SWCASC Welcomes New Data Steward, Michiko Squires!
The SWCASC is pleased to welcome Michiko Squires as its new Data Steward! Michiko works with the National Climate Adaptation Science Center to provide data management assistance to the Northwest and Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Centers.
Michiko is originally from Florida where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Computer Science from the University of Miami and her Master’s degree in Forest Resources and Conservation with a Geomatics concentration from the University of Florida. Now a resident of northern California she’s excited to explore its distinct landscape. “I'm a transplant from the Southeast so I am particularly enjoying all the topography that is missing from my home state of Florida! The ecosystems in my surrounding areas are all new territory for me, leaving lots of room for discovery and 'firsts' as I explore the natural world around me,” she said.
Previously, Michiko worked for the National Park Service, University of Florida, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In these positions she gained experience in field biology, GIS, and data management. Michiko is also an avid volunteer, working with organizations such as the Student Conservation Association and Federal Asian Pacific American Council in her time off.
Michiko enjoys being active in her community and especially values making the outdoors accessible to all. “I volunteered at a local National Park when I was in college and for National Public Lands Day we had set up a bunch of stations for kids to explore and learn more about the natural and cultural resources of the area that make that Park super special. A ranger arranged for some buses to bring in families from a local shelter for houseless families. I'll never forget that day. The messaging was that no matter your situation, you can always find a place of belonging in our public lands. It was so meaningful to watch the eyes of kids light up as I doled out hand lenses to aid in their exploration that day as they checked out limestone for different corals that make up the rocks, and to see the relief on their parents' faces as they watched their kids have fun and learn,” she said.
In her current position with the National Climate Adaptation Science Center, Michiko will assist in refining workflows, cataloging projects, improving study designs, and organizing data. As a self described ‘data nerd’ she is excited to make science data easier to manage. She explains that, “You need good systems for data collection and analysis, and a roadmap to understand your dataset after it has sat in your computer for a couple of months until you can circle back to them. I've come to internalize the FAIR and CARE data principles too, which really come into play for making the most of your data for years to come.”
Welcome, Michiko, and we are so excited to work with you!