CHRIS TURNER
El Ceritto
Summary
Dynamic Geospatial Data Scientist with a proven track record at Wired Amazon, mastering Python & PyQGIS for innovative conservation solutions. Specializes in satellite image analysis and machine learning, achieving a notable mAP of 0.8943 in object detection projects. Excels in collaborative problem-solving and advanced data management, demonstrating exceptional analytical and teamwork skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
AI Resident
Apziva
El Cerrito, United States
01.2025 - Current
- AI residency working on various machine learning models for business applications, in collaboration with industry partners.
- Gaining practical experience working under the supervision of a mentor working in the industry.
Geospatial Data Scientist
Wired Amazon
10.2024 - Current
- Developing a custom YOLOv11 AI model to detect Cocos from Castaña trees within drone images
- Currently testing multiple model architectures and annotation strategies to identify the optimal model for high-precision detection
- Project aims to establish a relationship between visible Cocos in canopy images and Castaña harvest volume, providing data-driven predictions for sustainable harvest forecasting
- Data collection using automated drone missions
Geospatial Data Scientist
Alliance for a sustainable Amazon
Madre de Dios
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Trained a custom YOLOv8 AI model on 1,576 annotated images of Brazil nut trees, with data augmentation to improve model robustness
- YOLOv8 achieved high evaluation metrics: mAP50-95(M): 0.8943 and mAP50(M): 0.96961
- Conducted spatial and data analysis using proprietary software
- Processed and analyzed field survey data
- Utilized forest growth and yield models to evaluate carbon sequestration
GIS Intern
Ceiba Foundation
Manabí
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Developed a PyQGIS script to calculate GPS locations of howler monkey troops from observations, automating calculations based on observer coordinates, bearing, and distance.
- Digitized and developed spatial layers to propose forest extensions for howler monkey habitats, utilizing property ownership layers and habitat suitability data. Identified property owners for potential land acquisitions to establish a continuous forest corridor.
- Utilized PyQGIS to analyze roadkill data and develop a predictive model for hotspots, recommending tunnels and overpasses based on factors such as road sinuosity, elevation, land type, and proximity to water, shrimp farms, forests, and pastures.
Carbon Analyst
Forest Carbon Works
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Conducted spatial and data analysis using proprietary software.
- Processed and analyzed field survey data.
- Utilized forest growth and yield models to evaluate carbon sequestration
Remote Sensing Developer
Amazon Conservation Association
Madre de Dios
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed a tool using Orefeo Toolbox for creating binary rasters of illegally logged trees
- Utilized High Resolution (HR) and Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images for analysis
- Employed Large Scale Mean Shift algorithm for the creation of segmentation files
GIS Intern
Spectacled Bear Conservation
Batangrande
04.2018 - 05.2018
- Conducted GIS and Spatial Ecology research focused on Spectacled Bear conservation and spatial ecology studies
- Utilized remote sensing with Landsat and Sentinel-2 imagery to analyze and predict water hole locations in dry forests, using known locations as reference points
- Used Maxent species distribution modeling to support conservation planning and species habitat mapping
- Developed a PyQGIS script to calculate GPS locations of Howler Monkey troops from observations, automating calculations based on observer coordinates, bearing, and distance
- Digitized and developed spatial layers to propose forest extensions for Howler Monkey habitats, using property ownership layers and habitat suitability data
- Identified property owners for potential land acquisitions to create a continuous forest corridor
- Used PyQGIS to analyze roadkill data and develop a predictive model for hotspots, recommending tunnels and overpasses based on factors like road sinuosity, elevation, land type, and proximity to water, shrimp farms, forests, and pastures
Education
FULL-STACK BOOTCAMP - Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, MySQL, C, Bash, Flask, Django
01.2019
B.S. - Genetics and Plant Biology
UC BERKELEY
01.2008
Skills
- GIS & Spatial Analysis
- Python & PyQGIS Scripting
- Geospatial Data Management
- Satellite Image Analysis
- Object Detection & Segmentation
- Machine Learning for Spatial Data
- Drone Mission & Data Collection
- Python
- JavaScript
- HTML
- CSS
- MySQL
- C
- Bash
- Flask
- Django
Personal Information
Title: GIS Developer
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Spanish, 2B
Volunteer Experience
BRAC, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Evaluation of Microloans for Small Scale Agriculture, 04/01/18, 05/01/18, Work with the Brac Agriculture and food safety program to assess novel plant species for production., Interviews with stakeholders regarding the Brac loan process.
References
References available upon request
Labwork
USDA, PGEC Plant Gene Expression Center, DNA Extraction, PCR/PCR-based genotyping, Restriction digest, Gel electrophoresis, Plant breeding, Selection for transformants, Greenhouse maintenance of Arabidopsis for a functional genetics project to elucidate the function of the OXS gene, transcribed in stress-induced flowering
Presentations
Using AI and YOLOv8 to detect and segment Brazil nut trees in drone images, AmazonTEC 2024 Presentation, Watch on YouTube
Affiliations
- Drummer
- Salsa
- Muay Thai
Certification
- Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerceFoundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce GoogleGoogleIssued Issued Jan 2024 Credential ID VETKHFFAUKLF
Languages
English
First Language
Spanish
Elementary (A2)
A2
Timeline
AI Resident
Apziva
01.2025 - Current
Geospatial Data Scientist
Wired Amazon
10.2024 - Current
Geospatial Data Scientist
Alliance for a sustainable Amazon
06.2024 - 08.2024
GIS Intern
Ceiba Foundation
06.2024 - 08.2024
Carbon Analyst
Forest Carbon Works
01.2021 - 01.2022
Remote Sensing Developer
Amazon Conservation Association
01.2021 - 01.2022
GIS Intern
Spectacled Bear Conservation
04.2018 - 05.2018
FULL-STACK BOOTCAMP - Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, MySQL, C, Bash, Flask, Django
B.S. - Genetics and Plant Biology
UC BERKELEY
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