USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
Jennifer LaVista
Communicating USGS science throughout the Southwest and Midwest regions
Over the last decade, Jennifer has worked on a number of USGS large-scale communication efforts including the Glen Canyon High Flow Experiment, the Coast Salish Tribal Journey, the 2011 Japan earthquake and has been on-site at numerous historic floods. Her favorite topics to cover include natural hazards and water-quality issues.
Jennifer has a Masters in Health Science Communications from the University of Florida (2006), as well as a Masters Certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University. She is a former ABC affiliate news producer.
When she's not working, you can find Jennifer hiking, skiing, climbing or camping. She is an avid traveler and also enjoys practicing aerial arts.
Science and Products
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
B-roll footage taken of USGS crews measuring severe flooding during the March 2009 flooding events in Fargo, ND.
B-roll footage taken of USGS crews measuring severe flooding during the March 2009 flooding events in Fargo, ND.
More than 20 percent of private, domestic wells contain at least one contaminant at levels of potential health concern. About 43 million people—or 15 percent of the Nation's population—use drinking water from private wells, which are not regulated by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
More than 20 percent of private, domestic wells contain at least one contaminant at levels of potential health concern. About 43 million people—or 15 percent of the Nation's population—use drinking water from private wells, which are not regulated by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
Safe drinking water supplies are critical to maintaining and preserving public health. But how healthy is that resource? A recent USGS study found low levels of man-made chemicals in water entering and leaving drinking water treatment plants. USGS lead scientist Greg Delzer explains the findings of this study.
Safe drinking water supplies are critical to maintaining and preserving public health. But how healthy is that resource? A recent USGS study found low levels of man-made chemicals in water entering and leaving drinking water treatment plants. USGS lead scientist Greg Delzer explains the findings of this study.
The size and distribution of grizzly bear populations in northwest Montana has just been released by the USGS, so research biologist Kate Kendall bring us up to speed on the findings.
The size and distribution of grizzly bear populations in northwest Montana has just been released by the USGS, so research biologist Kate Kendall bring us up to speed on the findings.
Water quality in the Salish Sea will be measured during the Coast Salish annual summer canoe voyage, the Tribal Journey.
This project will blend traditional knowledge of the Coast Salish People with USGS science in an effort to help improve management of ancestral waters experiencing environmental decline.
Water quality in the Salish Sea will be measured during the Coast Salish annual summer canoe voyage, the Tribal Journey.
This project will blend traditional knowledge of the Coast Salish People with USGS science in an effort to help improve management of ancestral waters experiencing environmental decline.
Heavy rainfall across the Midwest has caused major flooding. USGS National Flood Specialist Bob Holmes gives us the latest information on the rising rivers and what the USGS is doing to respond.
Heavy rainfall across the Midwest has caused major flooding. USGS National Flood Specialist Bob Holmes gives us the latest information on the rising rivers and what the USGS is doing to respond.
The Senate is holding a hearing on pharmaceuticals in water, and the USGS is supplying information. Herb Buxton, USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program Coordinator, fills us in on related research and findings.
The Senate is holding a hearing on pharmaceuticals in water, and the USGS is supplying information. Herb Buxton, USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program Coordinator, fills us in on related research and findings.
Dams don't help just by holding water back. By opening Glen Canyon Dam's jet tubes for a high flow experiment—scheduled to take place on March 5—scientists can study and improve resources in Grand Canyon National Park. Learn more by listening to our interview with John Hamill, USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Program Chief.
Dams don't help just by holding water back. By opening Glen Canyon Dam's jet tubes for a high flow experiment—scheduled to take place on March 5—scientists can study and improve resources in Grand Canyon National Park. Learn more by listening to our interview with John Hamill, USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Program Chief.
USGS hydrologist Richard Alexander talks about the nine States that contribute to the majority of nutrients in the northern Gulf of Mexico, threatening the economic and ecological health of one of the Nation's largest and most productive fisheries.
USGS hydrologist Richard Alexander talks about the nine States that contribute to the majority of nutrients in the northern Gulf of Mexico, threatening the economic and ecological health of one of the Nation's largest and most productive fisheries.
In the fifth and final episode of our Earth Science Week coverage, USGS Education Coordinator Bob Ridky tells us why science education is important for everybody, why kids need to get outside, and more.
In the fifth and final episode of our Earth Science Week coverage, USGS Education Coordinator Bob Ridky tells us why science education is important for everybody, why kids need to get outside, and more.
USGS scientists Paul Frederick and Mike Descant make sure there is enough clearance for their boat to drive under a bridge on the Atchafalaya River near Melville, La.
USGS scientists Paul Frederick and Mike Descant make sure there is enough clearance for their boat to drive under a bridge on the Atchafalaya River near Melville, La.
USGS scientist Peter Van Metre examines a parking lot where coal-tar sealcoat has been applied.
USGS scientist Peter Van Metre examines a parking lot where coal-tar sealcoat has been applied.
Science and Products
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
USGS scientists Chris Laveau and Joel Galloway measure streamflow during historical flooding in Fargo, ND. This information is critical for developing flood forecasts to help protect lives and property.
B-roll footage taken of USGS crews measuring severe flooding during the March 2009 flooding events in Fargo, ND.
B-roll footage taken of USGS crews measuring severe flooding during the March 2009 flooding events in Fargo, ND.
More than 20 percent of private, domestic wells contain at least one contaminant at levels of potential health concern. About 43 million people—or 15 percent of the Nation's population—use drinking water from private wells, which are not regulated by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
More than 20 percent of private, domestic wells contain at least one contaminant at levels of potential health concern. About 43 million people—or 15 percent of the Nation's population—use drinking water from private wells, which are not regulated by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
Safe drinking water supplies are critical to maintaining and preserving public health. But how healthy is that resource? A recent USGS study found low levels of man-made chemicals in water entering and leaving drinking water treatment plants. USGS lead scientist Greg Delzer explains the findings of this study.
Safe drinking water supplies are critical to maintaining and preserving public health. But how healthy is that resource? A recent USGS study found low levels of man-made chemicals in water entering and leaving drinking water treatment plants. USGS lead scientist Greg Delzer explains the findings of this study.
The size and distribution of grizzly bear populations in northwest Montana has just been released by the USGS, so research biologist Kate Kendall bring us up to speed on the findings.
The size and distribution of grizzly bear populations in northwest Montana has just been released by the USGS, so research biologist Kate Kendall bring us up to speed on the findings.
Water quality in the Salish Sea will be measured during the Coast Salish annual summer canoe voyage, the Tribal Journey.
This project will blend traditional knowledge of the Coast Salish People with USGS science in an effort to help improve management of ancestral waters experiencing environmental decline.
Water quality in the Salish Sea will be measured during the Coast Salish annual summer canoe voyage, the Tribal Journey.
This project will blend traditional knowledge of the Coast Salish People with USGS science in an effort to help improve management of ancestral waters experiencing environmental decline.
Heavy rainfall across the Midwest has caused major flooding. USGS National Flood Specialist Bob Holmes gives us the latest information on the rising rivers and what the USGS is doing to respond.
Heavy rainfall across the Midwest has caused major flooding. USGS National Flood Specialist Bob Holmes gives us the latest information on the rising rivers and what the USGS is doing to respond.
The Senate is holding a hearing on pharmaceuticals in water, and the USGS is supplying information. Herb Buxton, USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program Coordinator, fills us in on related research and findings.
The Senate is holding a hearing on pharmaceuticals in water, and the USGS is supplying information. Herb Buxton, USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program Coordinator, fills us in on related research and findings.
Dams don't help just by holding water back. By opening Glen Canyon Dam's jet tubes for a high flow experiment—scheduled to take place on March 5—scientists can study and improve resources in Grand Canyon National Park. Learn more by listening to our interview with John Hamill, USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Program Chief.
Dams don't help just by holding water back. By opening Glen Canyon Dam's jet tubes for a high flow experiment—scheduled to take place on March 5—scientists can study and improve resources in Grand Canyon National Park. Learn more by listening to our interview with John Hamill, USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Program Chief.
USGS hydrologist Richard Alexander talks about the nine States that contribute to the majority of nutrients in the northern Gulf of Mexico, threatening the economic and ecological health of one of the Nation's largest and most productive fisheries.
USGS hydrologist Richard Alexander talks about the nine States that contribute to the majority of nutrients in the northern Gulf of Mexico, threatening the economic and ecological health of one of the Nation's largest and most productive fisheries.
In the fifth and final episode of our Earth Science Week coverage, USGS Education Coordinator Bob Ridky tells us why science education is important for everybody, why kids need to get outside, and more.
In the fifth and final episode of our Earth Science Week coverage, USGS Education Coordinator Bob Ridky tells us why science education is important for everybody, why kids need to get outside, and more.
USGS scientists Paul Frederick and Mike Descant make sure there is enough clearance for their boat to drive under a bridge on the Atchafalaya River near Melville, La.
USGS scientists Paul Frederick and Mike Descant make sure there is enough clearance for their boat to drive under a bridge on the Atchafalaya River near Melville, La.
USGS scientist Peter Van Metre examines a parking lot where coal-tar sealcoat has been applied.
USGS scientist Peter Van Metre examines a parking lot where coal-tar sealcoat has been applied.