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 LÌ“Amerique 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