What is your current application? 

I’m an associate biologist with Westervelt Ecological Services. My main role involves installing, managing, and monitoring groundwater & stream hydrology data logging systems for mitigation banking projects in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.  

I was born and raised in Midland, Georgia. I attended Chattanooga State Community College in Tennessee, where I played softball, and then went on to earn an Associates of Science degree from Cleveland State Community College. Later I moved to Alabama (where I still live today) to earn my Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree at Auburn University. 

What is your area of expertise?

Wetland & stream hydrology monitoring, along with land management. I have studied different types of monitoring tools to determine which ones work best for specific projects, as well as diagnostic trouble-shooting techniques. 

What is your primary motivation for doing the work that you do?

My passions are environmental preservation and wildlife conservation for a future that can be admired for generations to come. For me, watching a property in its most ineffectual state, with little wildlife benefit, evolve into a pristine habitat is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy educating others to increase their knowledge and awareness of our ecological efforts. 

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?  

My greatest accomplishment so far was installing the first HOBOnet Remote Water Level Monitoring System. I conducted an 18-month study, including cost analysis, of various water level monitoring technologies. I concluded that the HOBO system’s remote data access capability, user-friendly software, and product reliability would prove to be the most economical, and a great time-saver in the office and the field. I’d say that the remote station is the way to go for hydrology monitoring.  

What do you strive to achieve in the future?

I strive to continue to employ strategic restoration methods that enhance the land, ultimately resulting in a sustainable environment.

Have you ever thought about the name HOBO and what it might mean? 

I guess I might have said that the H could stand for hydrology, but I’ve never really given it too much thought!

What HOBO products do you use on a regular basis?

On a regular basis, I use the remote water level monitoring system and HOBO U20 water level loggers. I also work with the waterproof shuttle, HOBOware Pro software, the HOBOlink cloud software platform, HOBO MX2001 Bluetooth water level loggers, the HOBOconnect app, the Micro RX & RX3000 remote monitoring stations, the HOBOnet Water Level Sensor Interface, the HOBOnet manager, and much more! 

Please describe a specific project where HOBO data loggers played a key role.

My favorite is probably a mitigation site in Alabama where we launched the first remote water level monitoring system. The land was previously used as a pine plantation for production of lumber. We restored the property back to its natural historic ecological landscape. We installed sensors in numerous streams and wetlands at the site to monitor water levels before and after construction. Now I can see the data in real time and create my graphs with two clicks in HOBOlink – without having to travel four hours to download data. HOBOlink also lets me easily share data that proves the restored site is a functioning ecosystem. But I’d say any project where we installed a remote station is my favorite, because it saves me a bunch of time!

What HOBO features do you consider most important?  

The ability to access monitoring data in real time, from anywhere, has drastically reduced the amount of time I have to spend traveling to sites to download data. It’s also reduced the amount of time I spend managing data when I’m in the office. Now I can view water level data in HOBOlink and easily create graphs with just a few clicks. The HOBO Technical Support and Sales teams are also very helpful – always willing to explain products and help troubleshoot, if needed. To be successful you must have a cohesive team, and that’s what I consider HOBO. 

Do you think accurate data can help build a better tomorrow?

Yes. We need accurate data to understand the effects of offsetting impacts and improving the water levels in our watersheds. Without that understanding, we couldn’t take the steps that need to be taken to protect and preserve our ecosystem.