Leah Kucera

Leah Kucera has a diverse range of work experience in the fields of geographic information systems (GIS), information design, web design, communications, and remote sensing. Leah has held various roles in different organizations, showcasing their expertise and adaptability.

Leah began their career as a Volunteer Research Assistant at the Burke Museum of Natural History in 2015, where they analyzed sediment samples and assisted with outreach programs. Leah then worked as a Freelance Production Artist for John L. Scott Real Estate, creating original designs and infographics for print and digital campaigns.

In 2016, Leah held two roles. Leah worked as a Contract Illustrator and Designer for CallisonRTKL, collaborating with a global retail and brand strategy team to create illustrative assets. Leah also served as an Information Designer at NanoString Technologies, creating design collateral for a life sciences company, including seminar flyer templates, white paper layouts, illustrations, brochures, and graphics.

Leah's career in remote sensing and GIS began in 2017. At NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, they worked as a Remote Sensing Research Associate, studying remote sensing data for agricultural and water resources applications. Leah used software such as ArcGIS, Python, R, and Excel to create maps, process satellite imagery, and conduct statistical analyses. Leah also adapted a technical paper into an article for Earthzine to support project goals.

During the same period, Leah also worked at NASA as a DEVELOP Communications Fellow, serving as Assistant Center Lead for the NASA DEVELOP node at Idaho State University. Leah crafted research proposals, worked on projects involving remote sensing for land management applications, and interviewed candidates for project development.

From 2018 to 2022, Leah worked with the USDA as a Freelance Information Designer. Leah collaborated with staff scientists and researchers to create infographics on plant breeding, some of which were featured in a journal article. Leah also worked on contract projects as a Freelance Front-End Web Designer for Cloud to Street, using tools like Sketch, Webflow, and HTML/CSS to revamp their flagship website and sales materials.

Leah's most recent role was as a Communications and Outreach Manager at COASTAL QUEST, a start-up non-profit. Leah spearheaded the development of an organizational communications plan, synthesized survey responses and grantee documentation for reports, and coordinated with subcontractors and partnering organizations.

Currently, Leah is the Geographic Information System Specialist at Adapture Renewables, Inc. (starting in 2022), where they apply their expertise in GIS.

Overall, Leah Kucera's work experience demonstrates their proficiency in various technical and design skills, as well as their ability to adapt to different industries and organizations.

Leah Kucera has a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Earth Science and Communications Design from Washington University in St. Louis. Leah pursued this degree from the year 2010 to 2014. Later, in the year 2019, they began their studies at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, where they are currently pursuing a non-degree seeking Masters in Earth and Atmospheric Science.