Get To Know Our GSS Staff

andy-robertson

Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson is currently Executive Director of GeoSpatial Services at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.  In this role, Andy is responsible for oversight and management of all GeoSpatial Services projects, activities and staff. GeoSpatial Services is engaged in a wide variety of projects across the Lower 48 states and Alaska including: wetland inventory and functional assessment, national hydrography dataset updates; water management decision support for Native American communities; natural resource condition and climate vulnerability assessments; and, Catholic Church properties data informed decision support. Andy has been a key partner of the USFWS, working for over 20 years to update legacy National Wetland Inventory data across the United States.  He earned a Forest Technology Diploma from Sault College of Applied Technology in Ontario, a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from the University of Waterloo and completed postgraduate work in forest management at the University of Toronto. He is a board member for the National Association of Wetland Managers, steering committee member for the NAWM Wetland Mapping Consortium, Member of the American Rivers Functioning Floodplain Alliance, President-Elect of the Society of Wetland Scientists North Central Chapter and past chair of the Alaska Wetlands Technical Working Group.

Kevin Stark

Kevin Stark is the Assistant Director at GeoSpatial Services. In addition to his responsibilities as Assistant Director, Kevin contributes to GSS’s wetland science and mapping work. Kevin earned a B.S. of Forestry from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 1999, providing him with a broad natural resource education. From this degree, he followed a career path in arboriculture several years focusing on scientifically-based tree care. Then, after a few years advancing in retail management for a private electronics company, Kevin began the Masters of Science in GIS at Saint Mary’s. While earning his M.S. of GIS, Kevin began his time at GeoSpatial Services in 2006 as a student GIS technician. Then, from 2008 until 2015, he was a full-time GIS & Natural Resource Analyst, working on a wide variety of projects from the very first Natural Resource Condition Assessment to one of the first wetland functional assessment that GSS completed. Over the last several years, Kevin contributed to GSS projects ranging from oil industry GIS data conversion, imagery processing, wetland mapping, wetland field verification, and natural resource condition assessments for Alaska and Northern Great Plains National Parks. During his time working on natural resource condition assessments, Kevin focused on topics such as land cover/land use, native plant communities, and natural disturbance regimes (e.g., wildfire). Currently, his focus lies in wetland functional assessments and in advancing mapping techniques through the use of elevation derived products, hydrologic toolset parameters, and other GIS data. Outside of work Kevin loves spending time with his wife and three young boys, and he enjoys fishing, photography, canoeing, scuba-diving, and gardening (both native plants and vegetables).

Eric Lindquist

Eric began working at GeoSpatial Services in January of 2016 after a rewarding and lengthy career (16 years) in Collegiate Athletics. A desire for career change and a love of the outdoors led him to pursue a Master of Science in Geographic Information Sciences at Saint Mary’s University. Originally, from Richfield, MN, Eric and his wife have loved living in the Winona area with their 2 dogs for many years. A passionate hunter and fisherman, he is more often than not found hunting and fishing and exploring the upper Mississippi and bluff lands of SE Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and the western US.

Jeff_07012015.jpg

Jeff Knopf

Jeff graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Geography with an emphasis in environmental studies from the University of North Dakota.   Jeff started at Saint Mary’s University as a GIS technician working on utility mapping projects in the spring of 2001. Prior to this he spent two years working for the Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium at the University of North Dakota as a geospatial technician creating weekly vegetation maps for several states and analyzing satellite data for farmers using precision agricultural practices. As a GIS analyst for Geospatial Services he currently supervises the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) update projects being conducted throughout the State of Alaska.  He is also a technical advisor with the Alaska Hydro Working Group, where he assists with technical advice and development of editing standards for a group of agencies in Alaska working on NHD updates.  Jeff also instructs, mentors, and trains graduate students in the use of GIS. In his free time Jeff likes to be with his family, restore classic cars, and is very involved with volunteer work in his community.

Kris_07012015.jpg

Kristen Knopf

Kris earned a B.S. in environmental geography from the University of North Dakota. She moved to Winona in 2001 to pursue her master’s in GIS at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and began working at GSS at that time. While at GSS, Kris has worked on numerous projects and has helped develop and implement the procedures used for the various projects including: utility mapping, image processing, photo interpretation, data conversion and The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) in Alaska. Kris also serves as a mentor to both undergraduate and graduate students allowing the students to obtain hands-on experience in the use of GIS.

Andy_N1.jpg

Andy Nadeau

Andy graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2007 with an Environmental Biology major. Following the completion of his undergraduate research, he went to Boise State University in order to obtain a Masters Degree in Raptor Biology (’12). His Masters research focused on the population genetics of Bald Eagles in the Pacific Northwest, and the population’s recovery following a genetic bottleneck. Andy’s field experience includes avian surveys and population counts; fish mark and recapture, electro shocking, exotic species removal; and raptor capture, surveys, and bald eagle banding. In his free time, Andy is an avid disc golfer and continues his hockey career in adult hockey leagues. He also enjoys playing broomball in the winter with his wife Missy.

Kathy Allen

Kathy attended Knox College in Illinois as an undergraduate, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in biology with a concentration in environmental studies and earning honors for a senior research project in animal behavior. She went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development at UW-Madison. Her focus there was on land management and she participated in a project with the Wisconsin DNR, studying the expansion of a State Natural Area. She has worked for Prairie Restorations, Inc., as a management crew leader and with the MN Department of Agriculture’s gypsy moth trapping program. She also worked at a public charter school where she enjoyed sharing her passion for biology and love of the outdoors with children of all ages. Kathy joined GSS in 2010 and has worked on numerous Natural Resource Condition Assessments (NRCAs), the Badlands Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA), and National Wetland Inventory (NWI) updates for Minnesota and North Dakota. Outside of work, Kathy is an avid cyclist and a board member for the local Sierra Club group.

RogerMeyer.jpg

Roger Meyer

Roger joined the GeoSpatial Services team as a GIS Developer/Analyst in January of 2017. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s Degree in Geographic Information Science for Development and Environment from Clark University in Worcester, MA. Roger has served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana, Southern Africa, where he worked with local communities and government agencies to improve the management, protection and infrastructure of the Kgaladi Transfrontier Park and Tsodilo Hills National Monument. He also has diverse work experience with GIS and remote sensing-based projects, including 6 years of experience in developing and applying geospatial solutions for investigating the spatial components of aquatic ecosystem research for the Great Rivers and Great Lakes Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program at the EPA Mid-Continent Ecology Lab in Duluth, MN.  Prior to joining GSS, he spent 7 years leading a project to map terrestrial habitats on the islands of American Samoa using remote sensing data.  Roger enjoys spending his free time with his family, hiking, camping and traveling.

Nick L.jpg

Nick Lemcke

Nick graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2008. After earning his undergraduate degree, Nick interned with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in the invasive species division. In 2010, Nick began pursuing a Masters of Geographic Information Science at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. During his graduate studies, he worked at GeoSpatial Services. As a student worker, Nick's projects primarily focused on: wetland data conversion, photographic interpretation of wetlands, and updating the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD). In 2017, Nick accepted a full time position at GeoSpatial Services as a GIS Technician and is currently working on the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) update for North Dakota. Outside of work, he likes to golf, fish, and cook.

DSC_0764.JPG

Katie Engelmann

Katie is a Natural Resource & GIS Analyst with GeoSpatial Services, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Throughout her education and career, integration of wetland science and technology has been an ongoing aim. In 2008, Katie obtained a B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Minnesota. She worked for Federal and local government organizations, aiding farm and land owners in conservation. She has been a Certified Wetland Delineator in Minnesota since 2011. In 2017, she earned a M.S. from the University of North Dakota in Geography & Geographic Information Science. Her research utilized remote sensing to inventory and monitor wetlands at Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge in northwest Minnesota. As an environmental consultant in northern Minnesota, she conducted delineations and wetland monitoring services in a variety of wetland types. Most recently she served as a volunteer educator in a remote wilderness community in the North Cascades of Washington. Aside from work, Katie enjoys travel and wilderness hiking with her husband and two children, honing traditional folk skills, and reading.

Elise Rosengren

 Elise joined GSS in 2022 as a GIS Programmer/Analyst having worked in geographic information science and natural resources since 1999. She earned two degrees from the University of Minnesota: B.S. Recreation Resource Management and Master of Geographic Information Science. Elise has experience working for government agencies, universities, non profit organizations, and private companies. She is largely interested in spatiotemporal GIS work in a civil service capacity. This allows her to explore creative solutions to complex problems relating to the biophysical, managerial, and social issues surrounding natural resources. You can find Elise catching up with the latest cozy video game, petting all the dogs at the dog park, investigating the newest brewery/food truck combo, or chasing waterfalls on the North Shore. She lives in Minneapolis with her partner Chris, her dog Kota (Kota Bean, Pups, Goofus), and her cat Basil (B-bud, BeeZEE, B).

FB_IMG_1533004730743_2.jpg

James Loken

James originally started at GSS as a student worker in the Fall of 2017 while pursuing an undergraduate degree. James graduated from Saint Mary’s with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/GIS in May 2019. He remains enrolled at Saint Mary’s to finish out a Master’s degree in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics (DIGA). In his free time James enjoys kayaking, hunting, fishing, riding motorcycle, and helping his parents out with their various businesses.

IMG_20180304_082137_593.jpg

Zack Ansell

Zack grew up in Rushford, MN. He graduated from SMUMN with a degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on law enforcement and is currently pursuing a M.S. in D.I.G.A at Saint Mary’s University. He started working at Geospatial Services as a student in the fall of 2016 and transitioned to full-time in early 2020. His end goal is to combine the use of GIS with his interest in law enforcement, natural resources/agriculture. In his free time, Zack enjoys spending time on the Mississippi River fishing for walleyes and hunting waterfowl and spending time hunting and working on his family’s farm near Rushford.

DarrenOmoth_07072015.jpg

Darren Omoth

Darren originally joined GSS as a student intern while working towards a Masters of Science in Geographical Informational Systems at Saint Mary’s University. He graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Geoscience. Darren previously worked for the Southeastern Minnesota Water Resources Center and the Houston County Surveyor’s Office. In his free time he likes biking, reading, and watching hockey.

Ben Moonen

Ben is from Sturgeon Lake MN, and recently graduated from Winona State University with a major in Ecology and a minor in GIS. He moved down to Winona with his wife three years ago. When not at work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, running and woodworking.

Katie Grover 

Katie grew up on the outskirts of Winona and graduated from UW-La Crosse with a degree in GIS and Public Administration. With a deep-rooted passion for the environment, she has a particular fascination in the intricate relationship between urbanization and ecological systems. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the local bluffs, taking road trips, and playing with her two cats.

Joe Tadie

With a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Boston College through the Lonergan Institute, Dr. Tadie is currently J. Robert Lane Endowed Chair of Humanities, Associate Professor in the Department of Theology & Philosophy, & Project Manager at GeoSpatial Services at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. For 2024/25, Tadie is also a Visiting Fellow in the Center for Church Management in the Villanova School of Business.

These roles draw on Tadie's developed ability to engage diverse partners in shared inquiry into matters that require advanced information literacy, critical listening, deep reflection, and interpersonal communication. Tadie is a seasoned facilitator across many academic subjects and is pushing into the area of church real estate management using GIS and other contemporary technologies, to support missional actors, especially for decision & presentation support.

Will Varela

Will began lecturing at Saint Mary’s University in the fall of 2019. He has a background in freshwater ecology, earning his Bachelor of Aquatic Science at Bemidji State University. He earned his master’s degree in applied research and management (freshwater ecology emphasis) from Winona State University in 2020. Will is now in his final year of his doctoral program at the University of New England, Armidale, Australia, with a focus on Ecosystem Form and Function. Currently, he is researching how multiple disturbances affect the natural form and functioning of river ecosystems while enhancing understanding of river restoration ecology across the Driftless Area.

 Justin Schmitz

Growing up in west-central Minnesota and then later attending Winona State University, water has always been a dominant feature in Justin's landscape and lifestyle. With a degree in Statistics, he's excited about data visualization and applying statistical and data science techniques to better understand and manage our water resources. In his free time, he enjoys hiking with his dog, reading, and playing video games.

Isabelle McNeill

Isabelle started working at GSS as a student in May of 2022. She recently graduated from Winona State University with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology and Environmental Science, with an interest in crop genomics. Outside of work, Isabelle enjoy beings outdoors. She spends her winter snowboarding and indoor climbing and in the summer enjoys tubing down the Root River, fishing, and hiking.

Laney Ruehmann

Laney grew up in Cochrane, WI, and graduated from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the spring of 2023. She double majored in Geography and American Indian Studies with a certificate in Anthropology. During her time at school, she was able to be part of research projects that looked at deep learning models and utilizing UAVs for crop water stress. In her free time, Laney enjoys riding motorcycle, reading, camping, and playing with her dog, Huckleberry.

 Cameron Knopf

Cameron grew up in Winona, Minnesota and is a senior at Saint Mary’s University pursuing a degree in Microbiology and a minor in Spanish. His long-term goal is to work in medical research developing medicines for patients with cancer. He is excited about learning and working with GIS. In Cameron’s free time, he enjoys paddle boarding, kayaking, video gaming and spending time with friends.

 Avrey Simonson

Avrey graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2022 with a degree in Environmental Biology, where she worked for GSS as a student intern during her senior year. When she isn’t working, she is reading and missing the days of bingo.

 Nicole Murto

Nicole is from Minneapolis, MN and graduated from Winona State University, where she majored in Environmental Geoscience with a minor in Sustainability. In her free time, she enjoys reading, yoga, and hiking with friends. She's passionate about the environment and she hopes to make a difference in her future career.

Isabelle Ostrem

Isabelle started at GSS in September of 2019 while pursuing a B.A. in Environmental Biology at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Having graduated in December of 2022, she now spends her time mapping wetlands across the western United States. Isabelle has, almost exclusively, specialized in the mapping of the New Mexico region during her career here at GSS. She primarily focuses on image interpretation, the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) classification of wetlands, and verifying the quality of the data in the region. Outside of the office she loves to spend time exploring national parks across North America and hopes to complete her remaining US parks within the next 10 years. Her other hobbies include kayaking, doodling, searching for small mammals, hiking, and reading.

Larissa Kramer

Larissa is a full time student at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She will graduate with a Bachelor’s in Languages with a focus on Japanese and a minor in Alaska Native Studies at the end of the Spring 2024 semester. She lives in Anchorage, Alaska and spends her summers hiking, exploring, longboarding, and fishing and her winters playing video games with her friends.

Fionn O'Duggan

Fionn is from Lewiston, MN and graduated from Winona State University in 2024 with a degree in Environmental Geoscience with a double major in Biology and Sustainability. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, road trips, and adding to his rock collection. He also works part-time at Wellington's Bar and Grill and will gladly cook you a burger sometime!

Rainier Bertgstrom-Conley

Rainier is from Austin, MN and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a B.S. in Geography, a minor Geomorphology and a GIS certificate. He joined GSS in September 2024. Mountain biking is his favorite way to explore the outdoors. Other things that make Rainier tick are cross country skiing, winter, exploring new public lands and making music.

Jaclyn Adcock 

Jaclyn grew up in Rushford, MN and now resides in Bluff Siding, WI. She has worn many hats - working as a homebirth birth assistant, a banker, and running a cottage bakery. Jaclyn is currently enrolled at Western Technical College in pursuit of her undergraduate degree with plans to transfer to Winona State University's ecology program. Jaclyn is active in the Winona community as a Winona Farmers Market board member and cooking with friends for the Warming Center. Jaclyn spends her free time on the Mississippi River wandering through the backwaters, swimming on the sandbars, and cold dipping in the winter. When she isn't out in the water she is  rockhounding and adventuring with her partner, tending her chickens, reading, baking, and herding her four cats.

Kaylee McFarland 

Kaylee grew up in East Troy, WI and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire in the fall of 2023. She double majored in Geography and American Indian Studies. Her interests in undergrad were GIS, legal geography, and physical geography. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going on walks, cooking, and spending time with friends.