Lauren Ode-Giles

GIS Analyst

I love maps – they are outstanding workhorses of science communication, giving people a shared frame of reference for quantifying problems and brainstorming solutions. As a GIS Analyst, I get to leverage my background in environmental science and my understanding of spatial analysis and cartography to answer complex questions and create beautiful, data-rich maps and visuals. Outside of work, I’m likely to be on a hike, out for a road trip, experimenting in the kitchen, or playing board games with friends.

Education:
B.S. Environmental Science, Western Washington University
Graduate Certificate in Data Science for Environmental Professionals, Western Washington University
Favorite Quote:
“If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” - E.B. White
Favorite Species:
Favorite tree: Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii). When the outer bark sloughs away, the inner, smooth bark looks (and is) supremely touchable. Seeing a madrone tells me that I’m close to water, and that I’m home.

Favorite herbaceous plant: Pacific trillium (Trillium ovatum). My grandma and I would go looking for these understated, beautiful flowers in the woods behind her house every spring.
Hidden Talent:
Traveling cheaply and making terrible puns.