Julie A. McClafferty Conservation Management Institute College of Natural Resources, Virginia Tech 1900 Kraft Drive, Suite 250 Blacksburg, VA 24061 e-mail: jmcclaff@vt.edu

Interests/Expertise Professional Experience Education Technical Skills Presentations/Publications Affiliations Activities & Awards

Interests & Expertise

Synopsis:
Providing research and service for natural resource managers through work in Human Dimensions .

Areas of Interest/Expertise:

Researching, modeling, and applying the relationship between natural resources and society (the Human Dimension) using social science research techniques combined with GIS technologies

Designing natural resource Decision Support Systems that integrate biological and socioeconomic models

Performing risk-of-loss assessments and conservation prioritizations

Modeling wildlife habitat & management scenarios

Classifying, delineating, & analyzing land use

Research Associate (1/00-Present )
Conservation Management Institute - Blacksburg, VA

• Initiated and built the Human Dimenions Division of CMI while working on projects for the the GIS and Remote Sensing Division
• Researched spatial and temporal attitudes and behaviors of Chesapeake Bay watershed residents to assist Chesapeake Bay Program in public education and involvement efforts
• Developed a socioeconomic/bioloigcal Decision Support Model for use with gap analysis projects (GAP) to assist in the objective prioritization of potential conservation sites
• Assessed potential users of gap analysis products to assist researchers in providing the most useful information to decision makers and ensure the practical implementation of this multi-million dollar project
• Standardized and coordinated output and documentation for Virginia’s Gap Analysis final report 
• Designed a GIS for satellite properties of the Virginia Department of Military Affairs 
• Digitized vegetation polygons for Fire Island National Seashore (entire island) and other federal lands using GIS, aerial photography and stereoscopy 
• Collected field data using real-time GPS to assist in photo interpretation of vegetation mapping projects 
• Prepared grant proposals for both Human Dimensions and GIS & Remote Sensing Divisions

Graduate Research Assistant (8/97-2/00)
Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife Science, Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, VA

• Evaluated socioeconomic feasibility of a reintroduction through survey methodology, regional stakeholder meetings, cost:benfit analysis, and demographic and land use studies 
• Predicted future potential of identified habitat patches (e.g., risk of increased development)
• Designed a habitat suitability index (HSI) model for North American elk (Cervus elaphus) 
• Determined biological feasibility of restoring elk to Virginia using risk assessment procedures (disease, ecological impact analysis) and GIS and computer programming 

Environmental Technician (11/92-8/97)
James C. McCulley Inc., Environmental Consultants - Christiana, DE

• Performed wetland delineations in accordance with NWP26 and Clean Water Act 
• Facilitated creation and monitoring of wetland mitigation and restoration sites 
• Performed environmental audits in accordance with state DNR
• Collected data for vegetation studies and forest surveys 
• Prepared reports and letters for developers, loan agencies, state agencies, and Army C.O.E. 
• Inspected underground debris removal operations in conjunction with state DNR 
• Conducted surveys for large-scale land use studies (e.g., Nanticoke River Watershed) 
• Assisted in preparing Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans (e.g., Patuxent Naval Air Station) 
• Interpreted blueprints, topographic maps, aerial photos, NWI maps, stereoscopic photos, and soil surveys 

Undergraduate Research Assistant (4/96-5/97)
Dept. of Entomology & Applied Ecology, University of Delaware - Newark, DE 

• Performed original, self-designed research on the mating behavior and mate choice patterns of a common agricultural pest in pursuit of a natural chemical or biological control 
• Gained experience in insect rearing, sexing, handling, and dissecting 

Undergraduate Science Scholar (6/95-5/96)
Dept. of Entomology & Applied Ecology, University of Delaware - Newark, DE

Researched the social structure (i.e., lekking behavior) and its evolutionary origin in 2 agricultural pests, the spotted and striped cucumber beetles (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardii and Diabrotica vittata ), to improve control techniques 

Performed extensive early-morning field work, microscopic dissections, and anatomical cataloging 

Master of Science Degree (May 2000)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Science
Thesis Title: Elk restoration in Virginia: An assessment of the biological and socioeconomic feasibility
Tuition, fees, and stipend provided by National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship 
GPA 4.0/4.0 

Bachelor of Science Degree with Distinction ~ Summa Cum Laude (May 1997)
University of Delaware Honors Program
Department of Entomology and Applied Ecology, Newark, DE 
Double major: Entomology (Concentration in Wildlife Conservation) and Plant Science; Biology Minor 
Senior Thesis Title: Sexual Selection based on cryptic female choice in the spotted cucumber beetle 
G.P.A. 4.0/4.0, Class Valedictorian, Dean's List 

Relevant Coursework:
Wildlife Oriented -- Wildlife Conservation and Ecology · Mammalogy · Avian Biology · Bird Taxonomy · Insect Taxonomy · Wildlife Management · Advanced Wildlife Management · Human Dimensions in Fisheries and Wildlife Management · Wildlife Population Dynamics · Administration and Policy in Fisheries and Wildlife Management

Conservation Biology -- Conservation of Natural Resources · Topics in Conservation Biology · Conservation Genetics

Plant Science -- Botany (I & II) · Introduction to Soil Science · Plant Physiology · Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition · Plant Pathology

Computers and GIS -- Introduction to Data Analysis · Introduction to GIS · GIS in Civil Engineering

Miscellaneous -- General Ecology · Behavioral Ecology · Genetics and EvolutionaryBiology · Microbiology · Microeconomics · Calculus · Statistics (3 semesters) · Research Methods · Technical Writing · Politics in the Environment

Social Science Techniques:
Mail & telephone survey design, implementation, and analysis · Focus group meeting facilitation (nominal group technique) · Land use change analyses · Demographic trends analysis

Environmental Field Techniques:
Environmental audits · wetland delineation · watershed delineation and analysis · soil studies · map and photo interpretation (soil survey, NWI, topography, blueprints, stereoscopic, etc.) · mid-Atlantic plant identification · mid-Atlantic bird identification (sight and sound) · compass and GPS orienteering · windshield surveys · habitat analysis 

Computer Skills:
ArcView, Arc/Info w/ AML Programming, Map and Image Processing Software (TNT MIPS) w/ SML Programming  · MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, MSFrontPage, Image Composer · WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3 · Netscape, Internet Explorer, HTML Programming · Adobe PhotoShop, PageMaker · SAS, SPSS · Survey Pro · ProCite · UNIX, Windows95/98, NT, 2000

Miscellaneous:
Web page design ·  Habitat modeling · Risk assessment · Technical writing

Publications:
McClafferty, J.A.. and J.L. Dorr.   2003 (in prep).  Private Landowners as Stewards of Biodiversity: An Analysis of the Ecological Potential and Socioeconomic Feasibility in Virginia.  Draft report in review by the USGS, NBII, and National Gap Analysis Program.  CMI-HDD-03-03.

McClafferty, J.A., K.S. Hockett, and J.L. Waldon.  2003 (in prep).  A Needs Analysis for a New Fish and Mollusk Propagation Facility in the Upper Tennessee River Basin.  Draft report in review by the USGS and FWS.  CMI-HDD-03-04.

McClafferty, J.A. and L. Roghair.  2003.  A Decision Support System for Identifying and Prioritizing Conservation Risks: Merging Gap Analysis with Socioeconomic Statistics.  Final project report prepared for the USGS, NBII, and the National Gap Analysis Program.  CMI-HDD-03-01

McClafferty, J.A., J.L. Waldon, and I. Glennon.  2003.  Fish and Wildlife Reference Service: A Performance Evaluation and Needs Assessment.  Final project report prepared for the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.  CMI-HDD-03-02.

McClafferty, J.A. 2002.  A Survey of Chesapeake Bay Watershed Residents: Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors Towards Chesapeake Bay Watershed Water Quality Issues.  Final project report prepared for EPA’s Region 3 Chesapeake Bay Program.  CMI-HDD-02-01

McClafferty, J. A. 2002.  Opportunities and Barriers to GAP Implementation: A Review and Analysis.  Final project report prepared for the USGS, NBII, and the National Gap Analysis Program.  CMI-HDD-02-02.

McClafferty, J. A. and J.A. Parkhurst.  2001. Using Public Surveys and Geographic Information Systems to Determine the Feasibility of Restoring Elk to Virginia.  Chapter in D.S. Maehr, R.F. Noss, and J.L. Larkin, eds. Large Mammal Restoration: Ecological and Sociological Challenges in the 21st Century. Island Press: Washington, D.C.  375 pp. 

McClafferty, J. A. and J.A. Parkhurst. 2000. Elk restoration in Virginia: An assessment of the biological and socioeconomic feasibility.  M.S. Thesis.  Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg VA. 294+pp.

Fine, J. A. and D.W. Tallamy. 1997. Sexual Selection based on cryptic female choice in the spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardii ).  Senior Thesis, University of Delaware Honors Program, Newark DE. 56 pp.

Presentations:

McClafferty, J.A., and J.L. Dorr.  2003.  "Private Landowners as Stewards of Biodiversity: An Analysis of the Socioeconomic Feasibility and Ecological Potential."  Presented at the 13th Annual National Gap Analysis Meeting, Oct 6-9, 2003.  Fort Collins, Colorado.

McClafferty, J.A. and J.L. Waldon.  2002. “Opportunities for and barriers to GAP implementation.”  Presented at the 12th Annual National Gap Analysis Program Meeting, July 31-Aug 4, 2002.  Shephardstown, West Virginia.

McClafferty, J.A. 2002.  “Residents of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: Knowledge, Perceptions, Attitudes, & Behavior Towards Water Quality Issues.”  Presented at the August Meeting of the Communications and Education Subcommittee of the Chesapeake Bay Program.  August 12, 2002.  Washington, D.C.

McClafferty, J.A. 2002.  “A Survey of Chesapeake Bay Watershed Residents: Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors Towards Chesapeake Bay Watershed Water Quality Issues.” Presented at the September Meeting of the Implementation Committee of the Chesapeake Bay Program.  September 19, 2002. Annapolis, Maryland.

McClafferty, J.A. 2002.  “A Survey of Chesapeake Bay Watershed Residents: Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors Towards Chesapeake Bay Watershed Water Quality Issues”. Presented at the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Conference.  September 24-26, 2002.  Baltimore, Maryland.

"Biological Feasibility of Elk Restoration in Virginia"  (with J.A. Parkhurst)
Presentation - Virginia Chapter of The Wildlfie Society Winter Meeting (3/01)

"Statewide and Regional Socioeconomic Feasibility of Elk Restoration in Virginia"  (with J.A. Parkhurst)
Presentation - Virginia Chapter of The Wildlfie Society Winter Meeting (3/01)

"An assessment of the biological and socioeconomic feasibility of elk restoration in Virginia"  (with J.A. Parkhurst)
Presentation - Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Virginia Chapter (Blacksburg, VA: 4/00) 

"Using Geographic Information Systems in large-scale landscape analyses to predict potential elk habitat"  (with J.A. Parkhurst)
Presentation - Large Mammal Restoration Symposium at the 6th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society (Austin, TX: 9/99) 

"GIS applications for predicting elk habitat in Virginia"  (with J.A. Parkhurst)
Presentation - 4th Annual Eastern States Elk Management Workshop (Cable, WI:3/99) 

"Biological feasibility of restoring elk to Virginia: Modeling elk habitat using Geographic Information Systems"  (with J.A. Parkhurst)
Presentation - RMEF (funding source) and VDGIF (end users) (Roanoke, VA: 1/99) 

"The elk in Virginia -- Can it return?" (with J.A. Parkhurst)
Presentation - Shenandoah Chapter banquet of the RMEF (Staunton, VA: 3/98) 

"Sexual selection based on cryptic female choice in the spotted cucumber beetle" (with D.W. Tallamy)
Poster - Undergraduate Research Symposium, Univ. of Delaware (Newark, DE: 5/97) 
Presentation - Natl. Entomological Society meeting (Louisville, KY: 12/96) 

"Are cucurbit flowers lek sites for cucumber beetles?" (with D.W. Tallamy)
Presentation - Eastern Branch Meeting of the Entomological Society (Williamsburg, VA: 2/96) 
Poster - Undergraduate Research Symposium, Univ. of Delaware (Newark, DE: 5/96) 

The Wildlife Society (National and State Chapters)
Wildlife Society's GIS, Remote Sensing, & Telemetry Working Group
Wildlife Society's Restoration Working Group
Organization of Wildlife Planners

Administer five professional listservs including TWS-L (with over 2,000 subscribers) and FWIM-L   (3/00-12/01)

Communications Committee member for the Restoration Working Group of the Wildlife Society (9/00-Present)

Served as Treasurer for Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Graduate Student Association (98-99 academic year). 

Roger Williams College Marine Biology Program (1991) · Boston University Science Scholars Program (1992) · Delaware State Carvel Agriculture Scholars Scholarship (1993-1997) · Alpha Zeta Award · Delaware Scholar's Grant (1995-1997) · Science and Engineering Scholars Research Program · Golden Key Honor Society's KPMG Peat Marwick Scholar's Award (1995) · Office of Women's Affairs Student Travel Award (1995) · Univ. of DE Undergraduate Research Supplies and Expense Grant · Honor's Program Scholarship (1996) · Entomological Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship (1996-1997) · Class Valedictorian, University of Delaware (1997) · National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (1997-2000) · elected Treasurer of Fisheries and Wildlife Graduate Student Association (1998-1999)