Information Science and Management
Researchers in this section address complex natural resource issues by integrating ecological, cultural and socioeconomic information using statistical and spatial analysis techniques. Staff develop maps and model distribution patterns of fish and wildlife along with their habitats, identify lands and waters that are conservation priorities. The section’s spatial analysts, database experts, biological statisticians, research librarians, specimen collection managers, and scientific editors provide support to FWC scientists and managers.
René Baumstark, Section Leader
Rene.Baumstark@MyFWC.com
Staff: 60
FY 2023-2024 budget: $5,878,387
The Center for Biostatistics and Modeling provides agency staff with statistical and data management consulting support. The team creates data storage and archiving solutions; develops study designs and statistical analysis plans; analyzes scientific data; produces user-friendly software tools for data collection and statistical analysis; develops modeling procedures; and creates information visualizations.
Subsection Leader
Paul Schuller, Paul.Schuller@MyFWC.com
The Center for Spatial Analysis consists of technical experts that manage FWC’s Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping infrastructure and resources, scientific coordinators for oil spill and emergency response operations, and research scientists that examine how spatial heterogeneity influences ecological patterns and processes. Staff collect, curate, and visualize geographic data to produce derivate products; produce fishing guides, environmental monitoring dashboards, habitat maps, species distribution models, ecosystem models; and develop landscape conservation tools for internal and external end-users.
Subsection Leader
Luke McEachron, Luke.Mceachron@MyFWC.com
Conservation Social Science focuses on the human dimension of our fish and wildlife systems. Staff use diverse social science tools and methods to study the complex relationships between people and the fish, wildlife, and habitat resources FWC conserves and manages. This includes learning what people think about fish and wildlife, how they interact with wildlife and nature, and how they engage with management, science, and conservation. These studies help other researchers and managers within FWC engage with and learn about our public and their communities.
Subsection Leader
Chelsey Crandall, Chelsey.Crandall@MyFWC.com
Staff coordinate the management and development of FWRI databases and applications; oversee a Research Information Center including the production and distribution of digital and hard-copy publications; and oversees the Florida Biodiversity Collection, one of the largest natural history collections of marine fish and invertebrate specimens in the southeastern U.S.
Subsection Leader
Jon French, Jon.French@MyFWC.com