Nicole DeCrappeo
Co-Founder
nicole@rootedwatersconsulting.com
Nicole DeCrappeo has over 30 years of experience working with natural resources, studying cave arthropods in West Virginia, insects as biological control agents in Florida waterways, soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in Kansas tallgrass prairies, nematode communities and climate change in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, and soil biological communities in sagebrush steppe ecosystems of the western U.S.
She worked for the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for over two decades, first as a research scientist with the Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center and later in a variety of capacities with the Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC) Network. She served as Director of the Northwest CASC for 7 years, managing a multimillion dollar budget, leading creation of a 5-year strategic science plan, developing funding opportunities, administering an extensive research project portfolio, collaboratively leading the CASC with academic partners, initiating creation of the CASC Network’s first diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility strategy, and mentoring many early career employees.
Working in the field of climate adaptation, Nicole learned the importance of co-produced actionable science — working on science questions that always begin with the resource management need, decision, or application, and working with managers throughout the life of the project to ensure products are tailored for usable, on-the-ground solutions. Nicole considers her greatest achievement to be when the people on her teams thrive and enjoy their work. Whether they be direct reports, mentees, leadership colleagues, or management partners in conservation and adaptation, taking time to know and care about the people she works with is always first on the agenda.
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Soil Science
Oregon State University
Master of Science in Ecology
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
American University