Elsa K. Toskey, MSc.

       EDUCATION                                                 

Master of Science, Environmental Science                          

Washington State University                                                                      Jul 2023

GPA: 4.00

Awards:

Boeing Graduate Fellowship in Environmental Studies 2022 – 2023

       Cougar Creek & Salmon Creek Confluence Fellowship 2022 – 2023

         Robert Lane Fellowship in Environmental Science 2022 – 2023

         Kate B. Webster Endowment Fund Scholarship 2022 – 2023

         L.M. Hidden Charitable Trust Scholarship – STEM 2022 – 2023

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science – Biological Sciences                          

The University of Texas at Austin                                                            Dec 2018

GPA: 3.90

Honors: College Scholar 2016 – 2018

        Research + Fieldwork                             

Fisheries Research Scientist, NOAA Fisheries                  Jul 2024 – Present

• Contractor in service to the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA Fisheries) via Ocean Associates, Inc.
• Model freshwater foodscapes, drift invertebrate densities, and environmental drivers to inform juvenile salmon and steelhead habitat restoration strategies across western North America.
• Compile, clean, and analyze a large spatial database of >6,100 records using R, Python, and ArcGIS within a version-controlled Git/GitHub environment.
• Developed reproducible spatial scripts in R to process hydrography data (e.g., NHDPlusHR), extract LiDAR and remote sensing covariates, and execute multiple imputation algorithms.
• Served as a technical reviewer for 4 scientific manuscripts (comprising 2 solo reviews and 2 co-reviews).
• Co-mentored 4 undergraduate Hollings Scholars in macroinvertebrate identification, statistical computing in R and Python, and scientific writing.
• Conducted estuarine and riverine field data collection, including townetting for salmonids and plankton tows in the Puget Sound (Skagit River estuary) and drift invertebrate sampling in the Elwha River system.
• Designed and led an Open Science workshop, “Intro to Data Management, Git, and GitHub” at the joint WA-BC AFS & WA-TWS conference, and presented research at multiple regional scientific conferences.

Salmon Data Support Biologist, WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife   

Sept 2023 – May 2024

• Analyzed historical escapement, run reconstruction, and harvest datasets with R.
• Co-authored a technical report, Puget Sound Comprehensive Chum Salmon Report: A State of the Science, Population Trends, and Harvest Co-Management on Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Returning to the Puget Sound Region of Washington State.
• Performed field collection of live and dead salmon scales and tissue for genetic stock identification and age, and recorded sex and length.
• Represented WDFW in the management of Puget Sound salmon resources, recreational, and commercial fishing interests consistent with Fish and Wildlife Commission policies, US v WA co-management principles, and Pacific Salmon Treaty obligations.

Graduate Research Assistant, Washington State University

Jul 2020 – Jul 2023

• Researched the relative importance of abiotic, biotic, and spatial factors in structuring the macroinvertebrate metacommunity in a temperate rainforest.
• Analyzed quantitative salmon habitat and stream community data in R using multivariate and regression techniques in R.
• Measured water quality, chemistry, flow, and physical habitat variables; collected benthic/drift invertebrates, periphyton chlorophyll-a, and seston.
• Identified macroinvertebrates to genus using a dissecting microscope.

Hydrology Assistant, National Park Service                            Feb – Mar 2020

• Designed a study to assess change in E. coli levels following rain.
• Monitored E. coli levels in the Chattahoochee River.

Botany Technician, University of Idaho                                   Apr – Aug 2019

• Conducted rangeland vegetation surveys in the sagebrush steppe using botanical dichotomous keys to assess grazing impacts on Greater sage-grouse nesting success.
• Navigated rough dirt roads with 4WD and hiked up to 10 miles a day to reach field sites.

Science Coordinator/Crew Lead, Longhorn Stream Team

Aug 2015 – Dec 2018

• Led community science teams on water quality monitoring expeditions along remote rivers during multi-day canoe trips (Class II-III).
• Serviced testing equipment, managed grant funding, and compiled quality-controlled data for joint EPA, TCEQ, and Texas State University databases.

        Environmental Education                       

Naturalist/Raft Guide, Oregon River Experiences      Jun 2024 – Apr 2025

• Delivered daily natural and human history curriculum on multi-day river trips (Class III-IV) in partnership with Road Scholar. Rowed gear boats.

Teaching Assistant, Washington State University        Jan 2021 – Dec 2022

• Instructed lab and lecture classes for Cell Biology & Genetics (BIOL 107) and Environment, Human Life, & Sustainability (SOE 110).

Naturalist/Raft Guide, Mother Lode River Center

May 2017 – Oct 2019 (Summers)

• Guided Class III+ rafting trips and taught school groups river hydrology, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and conservation history.

        Professional Organizations                   

Society for Freshwater Science, PNW Chapter member       2020 – present

Ecological Society of America, national member                    2023 – present

       Certifications                                              

NOLS Wilderness First Responder, Exp. Jul 2026