TERNS EAT KRILL AND FORAGE FISH LIKE HERRING AND SAND LANCE. USUALLY, THAT'S A NUTRITIOUS DIET. BUT WHEN HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS OCCUR, TOXINS CAN TAINT THE FOOD WEB FOR THE BIRDS.
Steven Sobieszćzyk
Steven Sobieszćzyk is a scientist and spokesperson. While "Sobie" spent most of his career researching landslide hazards, flooding, sediment transport, and stream ecosystems, he now focuses on science communication and promoting scientific literacy. Steve is a multihazard first responder and has spoken extensively about seismic, wildfire, landslide, flooding, and volcanic hazards.
CURRENT WORK
- Media Lead for the USGS Natural Hazards Mission Area
- Public Information Officer for DOI Office of Wildland Fire
- Hydrologist for National DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team
Professional Experience
Public Affairs Specialist • U.S. Geological Survey • 2020 – Present
Develop, create, and execute national-level Bureau communication content (e.g., news releases, social media posts, videos), events (e.g., open houses, press conferences), and media & science communications training. Writer. Illustrator. Videographer. Webmaster. Instructor. Public Speaker.
Public Information Officer & Hydrologist • U.S. Department of Interior • 2017 – Present
Multi-incident first responder. Create talking points, press releases, videos, social media content, and online story maps. Coordinate community meetings and press conferences. DOI Burned Area Emergency Response hydrologist.
Co-founder • Association of Science Communicators • 2016 – 2023
Founding member and executive officer of an international non-profit science communication organization. Help guide internal/external communication and community marketing strategies, including graphic design, branding, and conference development.
Geographer & Hydrologist • U.S. Geological Survey • 2001 – 2020
Study debris flow, flooding, and sediment transport-related issues. Professional background in GIS, including runoff modeling and bathymetric surveys. Advised Leadership on strategies and methods to achieve better public understanding of science content.
Adjunct Professor • Portland State University • 2011 – 2017
Taught Hydrology (GEOG 4/514), GIS for Water Resources (GEOG 4/594), River Restoration, Part II: Ecological Processes (EPP 222), and Site Evaluation and Assessment Tools (EPP 223).
Research Assistant • NASA • 1999
Mapped, analyzed, and compiled a database of crater impacts on Ganymede, the largest moon of Jupiter, using Galileo and Viking satellite images.
Education and Certifications
Portland State University • M.S. • 2010
Landslide Engineering Geology and Hydrology
Portland State University • GISP • 2005
Licensed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professional
University of Wisconson - Oshkosh • B.S. • 2000
Geology, minor in Geography
Science and Products
When it comes to talking to others, especially when explaining science, the key is consequences outweigh precision. You should always be honest, tell the truth, but don't sweat the small stuff. People care about relatability, not the mundane. Knowing what information isn't worth sharing is hard. There are professionals out there who can help. Like me.
TERNS EAT KRILL AND FORAGE FISH LIKE HERRING AND SAND LANCE. USUALLY, THAT'S A NUTRITIOUS DIET. BUT WHEN HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS OCCUR, TOXINS CAN TAINT THE FOOD WEB FOR THE BIRDS.
AS THE OCEAN WARMS AND FILLS WITH EXCESS NUTRIENTS FROM SURFACE RUNOFF, CERTAIN TYPES OF ALGAE CAN GROW OUT OF CONTROL AND PRODUCE DANGEROUS TOXINS.
TYPICALLY, THE HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. THE WARMER TEMPERATURES KEEP WATER FROM MIXING, ALLOWING THE ALGAE TO GROW MUCH FASTER.
AS THE OCEAN WARMS AND FILLS WITH EXCESS NUTRIENTS FROM SURFACE RUNOFF, CERTAIN TYPES OF ALGAE CAN GROW OUT OF CONTROL AND PRODUCE DANGEROUS TOXINS.
TYPICALLY, THE HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. THE WARMER TEMPERATURES KEEP WATER FROM MIXING, ALLOWING THE ALGAE TO GROW MUCH FASTER.
BRIGHT GREEN ALGAE CAN OFTEN BE SPOTTED FLOATING IN THE OCEAN NEAR THE SURFACE. THEY CONSUME NUTRIENTS, LIKE NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS. IN A BALANCED ECOSYSTEM, THEY GROW AND PROVIDE FOOD FOR MANY SEA CREATURES, INCLUDING KRILL, SNAILS, AND JELLYFISH.
BRIGHT GREEN ALGAE CAN OFTEN BE SPOTTED FLOATING IN THE OCEAN NEAR THE SURFACE. THEY CONSUME NUTRIENTS, LIKE NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS. IN A BALANCED ECOSYSTEM, THEY GROW AND PROVIDE FOOD FOR MANY SEA CREATURES, INCLUDING KRILL, SNAILS, AND JELLYFISH.
ALTHOUGH OTHER BIRD DIE-OFFS HAD BEEN SEEN RECENTLY IN ALASKA, THERE WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THE TERNS. THEY HAD BEEN POISONED.
ALTHOUGH OTHER BIRD DIE-OFFS HAD BEEN SEEN RECENTLY IN ALASKA, THERE WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THE TERNS. THEY HAD BEEN POISONED.
ARCTIC TERNS SPEND THEIR SUMMERS NESTING IN ALASKA AND PARTS OF THE ARCTIC. WHEN THE SEASON ENDS, THEY FLY SOUTH TO ANTARCTICA, EMBARKING ON THE LONGEST MIGRATION OF ANY ANIMAL ON EARTH!
ARCTIC TERNS SPEND THEIR SUMMERS NESTING IN ALASKA AND PARTS OF THE ARCTIC. WHEN THE SEASON ENDS, THEY FLY SOUTH TO ANTARCTICA, EMBARKING ON THE LONGEST MIGRATION OF ANY ANIMAL ON EARTH!
Over the last few weeks, Woods Hole scientists have been mapping the seafloor of Nantucket Sound as part of a long-term partnership with the State of Massachusetts.
Over the last few weeks, Woods Hole scientists have been mapping the seafloor of Nantucket Sound as part of a long-term partnership with the State of Massachusetts.
Welcome to the “I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the “I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
COLORS OF THE CARBON RAINBOW
Not All Carbon is the Same
Scientists use color to classify carbon at different points in the carbon cycle based on carbon function, characteristics, and location. This creates a more descriptive framework than traditional "organic" and "inorganic" labels.
COLORS OF THE CARBON RAINBOW
Not All Carbon is the Same
Scientists use color to classify carbon at different points in the carbon cycle based on carbon function, characteristics, and location. This creates a more descriptive framework than traditional "organic" and "inorganic" labels.
Climate change interacts with droughts in many ways. Some regions are experiencing warmer, drier conditions than they have in the past, leading to less rainfall (meteorological drought) or snowpack (snow drought). Over time, this can cause water sources like lakes, streams, and underground aquifers to dry up (hydrological drought).
Climate change interacts with droughts in many ways. Some regions are experiencing warmer, drier conditions than they have in the past, leading to less rainfall (meteorological drought) or snowpack (snow drought). Over time, this can cause water sources like lakes, streams, and underground aquifers to dry up (hydrological drought).
Scientists continue to study how a warming Arctic will affect polar bear populations. The new 2022 Polar Bear Research Council Masterplan identifies how polar bears in zoos can help fill knowledge gaps that benefit wild populations.
Scientists continue to study how a warming Arctic will affect polar bear populations. The new 2022 Polar Bear Research Council Masterplan identifies how polar bears in zoos can help fill knowledge gaps that benefit wild populations.
In the winter of 2015, the public noticed thousands of dead seabirds washing ashore across the western coast of the United States and Canada. The USGS linked this massive seabird die-off to the North Pacific Marine Heatwave. A marine heatwave occurs when sea surface temperatures are above normal for an extended period of time.
In the winter of 2015, the public noticed thousands of dead seabirds washing ashore across the western coast of the United States and Canada. The USGS linked this massive seabird die-off to the North Pacific Marine Heatwave. A marine heatwave occurs when sea surface temperatures are above normal for an extended period of time.
This is a coloring page for the USGS I Am A... career series depicting a Volcanologist.
This is a coloring page for the USGS I Am A... career series depicting a Volcanologist.
Welcome to the “I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the “I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the “I Am A(n)..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the “I Am A(n)..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
This is an image of the coloring page for the Disease Ecologist I Am A... episode.
This is an image of the coloring page for the Disease Ecologist I Am A... episode.
Welcome to the "I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the "I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
*Happy Halloween*
Natural Resource Economist coloring page.
Welcome to the “I Am A(n)..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the “I Am A(n)..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series. This is the tenth video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers.
Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series. This is the tenth video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers.
I Am A...Climate Modeler coloring page.
Steven is interested in landslide hazards, sediment transport, water quality, and stream ecosystems and has published numerous scientific reports, journal articles, and data sets on these topics (see subject links below for respective publications).
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
When it comes to talking to others, especially when explaining science, the key is consequences outweigh precision. You should always be honest, tell the truth, but don't sweat the small stuff. People care about relatability, not the mundane. Knowing what information isn't worth sharing is hard. There are professionals out there who can help. Like me.
TERNS EAT KRILL AND FORAGE FISH LIKE HERRING AND SAND LANCE. USUALLY, THAT'S A NUTRITIOUS DIET. BUT WHEN HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS OCCUR, TOXINS CAN TAINT THE FOOD WEB FOR THE BIRDS.
TERNS EAT KRILL AND FORAGE FISH LIKE HERRING AND SAND LANCE. USUALLY, THAT'S A NUTRITIOUS DIET. BUT WHEN HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS OCCUR, TOXINS CAN TAINT THE FOOD WEB FOR THE BIRDS.
AS THE OCEAN WARMS AND FILLS WITH EXCESS NUTRIENTS FROM SURFACE RUNOFF, CERTAIN TYPES OF ALGAE CAN GROW OUT OF CONTROL AND PRODUCE DANGEROUS TOXINS.
TYPICALLY, THE HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. THE WARMER TEMPERATURES KEEP WATER FROM MIXING, ALLOWING THE ALGAE TO GROW MUCH FASTER.
AS THE OCEAN WARMS AND FILLS WITH EXCESS NUTRIENTS FROM SURFACE RUNOFF, CERTAIN TYPES OF ALGAE CAN GROW OUT OF CONTROL AND PRODUCE DANGEROUS TOXINS.
TYPICALLY, THE HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. THE WARMER TEMPERATURES KEEP WATER FROM MIXING, ALLOWING THE ALGAE TO GROW MUCH FASTER.
BRIGHT GREEN ALGAE CAN OFTEN BE SPOTTED FLOATING IN THE OCEAN NEAR THE SURFACE. THEY CONSUME NUTRIENTS, LIKE NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS. IN A BALANCED ECOSYSTEM, THEY GROW AND PROVIDE FOOD FOR MANY SEA CREATURES, INCLUDING KRILL, SNAILS, AND JELLYFISH.
BRIGHT GREEN ALGAE CAN OFTEN BE SPOTTED FLOATING IN THE OCEAN NEAR THE SURFACE. THEY CONSUME NUTRIENTS, LIKE NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS. IN A BALANCED ECOSYSTEM, THEY GROW AND PROVIDE FOOD FOR MANY SEA CREATURES, INCLUDING KRILL, SNAILS, AND JELLYFISH.
ALTHOUGH OTHER BIRD DIE-OFFS HAD BEEN SEEN RECENTLY IN ALASKA, THERE WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THE TERNS. THEY HAD BEEN POISONED.
ALTHOUGH OTHER BIRD DIE-OFFS HAD BEEN SEEN RECENTLY IN ALASKA, THERE WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THE TERNS. THEY HAD BEEN POISONED.
ARCTIC TERNS SPEND THEIR SUMMERS NESTING IN ALASKA AND PARTS OF THE ARCTIC. WHEN THE SEASON ENDS, THEY FLY SOUTH TO ANTARCTICA, EMBARKING ON THE LONGEST MIGRATION OF ANY ANIMAL ON EARTH!
ARCTIC TERNS SPEND THEIR SUMMERS NESTING IN ALASKA AND PARTS OF THE ARCTIC. WHEN THE SEASON ENDS, THEY FLY SOUTH TO ANTARCTICA, EMBARKING ON THE LONGEST MIGRATION OF ANY ANIMAL ON EARTH!
Over the last few weeks, Woods Hole scientists have been mapping the seafloor of Nantucket Sound as part of a long-term partnership with the State of Massachusetts.
Over the last few weeks, Woods Hole scientists have been mapping the seafloor of Nantucket Sound as part of a long-term partnership with the State of Massachusetts.
Welcome to the “I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the “I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
COLORS OF THE CARBON RAINBOW
Not All Carbon is the Same
Scientists use color to classify carbon at different points in the carbon cycle based on carbon function, characteristics, and location. This creates a more descriptive framework than traditional "organic" and "inorganic" labels.
COLORS OF THE CARBON RAINBOW
Not All Carbon is the Same
Scientists use color to classify carbon at different points in the carbon cycle based on carbon function, characteristics, and location. This creates a more descriptive framework than traditional "organic" and "inorganic" labels.
Climate change interacts with droughts in many ways. Some regions are experiencing warmer, drier conditions than they have in the past, leading to less rainfall (meteorological drought) or snowpack (snow drought). Over time, this can cause water sources like lakes, streams, and underground aquifers to dry up (hydrological drought).
Climate change interacts with droughts in many ways. Some regions are experiencing warmer, drier conditions than they have in the past, leading to less rainfall (meteorological drought) or snowpack (snow drought). Over time, this can cause water sources like lakes, streams, and underground aquifers to dry up (hydrological drought).
Scientists continue to study how a warming Arctic will affect polar bear populations. The new 2022 Polar Bear Research Council Masterplan identifies how polar bears in zoos can help fill knowledge gaps that benefit wild populations.
Scientists continue to study how a warming Arctic will affect polar bear populations. The new 2022 Polar Bear Research Council Masterplan identifies how polar bears in zoos can help fill knowledge gaps that benefit wild populations.
In the winter of 2015, the public noticed thousands of dead seabirds washing ashore across the western coast of the United States and Canada. The USGS linked this massive seabird die-off to the North Pacific Marine Heatwave. A marine heatwave occurs when sea surface temperatures are above normal for an extended period of time.
In the winter of 2015, the public noticed thousands of dead seabirds washing ashore across the western coast of the United States and Canada. The USGS linked this massive seabird die-off to the North Pacific Marine Heatwave. A marine heatwave occurs when sea surface temperatures are above normal for an extended period of time.
This is a coloring page for the USGS I Am A... career series depicting a Volcanologist.
This is a coloring page for the USGS I Am A... career series depicting a Volcanologist.
Welcome to the “I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the “I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the “I Am A(n)..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the “I Am A(n)..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
This is an image of the coloring page for the Disease Ecologist I Am A... episode.
This is an image of the coloring page for the Disease Ecologist I Am A... episode.
Welcome to the "I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the "I Am A..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
*Happy Halloween*
Natural Resource Economist coloring page.
Welcome to the “I Am A(n)..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the “I Am A(n)..." series, a whiteboard animation video series highlighting USGS careers.
Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series. This is the tenth video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers.
Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series. This is the tenth video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers.
I Am A...Climate Modeler coloring page.
Steven is interested in landslide hazards, sediment transport, water quality, and stream ecosystems and has published numerous scientific reports, journal articles, and data sets on these topics (see subject links below for respective publications).
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.