all Ashley National Forest posts (2021–2023)
  • Programming & GIS
    • Python, Java, HTML – Self-machine code writing and agent-based modeling proficiency
    • RStudio & R – Statistical/data analysis, regression methods
    • ArcGIS Pro for Desktop, QGIS – Spatial/temporal analysis, image classification, GIS file management
    • ENVI – Satellite image analysis and classification
  • Microsoft Suite (Office, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Access) – General proficiency; certified for 508 compliance in Word
  • Wildfire Preparedness / Behavior
    • Experience building defensible spaces with manual tools; advise on best practices
  • Taxonomic Identification – Use of dichotomous keys, field guides, and taxonomic tools
  • iNaturalist – Extensive background with the nonprofit platform for ecological observations
  • Fieldwork – Scientific data collection following established protocols across methodologies
  • Law Review & Policy Analysis – Legislative research, court proceeding searches, policy support
  • Literature Review & Academic Searches – Research article collection for land management policy and studies
  • Recreational Skills – Expert in downhill skiing; backcountry navigation in winter environments
  • First Aid / CPR Certification – Renewed March 2023
  • ATV Online Training – Current May 2021
  • National Wilderness Skills Institute (May 2021)
    • Crosscut training (4-part USDA-FS official training)
    • Wilderness Ethics; History of Wilderness/Public Lands; Visitor Use Management
    • Trail Maintenance Basics; Backpacking & Backcountry Nutrition; Wilderness Character Monitoring
    • Field Leadership Development (Leader’s Intent; Field Briefings)
  • Water Operator Training – Rural Water Association of Utah (Nov 2021)
  • USFS Sign Training – October 2021
  • Sawyer Training – A feller, B bucker (2022; renewed 2023)
  • Responsible Conduct of Research Program (MSU, 2024–present)
    • Authorship, Plagiarism, Research Misconduct, Collaborative Research, Conflicts of Interest, Peer Review, Mentoring, plus six hours of discussion-based training