Jennifer LaVista
Communicating USGS science throughout the Southwest and Midwest regions
Biography
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 with her husband and dog, Pepper. She is an avid traveler and also enjoys practicing aerial arts.
Science and Products
USGS Program Tackles Complex Water Questions
The U.S. Geological Survey has chosen the Illinois River Basin as the next watershed to be studied by its scientists as part of a large-scale effort to better understand the nation’s water systems.
USGS Unveils Mobile Flood Tool for the Nation
The U.S. Geological Survey announced Friday the completion of a new mobile tool that provides real-time information on water levels, weather and flood forecasts all in one place on a computer, smartphone or other mobile device.
Bridging the Language Barrier During the Puerto Rico Earthquake
What happens when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Puerto Rico and the public needs critical information? How does a mostly English-speaking science agency reach a mostly Spanish-speaking public?
USGS Science to Keep Us Safe: Floods and Drought
The scarcity or overabundance of water presents some of the most dangerous, damaging and costly threats to human life, ecosystems and property in the form of drought, floods and debris flows.
USGS Dye-Tracing Study on the Kansas River to Aid in Protecting Water Supplies
U.S. Geological Survey and partners will inject a harmless, bright red fluorescent dye into the Kansas River on September 29, weather permitting. The study is being done by the USGS in cooperation with the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, The Nature Conservancy, City of Manhattan, City of Topeka, City of Olathe and WaterOne.
USGS Scientists are Busy as a Bee
Many bumble bee species have declined in recent decades due to changes in habitat, climate, and pressures from pathogens, pesticides and introduced species. The western bumble bee, once common throughout western North America, is a species of concern and is being considered for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act.
Food Web Dynamics Influence Mercury Movement in Colorado River, Grand Canyon
A new study describes how food web dynamics influence the movement of mercury throughout the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. This new research from the U.S. Geological Survey and partners represents one of the first times that the movement and fate of mercury has been traced through an entire food web.
USGS Responds to Spring Flooding
U.S. Geological Survey field crews are measuring flooding across the country as spring weather is in full swing. Warming temperatures, increased precipitation and snowmelt have caused moderate to major flooding in the upper Midwest, East Coast, Central Plains and the Southeast portions of the country.
M5.7 Earthquake Felt near Salt Lake City, UT
Updated Forecast Shows 1% Chance of Aftershock Above 5.7
New Tools for Flood Preparedness Available for Medina River Near Bandera, Texas
New tools for flood preparedness are now available for the Medina River near Bandera, Texas, from the U.S. Geological Survey, the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, and the Texas Water Development Board.
Groundwater in Moab Area Less than Previously Reported
A new assessment of groundwater resources in the Spanish Valley watershed in southern Utah shows an amount that is about 30–40% lower than previously reported, according to a U.S. Geological Survey report.
Vaccination May Help Protect Bats from Deadly Disease
A new study shows that vaccination may reduce the impact of white-nose syndrome in bats, marking a milestone in the international fight against one of the most destructive wildlife diseases in modern times.