MIRIAM BRAUN
PO Box 750437 | Fairbanks, AK. 99775 | 907-978-2707 | mlbraun@alaska.edu
OBJECTIVE
Obtain a position in the field of geology building on my strengths in data analysis and research techniques.
EDUCATION
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Bachelor of Science in Geology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2011
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Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2011
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Háskólinn á Akureyri (University of Akureyri, Iceland UAF Study Abroad) – 2007-2008
EXPERIENCE
Alaska Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Engineering Geology,
Natural Resource Technician II
Fairbanks, AK
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Compile and organize high resolution lidar data for Alaska infrastructure corridors using GIS and ArcCatalog
Edit and publish metadata of lidar dataset for intended audience of gas pipeline infrastructure developers, natural
resource professionals, and academic geological researchers
Create GIS bare-earth hillshade images from lidar datasets
Edit lake polygons into quadrangle deliverables
Preliminary geological hazard identification for risk analysis of potential gas pipeline route
Identify and document the type and sources of descriptive geologic and geochemical data;
Recognize and correct inconsistency, typographical errors, and other problems in data files
Progressively learning basic geologic field techniques, relational databases, GIS software, or other types of software
applications to perform tasks such as manipulating geologic map data.
Use basic graphics software to draft figures for geologic reports and presentations.
Using GIS, graphic, CAD and other software to prepare, edit, verify, organize and manage graphics, data and data files,
text and illustrations for publication.
Apply knowledge of numerous databases and computer programming skills, expand database design and create new
project databases as required by senior geologists and projects;
Work with supervisor to control access to databases, manage related restrictions, and the type of data entered into
databases. Perform the acquisition and synthesis of data in support of sectional activities.
Working knowledge of project organization and coordination, including the basic techniques of determining scope,
schedule and budget.
Create weekly progress reports and contribute to QC and other reports
UAF Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory,
Laboratory Technician
Fairbanks, AK
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May/2010 — August/2011
Analyzed samples on the Electron Microprobe (EPMA), X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF), Scanning Electron
Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Microscope (XRM)
Provided qualitative and quantitative analyses and line scan graphing of elemental distributions in the identification and
interpretation of sample materials.
Analysis of heavy metal soil surveys, geological, and environmental studies using hand-held XRF spectrometers.
Conducted Electron Microprobe and Scanning Electron Microscope analyses for many departments and research centers
including: Geology, Chemistry, and Biology Departments.
Prepared samples using polishing and sectioning equipment, pellet press, and carbon, gold/palladium coaters
General lab upkeep, organization and purchasing
UNDERGRADUATE RESEAR CH PROJECTS
Reconstructing Climate Change in Alaska
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
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October/2011 — present
May/2009 — May/2011
Retrieved samples from Gold Hill, developed specialized sampling technique and prepared samples for isotopic analysis
Sample analysis on Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for sample morphology and elemental mapping
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Paper in preparation: Reconstructing Climate Change Using Isotope Records from Concretions found at Gold Hill
Presented in University-wide undergraduate research symposium
Winner of the 2009-2010 Undergraduate Research Competition Grant based on project proposal
Iceland Study Abroad: Utilization of Geothermal Energy
Háskólinn á Akureyri (University of Akureyri, Iceland)
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August/2007 — July/2008
Thesis project on Icelandic geological history and the utilization of geothermal energy
Collaborated with Quaternary, geothermal and metamorphic geologists
Capstone to year studying abroad
SKILLS
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Experience with SPSS, GIS and ArcGIS: Working knowledge of GIS and other software to facilitate technical tasks, such
as to compile, merge, analyze and interpret geologic data.
Working knowledge of many types of geologic analyses and interpretation.
Some knowledge of related disciplines in the fields of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering,
engineering geology, or any of their subdivisions, including mining engineering.
Some knowledge of project management: the basic techniques of determining scope, schedule and budget.
Some knowledge of field geology techniques.
Ability to analyze and synthesize a wide range of geologic data to arrive at original interpretations of geologic conditions,
including the laboratory analysis of samples.
Ability to define and document issues, project objectives, strategies and deliverable products, and draft project budgets
and related contracts.
Ability to provide basic technical knowledge to an ongoing geoscience-related project or interrelated projects.
Knowledgeable in the practices of effective teamwork
Ability to develop interpersonal relationships, assist in the coordination of project activities, and function effectively as a
member of a team, contributing to the positive completion of a project.
Ability to establish and nurture working relationships and partnerships with federal and state agency peers.
Technical writing skills.
Fluent in American Sign Language, Traveler’s proficiency in Icelandic and Spanish.
United States Power Squadrons; boating course and certification (sail and power boating), including 14 years of boating
experience through Boy Scouts of America as a Sea Scout.
Past president of the University of Alaska Fairbanks American Sign Language Club.
Certified: 88 WPM, 10 Key Skills, Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint and Excel experience.
RELEVANT COURSES
Paleobiology and Paleontology
Dynamic Alaskan Coastline
Yakutat Tectonics
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
Photogeology
Petrology and Petrography
Field & Computer Methods in Geoscience
Glacial and Periglacial Geology
Structural Geology
Mineralogy
Intro to GIS
Stats and Data Analysis in Geology
Geomorphology
Volcanology
Elementary Scanning Electron
GRADUATE LEVEL: Global Tectonics
Geological Oceanography
Applied X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy