2023 Candidate Stephen Chu

Stephen W. Chu
Principal Ecologist
Arcadis U.S. Inc.

Candidate for: Member of the Board of Professional Certification

I am a Principal Ecologist for Arcadis U.S., Inc, with 21 years of experience managing and completing complex ecology-related projects throughout the United States. I am the Midwest Wetland Lead and serves as a Senior practitioner leader in Arcadis’ Wetland Community of Practice, where I am responsible for presenting technical and regulatory updates to participants and clients. I have spearheaded the development and integration of automation within Arcadis, with the objective to standardize data collection, improve efficiency, and project management. I served as Senior Technical Reviewer, Project Manager, and lead ecologist on numerous environmental permitting and planning projects within the Energy, Transportation, and Municipal sectors. I am responsible for the day-to-day management of seven ecologists with the focus on mentoring, career development, and financial billability. I received my Master of Science degree in Natural Resources Environmental Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Bachelor of Science degrees in Zoology and Conservation Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, I hold certifications as a Certified Senior Ecologist, Senior Professional Wetland Scientist, Certified Arborist, and numerous state and local certifications. I currently serve on the Certification Review Panel for the Society of Wetland Scientist – Professional Certification Program, a volunteer position I have held since 2016.

What interests, experience or skills would you bring to this position?

I have been a certified Senior Ecologist since 2013 and appreciate the importance and distinction this certification has on my career. In addition, I have been an active participant on the Certification Review Panel for the Society of Wetland Scientist – Professional Certification Program since 2016. As a member of their Certification Review Panel, I have the opportunity to review and approve applicants that meet the minimum requirements for certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist or Wetland Professional In Training in a timely fashion.

How would you support ESA’s mission? How would you plan to promote DEIJ in ESA membership and activities if elected?

The ESA’s mission statement of advancing the science and practice of ecology and supports ecologists throughout their careers, is something I strongly believe and have implemented in my own career. As a manager and mentor to numerous junior ecologists, biologists, and wetland scientist, I strongly encourage staff to pursue obtaining additional professional certification as it is integral to their career development. Not only does certification as an Ecologist indicate that the applicant has both educational and work experience to complete work in the ecology-related field, but we also abide by the code of ethics of the ESA.

News

April research news from the Ecological Society of America

Deer reduce fire hazards in oak woodlands, predicting climate change impacts on cold-blooded organisms, managing post-fire landscapes and more in the Ecological Society of America’s journals.

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Research showcases Indigenous stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem resilience

Researchers have teamed up with an Indigenous group to create a novel model that showcases Indigenous fire stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem health.

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Ants in Colorado are on the move due to climate change

Ant species living in Boulder’s foothills have shifted their habitat over the last six decades, potentially affecting local ecosystems, suggests a new CU Boulder study.

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Scientists assess paths toward maintaining BC caribou until habitat recovers

Reforestation requires decades to support southern mountain caribou, new research shows.

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Annual Meeting

Mark your Calendar!

This year’s meeting will emphasize the society’s mission of supporting ecologists throughout their careers. The emphasis recognizes the need for us to continually invest in all the people who advance the science and practice of ecology. Among many aspects of professional development, we are planning programming and invite contributions that consider the transformational potential of effective mentorship.

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Journals & Publications

Ecology

Adult female elk (Cervus canadensis) in northeastern Washington, USA, balance shifting risks from cougars, wolves, and humans by altering habitat preferences according to the time of day. In their study published in the April issue of Ecology, Ganz et al. found that humans caused most adult female elk deaths through hunting and vehicle collisions, and elk prioritized avoiding humans over wolves and cougars in the daytime, when humans are most active. At night, elk primarily avoided cougars and wolves (when these carnivores primarily hunt) and preferred areas near human activities, which reduced exposure to the threat of wolf predation.

2023 Candidate Stephen Chu

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