The Alabama Water Institute’s Community Orientated Nature-based Science for Ecosystem Restoration and Versatile Engineering, or CONSERVE, Research Group welcomes Parker King as a graduate research assistant.
In his role, King will engage with texts through platforms such as ArcGIS and ESRI StoryMaps, exploring innovative ways to present data in a more accessible format.
“I hope to use these platforms to effectively tell a story and communicate a conservation message that goes beyond just maps,” said King.
King will contribute to CONSERVE research projects in both the American Southeastern and Southwestern regions. His first project involves research in support of the acequia irrigation system in New Mexico, which is funded by the United States Army Corps of Engineers Engineering with Nature Program.
King’s career aspirations in environmental planning align with CONSERVE’s overarching research mission.
“I am excited to welcome King to the team, and he has already contributed to it in his short time here,” said Michael Fedoroff, CONSERVE director and AWI’s director of cultural and water resources preservation. “Storytelling is the cornerstone of good science communication, and King has a set of skills that will aid CONSERVE in this arena.”
Originally from Bedford, Texas, King was drawn to The University of Alabama by a combination of familial ties and a commitment to academic excellence. As an accelerated master’s student in the Department of Geography and the Environment, King brings a unique skillset to the CONSERVE team. He received his undergraduate degree in geography with a concentration in urban and regional planning, along with minors in Spanish and geographic information systems, or GIS. Additionally, King is an enrolled Comanche tribal citizen, which provides a needed Indigenous perspective on CONSERVE work.
King was recruited by a fellow CONSERVE researcher who noted that his research interests and expertise in GIS are expressed in the research conducted at CONSERVE.
“When our CONSERVE group began recruiting for research assistants, King was at the top of my list due to his great attitude, excellent work ethic, and very strong commitment to his fellow students,” said Dr. Matt Therrell, department chair in UA’s Department of Geography.