Laura Swartz is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Geography and a minor in Environmental Studies. She also completed a 2-year GIS Certificate program after earning her Bachelor’s Degree of Science and has held positions in statewide GIS roles both in the public and private sectors. She hopes to pursue a GISP in the future. In addition to GIS, Laura’s experience includes species surveys, prescribed burning, exotic and invasive control, environmental permitting, wetland delineating, habitat restoration and animal medicine.

Some of her most memorable moments as an environmental professional include leatherback sea turtle surveys, assisting with the development of the GIS-based Outdoor Florida mobile app., bat acoustic survey school, presenting bat and bear programs to children and general public outreach, coral surveying, wiregrass planting and her GIS role in earning a Prudential Productivity Award (2018) while working at DEP.

In her free time Laura is an avid volunteer assisting with wildlife rehab, birds of prey programs, conservation land management, and beach cleaning. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, kayaking, spring-hopping, and spending hot summer days at the beach.