Anyone following the formation of the new Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordination Council over the past two years should recognize the name Lea Shanley. Lea has been an active researcher, participant, and leader during the early formative stages of the council. Since this past May, she’s worked with us at the State Cartographer’s Office as an Associate Outreach Specialist primarily focused on providing support to the council.
Well, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Lea couldn’t turn down an outstanding opportunity to move to Washington D.C., and work as a science advisor/legislative assistant with Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) for the next year. She will focus on coastal and marine issues, energy policy, and everglades restoration. Lea is one of a handful of scientists selected for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Congressional Science Fellowship, a prestigious program for recent PhD graduates from around the country. Her work with Senator Nelson is jointly sponsored by the American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America, and the Soil Science Society of America.
Lea is currently wrapping-up her PhD in Environmental Monitoring from UW-Madison, and will depart for D.C. on January 8th.
On behalf of everyone at the SCO, I wish Lea the best of luck in her new adventure!