Katie LaJeunesse Connette

International Program Manager - Conservation Ecology Center at Smithsonian Institution

United States

About

I am passionate about connecting people and the environment. This can range from connecting kids with the small joys of nature to helping land managers understand the science behind their decisions.

Experience

  • Conservation Ecology Center - International Program Manager at Smithsonian Institution
    Feb 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 6 mos

  • Environmental Conservation Consultant at Independent Consultant
    Aug 2015 - Feb 2017 · 1 yr 7 mos

    Building technical capacity for environmental conservation in Myanmar: • Developed and conducted training for Civil Society Organization members in Geospatial Analysis • Managed projects for capacity building in conservation biology in Myanmar (i.e. trainings and research partnerships) Researching biodiversity conservation and extractive industries: • Led mapping research on remote sensing of mining areas in Myanmar • Conducted an assessment of mining areas in southern Tanintharyi Region Managing projects for conservation: • Managed a team to map forest cover change in Myanmar over the last decade • Developed a science communication plan for a Myanmar-based conservation project • Contributed as a field team member for botany and herpetology surveys at a proposed national park Consultancies were with Smithsonian Institution, Fauna and Flora International, and EcoDev (Myanmar non-governmental organization)

  • Mark Twain National Forest, U.S. Forest Service (6 yrs)
    • Environmental Remediation Coordinator
      Aug 2011 - Jul 2015 · 4 yrs

      Addressing pollution from both current and historic lead mining areas in the National Forest.

    • Restoration Ecologist (short-term detail)
      Jan 2014 - May 2014 · 5 mos

      Restoring desert areas that had been impacted by unauthorized use of motorized vehicles.

    • Coordinator of Volunteer and Service Programs
      Aug 2009 - Aug 2011 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Developing and managing a new AmeriCorps program to support volunteer coordination. (2 year Presidential Management Fellowship for leadership development)

  • Environmental Educator and Naturalist at Highlands Biological Station
    May 2008 - Aug 2008 · 4 mos

    Developed and delivered educational programs on wildlife, ecology, and botany for all age groups.

  • Field Instructor at Duke University Talent Identification Program
    Jun 2007 - Jul 2008 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Served as a teaching assistant for a geology and environmental science educational program for gifted high school students.