Projects
Have a look at some of my work to see how data visualization can provide clarity, tell stories, and inform decisions.
Provide clarity
I led a collaboration to combine eight earth system models with one ecosystem model to understand how climate change is expected to affect Hawaiʻi's tuna fishery. The resulting data visuals each combined output from 80 model runs for 12 species in a single figure. Harmonizing the use of colors and line types across figures allowed viewers to easily keep track of results across visualizations. Consistent axes and units allowed comparison within and across figures.
I created a dashboard to help people see how the climate is changing across the North Pacific, combining and explaining a range of oceanic and atmospheric measures. The dashboard was developed in partnership with users to ensure it met their needs and is accessible to those who don't have experience working with data. It allows them to hover over graphics to see exact values, includes value boxes to highlight key points, and offers in-depth information to those seeking it. Agency branding colors were used throughout for a consistent, identifiable aesthetic.
My data visualizations and analysis paired satellite remotely sensed data with fishery catch data to uncover an environmental predictor of tuna catch rates. By appropriately scaling three different datasets I was able to compare them across time, illuminating synchrony that was previously undetected. Intuitive color coding further emphasizes the relationship.
A data visualization I created for a non-profit fundraising campaign illustrates the prevalence of food insecurity together with the volume of food waste, clearly demonstrating how these problems scale as mutual solutions. Using the organization's branding colors brings coherence to the illustration.
Tell stories
I've developed graphics to simplify ecological theory into plain language,
illustrate simulation scenarios,
place organizations' carbon emissions in context,
and even to emphasize the how much trash could be composted.
When I developed a new ecosystem modeling approach, I created visualizations to show how the model worked. I also coded visualization functions into the model to help users assess their model runs.
Inform decisions
I led the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's first operational carbon emissions inventory and created data visualizations to show the largest emissions categories and the emissions reductions possible from specific operational changes, allowing the agency to focus their efforts most effectively. I've helped landowners target their emissions reductions through similar visualizations. This approach distills unfamiliar quantities into intuitive graphics highlighting operational sectors and activities where action will be most impactful.
I created an annual tuna catch forecast visualization that helps fishers plan out-year expenses and assess for themselves the accuracy of the forecast. By including actual past performance together with the forecast, fishers can gauge for themselves how much trust to place in the forecast and act according to their own risk tolerance.
Even a bare-bones dashboard I stood up helped a single homeowner (me) decide on the best way to approach their homeowners' association about establishing composting. The dashboard allowed tracking and quantification of one household's compostables (again, for full disclosure, mine) so that potential financial savings on waste disposal contracting could be estimated.
