Neal J Pastick, PhD
Neal Pastick is a Research Physical Scientist with the Earth Resources and Observation Science (EROS) Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Dr. Pastick has conducted data science research for environmental applications over the past 15 years, in close collaboration with a diverse set of geoscientists from industry, federal, and academic institutions. His work primarily focuses on the comprehensive characterization of Earth systems by integrating field observations, ecological insights, remote sensing technologies, and cutting-edge advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This multidisciplinary approach has yielded significant contributions to our understanding of landscape dynamics and environmental change. Recently, this research has focused on several key areas related to climate change and environmental disturbances:
- Investigating the effects on the cryosphere, hydrology, and vegetation across northern circumpolar regions.
- Studying land cover conditions and the spread of invasive annual grasses in drylands of the western United States.
- Monitoring and mapping the distribution of soil properties and conditions in Alaska and other regions.
Dr. Pastick has authored over 30 referred publications and contributed to approximately 50 presentations given at scientific meetings. His research has been covered by numerous news agencies (e.g., the Guardian, the Washington Post) and popular magazines (e.g., Scientific American).
Professional Experience
Advance and formulate new USGS initiatives focusing on AI/ML and advanced computing for environmental science applications.
Integrate multimodal data sources and models to achieve a comprehensive understanding of Earth's terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Assess the historical and potential future impacts of climate change and other agents on fragile and rapidly evolving ecosystems, including the Arctic, Boreal regions, and Drylands.
Foster collaboration between USGS, academia, industry, and government agencies to push the boundaries of Earth science and promote AI/ML innovations in environmental research.
Apply ecological theory and a deep understanding of Earth system processes to develop and refine scientific workflows that address complex environmental and natural resource challenges.
Lead cutting-edge physical science studies on complex environmental processes, ensuring meticulous execution and transparent reporting, and confidently present findings in public and scientific forums.
Serve as a key consultant for AI/ML and spatiotemporal data challenges, offering expert advice to scientists and program specialists across various disciplines.
Design and manage projects that explore the effects of human-induced changes and natural disturbances on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Education and Certifications
PhD. in Natural Resources Science & Management (Assessment, Monitoring, and Geospatial Analysis track; University of Minnesota – Twin Cities)
B.S. in Geography and Business Management (Minnesota State University, Mankato).
Science and Products
Fractional estimates of exotic annual grass cover in dryland ecosystems of western United States (2016 - 2019)
Early estimates of Annual Exotic Herbaceous Fractional Cover in the Sagebrush Ecosystem, USA, May 2020
Annual Herbaceous Cover across Rangelands of the Sagebrush Biome
Fractional estimates of invasive annual grass cover in dryland ecosystems of western United States (2016 - 2018)
Alaska permafrost characterization: Geophysical and related field data collected from 2016-2017
Alaska LandCarbon Wetland Distribution Map
Fire impacts on permafrost in Alaska: Geophysical and other field data collected in 2014
Eyes on Earth Episode 105 – Imagery Challenges of Alaska
In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we focus on Alaska. Rich in wildlife and natural resources, not to mention its sheer size, Alaska has long been a source of fascination for remote sensing scientists. But it is also a source of frustration, with frequent cloud and snow cover and months of darkness each year.
Multi-scale geophysical mapping of deep permafrost change after disturbance in interior Alaska, USA
Assessing historical and projected carbon balance of Alaska: A synthesis of results and policy/management implications
The role of environmental driving factors in historical and projected carbon dynamics of wetland ecosystems in Alaska
Spatiotemporal analysis of Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 data to support monitoring of dryland ecosystems
The role of driving factors in historical and projected carbon dynamics of upland ecosystems in Alaska
Historical and projected trends in landscape drivers affecting carbon dynamics in Alaska
In situ nuclear magnetic resonance response of permafrost and active layer soil in boreal and tundra ecosystems
Evidence for nonuniform permafrost degradation after fire in boreal landscapes
Distribution of near-surface permafrost in Alaska: estimates of present and future conditions
Spatially explicit estimation of aboveground boreal forest biomass in the Yukon River Basin, Alaska
Spatial variability and landscape controls of near-surface permafrost within the Alaskan Yukon River Basin
Distribution and landscape controls of organic layer thickness and carbon within the Alaskan Yukon River Basin
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Fractional estimates of exotic annual grass cover in dryland ecosystems of western United States (2016 - 2019)
Early estimates of Annual Exotic Herbaceous Fractional Cover in the Sagebrush Ecosystem, USA, May 2020
Annual Herbaceous Cover across Rangelands of the Sagebrush Biome
Fractional estimates of invasive annual grass cover in dryland ecosystems of western United States (2016 - 2018)
Alaska permafrost characterization: Geophysical and related field data collected from 2016-2017
Alaska LandCarbon Wetland Distribution Map
Fire impacts on permafrost in Alaska: Geophysical and other field data collected in 2014
Eyes on Earth Episode 105 – Imagery Challenges of Alaska
In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we focus on Alaska. Rich in wildlife and natural resources, not to mention its sheer size, Alaska has long been a source of fascination for remote sensing scientists. But it is also a source of frustration, with frequent cloud and snow cover and months of darkness each year.
Multi-scale geophysical mapping of deep permafrost change after disturbance in interior Alaska, USA
Assessing historical and projected carbon balance of Alaska: A synthesis of results and policy/management implications
The role of environmental driving factors in historical and projected carbon dynamics of wetland ecosystems in Alaska
Spatiotemporal analysis of Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 data to support monitoring of dryland ecosystems
The role of driving factors in historical and projected carbon dynamics of upland ecosystems in Alaska
Historical and projected trends in landscape drivers affecting carbon dynamics in Alaska
In situ nuclear magnetic resonance response of permafrost and active layer soil in boreal and tundra ecosystems
Evidence for nonuniform permafrost degradation after fire in boreal landscapes
Distribution of near-surface permafrost in Alaska: estimates of present and future conditions
Spatially explicit estimation of aboveground boreal forest biomass in the Yukon River Basin, Alaska
Spatial variability and landscape controls of near-surface permafrost within the Alaskan Yukon River Basin
Distribution and landscape controls of organic layer thickness and carbon within the Alaskan Yukon River Basin
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.