Oregon Turtles

Oregon Turtle Project: Technology for Conservation

The Oregon Turtle Project is an interdisciplinary initiative I worked on with Dr. Gareth Hopkins. The projectintegrates computer science and ecology in support of wildlife conservation. Focused on Oregon’s two native freshwater turtle species, the project demonstrates how technology can drive real-world environmental impact.

The Oregon Turtle Project reflects my belief that technology, when thoughtfully applied, can play a transformative role in solving environmental and societal challenges.

Project Overview

Native turtle populations in Oregon, including the Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) and the Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii), face growing threats from habitat loss, invasive species, and environmental changes.

The Oregon Turtle Project addresses these challenges by leveraging digital tools for efficient, accurate conservation data collection.

Goals and Approach

Our mission is to:

  • Streamline Field Data Collection: Develop mobile-friendly, digital survey tools to replace traditional paper-based methods. The Oregon Turtle Project shows how interdisciplinary collaboration can create innovative solutions to urgent conservation challenges.

  • Empower Citizen Scientists: Provide easy-to-use platforms for the public to report turtle sightings and habitat conditions.

  • Enhance Data Quality and Access: Centralize ecological observations into accessible, analyzable datasets to better inform conservation efforts.

Student Engagement

A cornerstone of this project is student mentorship.

Through the Oregon Turtle Project, I mentored computer science students in:

  • Full-stack software development for field research applications
  • Data science and ecological data management
  • Interdisciplinary teamwork with biologists and conservationists

Students gained hands-on experience building systems that directly impact biodiversity preservation efforts.

Broader Impact

The Oregon Turtle Project is more than a conservation tool β€” it is a model for how computer science can be applied beyond traditional industry contexts.
By bridging environmental science and technology, we are:

  • Improving the quality of ecological research data
  • Reducing the administrative burden on field scientists
  • Creating opportunities for public engagement in conservation

Future Directions

  • Expansion to Other At-Risk Species:
    Adapting our digital tools for broader use across multiple conservation initiatives.

  • Integration with GIS Systems:
    Incorporating spatial mapping to visualize turtle habitats and migration patterns.

  • Predictive Modeling:
    Using collected data to forecast habitat threats and support proactive conservation strategies.

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