Byron Edwards-Coope

I am a versatile and dynamic Biological and Environmental professional adept in blending a formal education in Biology with hands-on experience in environmental fieldwork, laboratory techniques, and project management, laying a solid foundation for roles in Natural resource consulting/management, Conservation Science, and Environmental Analysis. 
As an avid outdoorsman and a lifelong student of nature, I am acutely aware that the ecological value that native biodiversity provides to the world cannot be understated. I am driven to continue to work to preserve environmental health for the good of future generations

Plant Care Associate: Terrana Biosciences, Cambridge MA, December 2024-Present 

• Operate, monitor, and optimize automated CEA plant production systems in order to maximize efficiency and plant health
• Develop, refine, and enforce SOPs to enhance plant production processes and improve efficacy while maintaining standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and biosafety standard compliant plant production environment in a BSL-2 Laboratory.
• Analyze plant health data and generate detailed reports to support decision-making and operational improvements.
• Cultivate high-quality plants through precise watering, fertilization, pest management, and environmental monitoring.
• Manage plant production workflows and maintain accurate inventory records using automated tracking systems.
• Collect and process experimental plant samples in collaboration with scientists to support research initiatives.
• Performed various maintenance duties including plant production equipment maintenance/electrical wiring of lighting systems and plumbing and wiring and configuring of automated irrigation equipment

Key Achievements

• Increased the capacity of walk-in CEA chambers by 260% through the construction, wiring and installation of custom shelving units

• Facilitated major infrastructure updates for automated irrigation systems and sensor arrays

Biological Science Technician: Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Boston, MA,  May 2024 – December 2024

• Led community conservation outreach, educating public groups on native plant care and ecological stewardship.
• Supported data collection and reporting for resource management databases in coordination with state partners.
• Trained and guided volunteers, youth leaders, and high school students in conservation, plant identification, and IPM.
• Operated and maintained power tools and chainsaws for habitat restoration and land management projects.
• Conducted flora and fauna assessments, including pollinator, rocky intertidal wetland, and forest surveys.
• Engaged with community stakeholders, government agencies, nonprofits, and private partners to drive conservation efforts.
• Utilized ARCGIS and Field Maps to create maps, collect and manage spatial data, and track operations.
• Organized and led large-scale volunteer events focused on habitat restoration, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), coastal cleanups, and citizen science initiatives.
• Worked outdoors in diverse weather conditions while maintaining safety standards and public interaction.

Key Achievements

• Awarded a Performance Award for leadership in stewardship and IPM initiatives. 

• Standardized equipment maintenance procedures for invasive species control operations.

Restoration, Invasive Species and Forestry Technician/ Crew Lead,  Redstart Consulting, Bradford VT April 2022 – April 2024, 

• Directed crews performing invasive species management through mechanical removal and selective herbicide application.
• Planned and executed tree planting projects across riparian, private, and urban zones
• Collaborated with foresters on site visits and developed special permits and restoration plans using topographic and GIS maps.
• Enhanced upland stream and brook trout habitats through strategic wood additions (SWA).
• Conducted timber stand management, including harvest tree/boundary marking, and CTR, patch cut, and invasive felling.
• Performed forest inventory surveys, collecting and analyzing understory composition data.
• Led crews in challenging environments, executing complex chainsaw operations under high-pressure conditions.
• Educated landowners and visitors on species selection, EAB threats, and tree maintenance practices.

Key Achievements

• Organized and led a large-scale restoration planting project, successfully planting 5,000 trees in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited for wetland and waterfowl conservation. Coordinated communication between conservation officials, company management and the general public.  

• Directed and managed a joint educational forestry initiative with Marsh Billings National Park for students on hazard tree removal, felling operations and safety awareness.

Bartender/Barback:  Paradise Grill, Long Neck, DE  June 2020 - November 2021

• Cultivated a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for guests at a high-volume bar and restaurant. 
• Expertly prepared a diverse range of mixed drinks and beverages, adapting to a fast-paced service environment. 
• Maintained cleanliness and organization in the bar and dining areas, ensuring a sanitary and appealing space for patrons and staff. 
• Managed bar inventory effectively,  ensuring all materials and drinks were adequately stocked. Accurately and rapidly interfaced with the Point of sale (POS) system. 

Key Achievements:

• Trained new barbacks, focusing on efficient procedures, effective time management, and organizational techniques  across multiple bar areas within the establishment. 

Administrative Assistant:  Care First Dental Team, Dover, DE,   May 2011 - June 2020, 

• Managed a range of clerical tasks, including digitizing and updating patient records, organizing files and insurance forms. 
• Handled incoming calls and appointment scheduling, ensuring efficient office operations. 
• Coordinated with dental professionals and staff to ensure smooth office operations and patient flow. Assisted with billing and payment processing, ensuring accurate and timely financial transactions. 

Key Achievements:

• Maintained the office’s online and social media presence, enhancing visibility through website updates and SEO  optimization. 

• Updated patient insurance coverage and benefits information in the computer system, maintaining accuracy and  confidentiality. 

I have a Bachelor's degree from Colgate University. My course load centered around biology with an emphasis on ecology, and botany. These courses and associated lab work provided me with significant experience in botanical and animal species ID, comparative physiology and an understanding of population dynamics, terrestrial and aquatic ecology.