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RIA # 89: Heather Roberts on Researching without a PhD

Heather Roberts

Heather Roberts

In this episode, Katie is joined by Heather Roberts, Coordinator for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in College of Forestry and Information Manager for Landscape Ecology, Modeling, Mapping and Analysis (LEMMA) collaborative research group at Oregon State University. Heather Roberts has worked as a database administrator, GIS analyst and programmer at OSU on the Landscape Ecology, Modeling, Mapping and Analysis team since 2006. She performs a variety of tasks related to developing highly detailed models of forest vegetation across large multi-ownership landscapes. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Oregon, majoring in Computer and Information Science and Environmental Studies. Prior to OSU, Heather worked as a database administrator and field technician at Dorena Genetic Resource Center, a Forest Service research station that specializes in breeding tree populations with natural resistance to invasive pathogens. In 2016, Heather coordinated the planning process to develop a strategic plan to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in the College of Forestry (CoF). She was appointed as the College’s first Coordinator for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in July 2017. Her Coordinator duties include organizing efforts for implementing strategies in the DEI plan across CoF departments and units, chairing the College’s new DEI standing committee, and serving as liaison with others on campus engaged in DEI initiatives.

Transcript (.docx)

Show Notes

Would you like to incorporate this episode of “Research in Action” into your course? Download the Episode 89 Instructor Guide (.pdf) or visit our Podcast Instructor Guides page to find additional information.

Segment 1: Researching Without a PhD [00:00-12:27]

In this first segment, Heather shares her pathway to a research position without earning a PhD.

In this segment, the following resources are mentioned:

Segment 2: Data Documentation and Database Administration [12:28-22:37]

In segment two, Heather shares some best practices of database administration.

Segment 3: Heather’s Pathway to a Leadership Role [22:38-34:23]

In segment three, Heather shares about her most recent career shift into leading a diversity and inclusion initiative.

In this segment, the following resources are mentioned:

Bonus Clip #1 [00:00-04:13]: Heather Roberts’s Favorite Books for Professional Development

In this bonus clip, the following resources are mentioned:

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The views expressed by guests on the Research in Action podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Ecampus or Oregon State University.