Heather R. Hirsch
1214 Kenoyer Drive.
Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 752-0565
heather@heatherhirsch.com
web site: www.heatherhirsch.com

To download this entire c.v. (86.0 KB pdf), click here or for a printable resume with references (63.7 KB pdf), click here.

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Education

2002-fall 2006 (expected)	Master of Science in Geology candidate, Western Washington University "Applicability of the NLOS Model for Predictions of Soil Water Movement and Nitrogen Transport in an Agricultural Soil, Agassiz, B.C.", advisor: Dr. Robert J. Mitchell
1995-2000	Bachelor of Science in Hydrogeology/Environmental Geology, University of Texas at Austin Senior research project, “Cold Springs: Hydrogeology, Groundwater Quality and Research Recommendations” (click here to download the 316.3 KB pdf), advisor: Dr. Philip Bennett

Skills

Field and Analytical

• experience gauging stream flow with Pygmy and Price type AA meters
• experience collecting and analyzing soil samples in the field and laboratory (Munsell color charts, Feel method for determining soil texture and consistence, soil profile descriptions, sieve analysis, soil push-probe, Diviner 2000 soil conductance probe, soil temperature readings, soil grinding, and KCl soil extractions)
• experience collecting nitrous oxide emission samples using a non-steady-state, non-flow-through chamber
• experience collecting and analyzing ground and surface water samples (electric water level tape, submersible pump, peristaltic pump, low-flow water sampling using a bladder pump and nitrous gas, Horiba multiprobe, YSI model 85 water analyzer, Datasonde Water Quality Multiprobe, field turbidity and pH meters, pressure transducer and data logger)
• experience with landfill gas extraction system maintenance and landfill gas and ground water sampling (GEM landfill gas analyzer and air velocity meter) and familiarity with landfill construction
• familiarity with well construction types and residential and water association pumping systems
• familiarity with analytical equipment (AA Spectrophotometer, Nitrogen Autoanalyzer, Ion Chromatograph, Malvern Mastersizer 2000 automated laser particle-size analyzer, LOI with the Muffler Furnace, Orion EA940 pH meter and laboratory conductance meter)
• familiarity with other field sampling equipment (GPS, tensiometers, porous cup suction lysimeters, Guelph and ring permeameters, Livingston piston corer, direct push boring, seismic refraction, and GPR)

Technical

• experience compiling and presenting data
• experience writing abstracts and technical reports
• experience creating hydrostratigraphic cross-sections
• familiarity with the statistical analysis software "R"
• GIS coursework and application
• experience with the Department of Ecology's EIM database
• familiarity with numerous Windows and Macintosh programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, GoLive CS, and Illustrator)
• experience with specialized programs (Surfer, EQUIS Chemistry, BIOSCREEN, Mathcad, PHREEQC, and NLOS)
• strong familiarity with world wide web and electronic mail

Additional Experience

6/2005-10/2005	Technical Intern with Skagit County Public Works Dept.
7/2003-3/2005	Research Assistant to Dr. Robert J. Mitchell, WWU Geology Dept.
8/2004	Produced hydrostratigraphic cross-sections for Peter Willing, Water Resources Consulting, LLC
7/2002-9/2002	Professional Intern with Island County Environmental Health Dept.
Summer 1999	Research Assistant to Dr. Lynn Katz, UT Civil Engineering Dept.
5/1998-9/1999	Professional Intern with the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Dept.
Spring 1998	Research Assistant to Dr. Brenda Kirkland George, UT Geology Dept.

Professional Technical Report

Mitchell, R. J., R. S. Babcock, H. Hirsch, L. McKee, R.A. Matthews, and J. Vandersypen. 2005. Water Quality: Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer Final Report, 166 pp.

Published Abtracts/Presentations

Hirsch, H., R.J. Mitchell, and S. Bittman. 2005. Applicability of the NLOS Model for Predictions of Soil Water Movement and Nitrogen Transport in an Agricultural Soil, Agassiz, B.C., 5th Washington Hydrogeology Symposium, Apr. 12-14, Tacoma, WA.

Bittman, S., D.E. Hunt, M.J. Shaffer, C.G. Kowalenko, C. Clark, and H. Hirsch. 2004. Benefits of Modeling the N Cyle with a Graphical Interface, ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings, Oct. 31- Nov.4, Seattle, WA.

Research Grants

2005	Dean J. Alan Ross Travel Fund Award ($50)
2003	Bureau for Faculty Research Fund for the Enhancement of Graduate Research Grant ($1000)
2003	WWU Geology Dept. Graduate Research Fund Grant ($500)
2003	American Association of Petroleum Geologists Grants-in-Aid Program Grant ($2000)
1999	Geological Society of America Undergraduate Research Grant ($500)

Awards and Scholarships

2000	Louis and Elizabeth Scherck Geology Scholarship
1999	Albert W. and Alice M. Weeks Fund in Geology
1999	Louis and Elizabeth Scherck Geology Scholarship
1999	Austin Gem and Mineral Society 1999 Scholarship Award
1999	Joan A. Middleton Endowed Scholarship in Geology
1999	John and Elizabeth M. Teagle Scholarship in Petroleum Geology
1998	Mr. & Mrs. L.F. McCollum Scholarship Fund in Geology
1998	Bloomer Fund for Motivated Students