Anya Nova Metcalfe — Data, Ecology & Communication

Anya Nova
Metcalfe

I translate data into products people understand and can act on.

Dedicated research analyst and science communicator experienced in building, managing, and interpreting complex ecological data. I bring a demonstrated ability to manage large projects and enjoy finding creative ways to translate challenging concepts to any audience. Comfortable with a wide range of analytical tools, languages, and programs. I learn quickly and have the focus and persistence to see projects through.

Flagstaff, AZ Remote friendly English · Russian · Spanish

Nothing is more complicated than the environment. Studying ecology taught me that the right questions are usually simple ones, even when the data are messy and tangled.

I live in Flagstaff, Arizona and enjoy hiking, boating, climbing, and exploring the Southwest.

Much of my research background is in entomology. I find joy and wonder in noticing the small things. My favorite bugs are caddisflies.

Things I like doing

01 / Data

Large, messy datasets

I take data that arrives from various sources and make it make sense.

I primarily work in R, with functional knowledge of Python
Building mixed-effects models for multivariate questions
GIS, spatial modeling, and I love making maps
Multi-decadal record consolidation
Genetic and acoustic datasets at scale
Git, reproducible analysis, data releases
AI-supported workflows where they fit

02 / People

Programs and partnerships

I build the systems that let distributed groups of people produce work that holds up.

Managed 300+ volunteers across seven states for a USGS community science program
Designing trainings, protocols, and quality control
Multi-institution partnerships and MOUs
Communications bulletins, newsletters, and email marketing
Supervising teams and project goals remotely, in the field, and in the office

03 / Communication

Translation, not jargon

What good is your research if no one understands it?

Social strategy for federal & technical accounts
Workshops, expos, and events
Web and graphic design
Podcasts, documentary, invited talks
Research featured in national press: AP, NYT, WaPo, NatGeo, NPR
English, Spanish, Russian

Selected work

2024–2026

Ran communications for a federal science campus

Social Media Strategist / Public Affairs · USGS

Built and published content for a national audience, organized a multi-day workshop on big data and AI applications at Lowell Observatory, and created an art-meets-science expo that paired scientists with high school artists. Translated dense IT service updates into digestible bulletins and email newsletters.

2012–2024

Built a community scientist network across the Colorado River Basin

Program design, training, QA · Seven states

Recruited and trained the network, handled the quality control, and turned the output into peer-reviewed results. Wrote the invited primer on how to do this well, and co-authored the paper defining citizen science's terminology.

2012–2026

Analysis lead on multi-scale datasets

Ecologist · USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring & Research Center

Bayesian regression, mixed effects models, and spatial statistics in R across genetic, acoustic, and field datasets spanning a seven-state watershed. Presented findings directly to the managers making decisions on them.

2024

Quality assurance on $12M federal grant reviews

Federal Reviewer · Dept. of Commerce, NTIA

Reviewed competitive broadband grant applications and budgets ranging from $5M to $12M, checking other reviewers' work for consistency and defensibility.

2025–2026

Consolidated decades of scattered records into a working model

Research Analyst · University of Montana

Compiled multi-decadal seed and planting data from multiple organizations to build one clean record of tree sourcing, planting, and climate distances. Modeled outcomes in R and GIS and wrote a paper.

2016–2024

Made technical research land in national media

Science communication

Research I led or co-authored was covered by the Associated Press (picked up by the New York Times and Washington Post), National Geographic, Scientific American, NPR, High Country News, and Arizona PBS. Guest on five podcasts and an invited speaker for organizations including Hong Kong University, the American Geophysical Union, the Consultative Group for Biological Diversity, and the Society for Freshwater Science.

Where I'm headed

I'm looking for my next big project. I am interested in opportunities to push my technical and communications skills.

Research operations

Community & moderation

Program management

Technical writing

Data analysis

Content strategy

Product support

Partnerships

I work well in groups that are figuring things out as they go. I value flexibility, team work, and a dynamic environment.