M.S. Biology, San Francisco State University, Romberg Tiburon Center, 2016
B.A. Environmental Studies and Ethnic Studies (double major), Mills College, 2004
- Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting: Senior Ecologist, 2005–present
- BMP Ecosciences: Botanist, 2003-2005
- Mills College and CSU Stanislaus: Biological Research Assistant, 2003
Ms. Pinnell combines over 12 years as a professional wetland ecologist with over four years as Executive Director of a watershed restoration NGO in California. Her work has included conducting statewide surveys for special-status plant and wildlife species, using a variety of survey techniques in both wetland and upland environments. She has experience in assessing effectiveness of wetland, intertidal (eelgrass and oyster), and upland restoration projects, and using GIS and statistical software (R, SPSS) to determine community-level responses to habitat modification and restoration. Ms. Pinnell has also worked on large-scale species distribution assessments and habitat analyses to supplement conservation planning in California.
In addition to her work as an ecologist, her work as an Executive Director of an environmental non-profit included extensive experience creating and maintaining working partnerships with public agencies, non-profits, universities, landowners, stakeholders, and technical advisory committees to best design, modify, and implement effective restoration and conservation projects, totaling approximately $1 million annually. Due to this experience, she has an excellent ability to clearly present scientific information.