Title: Senior Geospatial Scientist, Technology Director
Institution: Biodiversity Research Institute
Address: Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, Maine 04103
Email: andrew.gilbert@briwildlife.org
Phone: (207) 839-7600
Visit Andrew’s Research Website
Research Interests: seabird ecology, spatial ecology, movement analysis, tagging studies, Motus, technology development, collision risk modelling, Shiny tools
Biographical Sketch:
I oversees all aspects of information technology, data management, and GIS mapping and spatial analysis for BRI. While at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), I compiled the first database of historical seabird survey data for the U.S. Atlantic, the Northwest Atlantic Seabird Catalog. I have worked closely with partners at USFWS and BOEM as part of a long-term effort to understand seabird distribution and population change. My work has resulted in a better understanding of the patterns of seabird distribution through time and space across the western North Atlantic. Some technology related work includes the development of SeaScribe, a wildlife survey application for mobile platforms, and development of a stereo-optic digital camera system to detect the movement of birds around wind turbines. Recently I have worked with Motus systems to provide guidance for automated radio-telemetry in offshore environments, creating Shiny tools for estimating coverage of antenna arrays to optimize coverage. I have also worked with collaborators at the USFWS and BRI to develop collision risk models for three endangered species (ESA) Red Knot, Piping Plover, and Roseate Terns. This tool (SCRAM) used tracking data to inform exposure for these models to estimate risk.
Education:
M.S. Degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Maine (Orono, ME), granted 2001
B.A. Degree in Chemistry and Anthropology from Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME), granted 1995
Professional Certifications:
STCW (Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping) basic training completed 2023