OUR TEAM


Ecology Intern

Chris Kracha

Chris Kracha is a recent graduate with a BS in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara, where he focused his coursework on spatial planning and environmental data. At the same time, he began building his data science expertise through San Diego Mesa College’s GIS certificate program. Throughout his academic career, Chris used his data and GIS skills to contribute to several research projects with the UCSB Geography Department and the UCSB Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration. In addition to research, he engaged in advocacy and participatory planning efforts with community organizations, his housing co-operative, and with the local government. Since earning his degree, he has furthered his interest in planning by enrolling in the CEQA Practice certificate program at UC San Diego Extension.
In his professional journey, Chris has worked for sustainability consultants, research centers, and an advocacy nonprofit. As a restoration technician at UCSB’s North Campus Open Space, he gained hands-on experience with estuarine, grassland, and coastal sage scrub communities, and later transitioned to monitoring aquatic species and supporting citizen science at the same site. More recently, Chris curated environmental data submissions for the NSF Arctic Data Center, where he gained familiarity with a wide range of data types and software, mastered data documentation, and became an effective scientific communicator. At Great Ecology he continues to apply his data expertise and looks forward to furthering his knowledge of environmental regulation and planning.

Chris's Professional Associations

  • San Diego Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) Member

 

Chris's Certifications

  • Permaculture Design Certification