Dr Katie Dawson CGeog (GIS)

Biography

I am a multi-disciplinary GIS Analyst and researcher. Her BSc in Wildlife Science brought an interest in the application of GIS in conservation research. This led to the completion of an MSc in Integrate Landscape Ecology, in which GIS was used as part of multiple research projects to understand environmental impacts of contamination and the effectiveness of protected areas in Bolivia. This allowed me to gained employment straight from my MSc as a GIS Technician for Epping Forest District Council. While gaining industry experience in GIS application, I looked for further research opportunities and took a doctoral researcher position with the University of Reading, sponsored by Costain Group Plc. The research thesis focused on the design, development and evaluation of GIS applications for reducing losses to biodiversity in large infrastructure. This has led to tool to be implemented within the business, and further employment with Costain Group Plc, as a GIS Analyst and Biodiversity Specialist. I strive for all infrastructure to mandate the use of GIS in all stages of project design to understand impacts to surrounding environments. A CGeog (GIS) in conjunction with my application for CEnv status from IEMA will allow me to develop environmental GIS as a discipline within Costain to further push sustainable development.