Understanding Visitor Flow in Bandelier National Monument
Faculty mentor/Supervisor
Ashley D'Antonio
Email Address
Department Affiliation
Forest Ecosystems & Society
Project Location
Corvallis and potentially Bandelier National Monument (if the student is available for travel)
Project Description
This project assists Bandelier National Monument in understanding visitor movement and use levels on the Pueblo Loop Trail. This is a team-based project that will use automatic counters, GPS-based movement data, and observational data to understand how visitors move through the Pueblo Loop Trail at differing use levels. Overall, the results from this study will help inform park management.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform
The student will be responsible for assisting with protocol development and testing for data collection, as well as organizing and preparing monitoring equipment in the field. If the student is available during Spring Term for field work (not required), they will assist with in-the-field data collection - including using GPS units to track visitor movement and the installation and up-keep of trail counters. After data is collected, the student will assist with data cleaning of spatial data (in GIS) and counter data (in Excel or R).
Please list special or preferred skills
Student must have experience with GIS (ArcGIS Pro or R preferred). Experience beyond a single, introductory class is preferred but not required.
Hourly rate of pay
$16.00
Certification
Yes
What is the expected timeline of this project?
Preparation for field work will occur in Winter Term and Spring Term will involve field work as well as data cleaning. During Fall Term, the student can assist with other ongoing research projects of their choice (i.e., working on survey development with California State Parks or assisting with GIS-analysis for projects in Washington State).
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?
Yes
Will training be provided?
Yes
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?
5 to 10 hours during most of the academic year, 20 hours during field work (if student is available)
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?
1 to 2 hours (depending on if there is a lab meeting that week)
I will invite the student to my lab group meetings as well as meet with the student one-on-one, to not just assist with research topics, but to assist the student with their career goals or any personal development goals. This project will also include a graduate student research assistant, and I would work with the student on teamwork and collaboration with the graduate student as well.