Texas Water Resources Institute 2017 Annual Report
Alexander Healy Resume
1. Alexander J. Healy 1
Alexander J. Healy, M. S. Contact Info:
Phone: 518-307-3267
Email: Xanner101@gmail.com (preferred)
EDUCATION
New York State University (SUNY) at Brockport, 350 New Campus Dr., Brockport, NY 14420
Master of Science: Environmental Science and Biology
Thesis: Sedge/Grass Meadow Restoration on Former Agricultural Land:
Analysis of Establishment Success
(http://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/env_theses/80)
Abstract: Sedge/grass meadow wetland restoration was conducted at three study sites located in about
4 ha of agricultural land recently acquired by New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC) adjacent to West Creek at its confluence with Braddock Bay in
Hilton, Monroe County, New York. The restoration was conducted within a 75.35 to 75.60 m
(IGLD1985) elevation range previously identified as capable of supporting sedge/grass
meadow in Lake Ontario wetlands. This project consisted of an initial baseline survey during
spring 2009, a seed-bank emergence study that began in September 2009 and terminated in
early July 2010, restoration implementation during summer 2010, and follow-up after
implementation during August 2010, 2011, and 2012. Data from other Lake Ontario drowned
river- mouth wetlands and a study site at Kents Creek served as references.
Courses: Ecophysiology, Environmental Laws and Regulations, Experimental Design,
GIS Applications in Environmental Science, Multivariable Statistics, Northern Wetlands,
Plant Diversity, Restoration Ecology, Soils Science, Wetland Ecology
Graduation: May 2013
New York State University (SUNY) at Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta, NY 13820
Bachelor of Science: Environmental Biology
Major Courses: Aquatic Pollution, Australian Vegetation, Elementary Microbiology, Environmental Issues,
Environmental Science, Evolution, General Ecology, Invertebrate Zoology, Marine Dynamics,
Seminar in Conservation Biology, Writing about the Environment
Minor: Chemistry
Minor Courses: Biochemistry, Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry, Discussions in Chemistry,
Elementary Organic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry
Graduation: May 2007, with High Honors
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland,
4556, Australia
Semester: Spring (southern fall) 2006
Lake George HS Graduation with Honors - Top Ten Percent (June 2003)
2. Alexander J. Healy 2
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
June – September 2015: Range Intern. Challis-Yankee Forest Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service, Challis, ID. I assisted the Challis-Yankee
Range Crew with determining range allotment management compliance with grazing permit terms and Annual Operating Instructions through
conducting fence inspections, landscape utilization estimates, and livestock brand, location, and number surveys using digital cameras, field data
recorders, and GIS to document observations. Training included ATV and trailer maintenance and operation, horse stable maintenance, MIM
(Multiple Indicator Monitoring) surveillance, soil impact evaluation, and Sage Grouse telemetry monitoring. Work Schedule: 40 hours per week.
Supervisor: Barry Dopp, Email (Preferred): bdopp@fs.fed.us, Phone Number: (406) 317-3020
September 2014 – February 2015: Lead Grant Coordinator. Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Albuquerque, NM. I participated in public outreach activities including helping to create an educational program to encourage participation in
refuge sponsored activities and regional stewardship practices. Work Schedule: 40 hours per week.
Supervisor: Jennifer Owen-White, Email: Jennifer_OwenWhite@fws.gov, Phone Number: (505) 248-6667
September 2013 –March 2014: Resource Management Intern. Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Vian, OK. I
surveyed agriculture productivity, eradicated invasive species, analyzed migratory bird food provision success, supported public outreach, and
conducted wetland community analysis. Work Schedule: 80 hours per two-week rotation.
Supervisor: Dustin Taylor, Email (Preferred): dustin_taylor@fws.gov, Phone Number: (918) 773-5251
June – September 2013: Aquatic Invasive Species Technician. Gull Lake Dam Recreation Area, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Brainerd, MN.
Educated the public; inspected boats, trailers, and equipment; and operated Powerwash equipment to help remove and prevent the spread of
invasive Zebra Mussels. Work Schedule: 80 hours per two-week rotation.
Supervisor: Brian Turner, Email (Preferred): brian.w.turner@usace.army.mil, Phone Number: (218) 829-3334
January 2009 - December 2012: Restoration Practitioner. SUNY Brockport, Brockport, NY. I planned, implemented, supervised, and evaluated
a sedge/grass meadow restoration project. It involved vegetation community surveys, native, wet-meadow community re-vegetation, thesis
creation, and an independent seed-bank emergence study. Work Schedule: 40 hours per week.
Supervisor: Dr. Doug Wilcox, Email: dwilcox@brockport.edu, Phone Number: (585) 395-5963
ACTIVITIES, AWARDS, AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Hydrologic Quality Sampling at Valle de Oro NWR: Albuquerque, NM (Nov.-Dec. 2014, 16 hrs.)
Fyke Net Fish Community Sampling in Rio Grande: Albuquerque, NM (Oct. 2014, 8 hrs.)
Trail Maintenance with the Konnarock Trail Crew: Sugar Grove, VA (Aug. 2014, 40 hrs. per wk.)
CPR and Wilderness First Aid Training: Grand Canyon, AZ (April 2014, 8 hrs.)
Endangered Sentry Milk-Vetch Population Monitoring: Grand Canyon, AZ (Apr.-June 2014, 40 hrs. per wk.)
Agricultural Wetland Monitoring and Farm Assistance: Kauai, HI (June-Sept. 2012, 40 hrs. per wk.)
Wetland Study Implementation: Kents Creek, NY (July 2010, 40 hrs. per wk.)
Seed-Bank Emergence Independent Study: SUNY Brockport, NY (Sept. 2009-July 2010, 10 hrs. per wk.)
Electro-fishing and Fyke Net Fish Community Sampling: Brockport, NY (Apr. 2009, 8 hrs.)
Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Survey: Glens Falls, NY (June-Oct. 2007, 40 hrs. per wk.)
Academic High Achievement Award – Graduated #1 in Academic Major (May 2007)
John G. New Scholarship Recipient (2006-2007)
Harpacticoid Life Cycle Independent Study: SUNY Oneonta, NY (Sept.-Dec. 2005, 4 hrs. per wk.)
National Honor Society Member (2004-2006)
Treasurer Oneonta Protect Your Environment Club: SUNY Oneonta, NY (2004-2005)
Dean’s List Placement (2003-2007)
3. Alexander J. Healy 3
January 30, 2015
Teri Jillson
President, Friends of Valle de Oro NWR
cjillson@aol.com
P.O. Box 9501
Albuquerque, NM 87119
505-615-5728 cell
Dear Mrs. Jillson,
On behalf of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, I am pleased to write this letter of
commitment for your Valle de Oro Young Refuge Stewards Program. I truly look forward to
supporting this collaborative effort to educate youth through a cross-curricular program with an
emphasis on growing native plants for use in restoration and schoolyard habitat projects and
learning how to serve as National Wildlife Refuge stewards through early education Stepping
Stones of Engagement. I recognize this effort stands as a model for future urban wildlife refuge
projects and will help increase public awareness about the value of protecting diverse natural
habitats for many species including migratory birds.
The Valle de Oro NWR is a part of US Fish and Wildlife Service’s initiative to reach out to
urban areas and engage a more diverse and often underserved audience. The South Valley of
Bernalillo County is an area that fits this goal exactly. The population is 78% Hispanic and 2%
Native American and over 22% of the population is living below the poverty line. The area is a
high focus for Environmental Justice and contains a large industrial complex and multiple
superfund sites. The Valle de Oro NWR along with its partners aims to bring a healthy outdoor
recreation and education facility to the South Valley that provides for the community both
ecologically and economically.
The vision for the Refuge is that it will become an “urban jewel” allowing people to access
nature within their home community. Our plan is to expand bosque habitat into the refuge and
to create wetlands and natural grasses and brushland to create opportunities for wildlife
viewing. To do this, the refuge’s management priorities include: partnership opportunities with
educational institutions; educational opportunities for urban youth; enhanced trails and
recreation; restoring riparian habitat and Rio Grande environmental flows. This Valle de Oro
Young Refuge Stewards program severs these goals perfectly.
Currently, the Refuge is developing plans for habitat restoration in advance of AMAFCA
construction scheduled to begin during the summer of 2016 and constantly seeking innovative
methods of reaching out to the broader region and engage more community members in
Refuge activities. I look forward to contributing to this program by assisting school groups with
4. Alexander J. Healy 4
plant materials collection and overseeing volunteers. I certainly value the opportunity to
contribute to this program and look forward to collaborating with you and other involved
partners.
With most sincerity,
Jennifer Owen-White
Refuge Manager - Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Jennifer_owenwhite@fws.gov
500 Gold Ave, SW/ Room 4231
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-248-6667 office
505-933-2708 cell
5. Alexander J. Healy 5
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
107993 S. 4520 Rd.
Vian, OK 74962
Office: 918.773.5251
21 July 2014
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this on behalf of Mr. Alexander Healey. I supervised Alexander, who served
as a Student Conservation Intern assisting with biological monitoring at Sequoyah
National Wildlife Refuge. Alexander worked at the refuge from September 2013 through
February 2014, during this period he demonstrated a strong work ethic and passion for the
projects he worked on.
During the course of the internship, Alexander balanced a variety of tasks, including:
management of an Excel and GIS database, wetland plant surveys, wetland seed
production estimates, and corn production surveys. To conclude his internship
Alexander provided a detailed report that incorporated, recommendations for
optimizing wetland seed production.
Alexander proved himself to be particularly efficient with tedious data-base management
tasks, and would work diligently to get the job done. During all tasks Alexander
maintained a strong work ethic and was passionate about the tasks he was given.
Sincerely,
Dustin Taylor
Refuge Biologist