Open to opportunities

Livian Von Dran

@livianvondran

Message

Analytical biologist specializing in ecology, EHS, GIS, and science communication.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek field- and research-oriented roles that combine entomology, GIS, and EHS where I can lead species surveys, communicate science, and contribute to conservation and regulatory compliance.

I am an analytical biology professional with hands-on field and research experience, currently serving as a terrestrial arthropod specialist for The Spring Institute's PLANT-B CubeSat Terrarium Mission and pursuing a Professional Graduate Certificate in Earth Data Analytics. I apply ecology knowledge to conduct transect-based listed species surveys, create technical survey reports, and maintain wildlife sighting databases.

My background spans environmental consulting, waste management, and the non-profit sector where I developed skills in species identification (particularly lepidopterans and arachnids), GIS data uploading and refinement in ESRI Field Maps, and EHS practices including HAZWOPER training and household hazardous waste sorting. I have produced visual identification guides, simplified scientific content for public audiences, and supported grant funding strategies and accessibility funding.

I am detail-oriented and communicative, with experience in technical writing, grant writing, and stakeholder liaison work. I combine field survey methods, GIS competency, and data analysis to help clients meet regulatory and conservation goals while translating science for diverse audiences.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Entomologist (Arthropod Specialist)

Current

The Spring Institute for Forests on the Moon

Apr 2025 - Present (5 months)

Serves as terrestrial arthropod specialist for the PLANT-B CubeSat Terrarium Mission, providing species identification, specimen handling, and data contributions for space-based ecological research.

Entomology Species Identification Terrestrial Arthropods Data Analysis

Current

Grant Writer and Science Communicator

Current

Interstellar Research Group

Dec 2024 - Present (9 months)

Developed grant funding strategies and simplified scientific articles to elementary reading level to secure accessibility funding for the annual Interstellar Symposium and maintained related article databases.

Science Communication Technical Writing Research Funding Strategies Database Management

Current

Nursery Assistant & Grant Writer

Current

Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation

Dec 2024 - Present (9 months)

Deweeded butterfly gardens, created visual displays, educated visitors on butterfly morphology, and identified funding sources to support programming and accessibility efforts.

Horticulture Species Identification Community Outreach Visual Design

Household Hazardous Waste Technician

Republic Services, Inc.

Jul 2022 - Aug 2025 (3 years 1 month)

Sorted household chemicals into labeled containers, communicated with clients to identify materials for return or disposal, and collaborated on timely hazardous waste preparation while following PPE and safety protocols.

HAZWOPER Chemical Identification Client Communication EHS CPR

Wetland Biologist

Kleinfelder, Inc.

Mar 2024 - Jun 2024 (3 months)

Conducted transect-based listed species surveys on private mining sites, located and marked nests and burrows with GPS, and produced listed species survey technical reports for clients.

Species Identification GPS ArcGIS Technical Writing EHS

Project A.N.T. Member

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Feb 2023 - Aug 2023 (6 months)

Performed invasive plant treatment using herbicides and hand tools, uploaded and refined GIS data with handheld GPS and Avenza, and developed educational materials and presentations for public outreach.

Invasive Species Management GIS ArcGIS Outreach