Aidan Obrien

Background

About Aidan Obrien

I am a geographer and lifelong learner fascinated by the use and impact of data technologies on environmental decision-making. I am privileged and motivated to work on behalf of (and for the benefit of) Planet Earth. I analyze spatial data and design maps (static and web), graphs, tools, data pipelines and other visualizations to support environmental decision-making and nature-based climate solutions. I strive to work with open-source tools and typically work in Linux (Ubuntu), MySQL, QGIS and Python (pandas/geopandas, plotly, leaflet, dash) as well as some R and HTML/JS/CSS. I believe strongly in the ideals set out by the early internet pioneers. I currently work as a GIS / Database Analyst with Forests Canada (previously Forests Ontario) to support restoration, communications and education programs. I have an extensive technical background in conservation biology, human geography, GIS and conservation decision-support systems. I also have practical experience securing, stewarding and restoring natural heritage properties in Ontario. I am fond of grassland and prairie habitat restoration projects. Previously I worked for the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust to coordinate land securement projects as well as manage the spatial database and spatial analysis workflows. I have also worked for other environmental non-profit organizations like the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Ontario Heritage Trust and Earthroots. I finished my MA in Geography from the University of Guelph where I researched opportunities and barriers surrounding environmental data governance and precision conservation in Ontario. I also hold a B.Sc from the University of Toronto where I studied Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Anthropology. I am always looking for new opportunities in the environmental sector and am always interested in learning more about conservation sciences and its several disciplines. Please feel free to connect with me at aidan.w.obrien@gmail.com or on Twitter @ecoaidan