State Geospatial Information Officer - Dr. Jones provides statewide coordination for geospatial data, initiatives, and policies in Alaska. She serves the principal role in advancing geospatial goals for the State of Alaska and is the Executive Director for the Alaska Geospatial Council. Leslie has 20+ years of experience as a geospatial statistician in applied research science and has 17 peer-reviewed publications. In her position as GIO she promotes the value of modernizing technologies to increase efficiencies, analytics, and data-driven decision making.
Ph.D. 2016, Systems Ecology, University of Montana
M.S. 2012, Land Resources and Environmental Science, Montana State University
B.S. 1996, Statistics and Environmental Science, North Carolina State University
2020-present, Geospatial Information Officer, State of Alaska, Anchorage, AK
2017-2020, Program Lead - ACCS Aquatics Program, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK
2009-2017, Research Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey, West Glacier, MT
2007-2009, Software Programmer/Geospatial Analyst, Trout Headwaters, Livingston, MT
2006-2007, Geospatial Statistician, Yellowstone Ecological Research Center, Bozeman, MT
2001-2006, Research Specialist, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
HONORS
National Science Foundation Fellow (2012-2016)
Montana Institute on Ecosystems Fellow (2012-2016)
U.S. Geological Survey Performance Award (2012-2016)
Academic Enrichment Funding, University of Montana - Provost (2014)
Montana Institute on Ecosystems Graduate Enhancement Award (2013)
