Senior GIS and Science Specialist

apeterson@thurstoncd.com

Adam joined the Thurston Conservation District in late spring 2019 as a Natural Resource Specialist.

Adam brings a dual background in agriculture and Geographic Information Systems, and enjoys working in the intersection of the two. He holds a Master in Crop Science from Washington State University, a Master in GIS for Sustainability Management from the University of Washington, and a BA with a focus in Sustainable Agriculture from The Evergreen State College.

His graduate research at WSU focused on the breeding and agronomy of quinoa, a high value niche crop, for production in temperate areas of the United States. He later worked with quinoa farmers across Washington, Oregon, and California, using GIS to locate areas with the right climate for growing the uniquely adapted crop. Prior to starting at the district, Adam worked at WSU Extension assisting with local malting barley variety trials.

Adam’s current work at the district involves assisting others with GIS needs and performing analysis for the Voluntary Stewardship Program.

In his free time, Adam likes hiking, gardening, or cycling.

Educational Degrees & Certifications/Licenses:

  • Master of Science in Crop Science
  • Master of GIS in Sustainability Management

Recognitions & Awards:

  • Author of Groundnuts: Crop or Curiosity? Published in Tilth Producers Quarterly in Spring 2010
  • Coauthor of Quinoa Seed Quality Response to Sodium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Salinity published in Frontiers in Plant Science in 2016.
  • Coauthor of A Crossing Method for Quinoa published in Sustainability in 2015.
  • Coauthor of Tolerance of Lowland Quinoa Varieties to Sodium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Salinity published in Crop Science in 2014.
  • Coauthor of  Quinoa Cultivation for Temperate North America: Considerations and Areas for Investigation. Published in Quinoa: Improvement and Sustainable Production in 2015.
  • Coauthor of Quinoa in the United States of America and Canada Published in Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation’s State of the Art Report on Quinoa Around the World in 2013.