CV

Technical Skills

  • Programming & Software Development: Python, MATLAB, SQL, LaTeX
  • Geospatial Tools & GIS Development: ArcGIS SDK, QGIS Plugins, GDAL, PostGIS, ArcPy, GeoPandas
  • Data Engineering & ETL Pipelines: SQL, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Raster & Vector Processing
  • Cloud & DevOps: Linux, CI/CD, API Development, Cloud-based GIS services
  • Remote Sensing & Geospatial Analysis: Bathymetric mapping, environmental modeling, multi-source geospatial data integration

Education

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

  • Ph.D. , Atmospheric and Oceanic Science (2019 – 2025)
    • Research: GIS-driven modeling of ocean dynamics, remote sensing automation, oceanographic modeling, and spatial data engineering
  • M.Sc. Atmospheric and Oceanic Science (2019 – 2022)

University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

  • B.Sc. Earth Science (Climate Emphasis) & B.Sc. Physical Geography (2014 – 2018)

Professional Experience

GIS Software Engineer | Staff Research Associate II

UCSB Geography Department (2025 – Present)

  • Developed Python-based ETL pipelines to automate side-scan sonar data processing for real-time geospatial monitoring.
  • Engineered GIS algorithms using GDAL & PostGIS to optimize spatial accuracy & sonar dataset integration.
  • Built and deployed interactive GIS dashboards (ArcGIS, QGIS, JavaScript) for bathymetric data visualization & analysis.

Research Oceanographer | Oceanic Modeler

NOAA Quantitative Observing System Assessment Program (QOSAP) (2025)

  • Job rescinded in federal hiring freeze (scheduled start date February 10, 2025)

Graduate Researcher | Geospatial Data Scientist

UCLA Atmospheric & Oceanic Science Department (2020 – 2024)

  • Designed GIS-integrated oceanographic models for wastewater impact assessments, optimizing environmental strategies.
  • Automated remote sensing workflows (Python, GIS, AWS) to analyze kelp forest dynamics and anthropogenic inputs.
  • Developed multi-criteria site suitability models using hydrodynamic, regulatory, and spatial datasets for marine applications.

Explorer in Training | NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration & Research (2022)

  • Conducted hydrographic surveys aboard R.V. Okeanos Explorer, collecting and processing bathymetric data.
  • Built GIS-based automation scripts using Python, GDAL, and QGIS plugins to analyze 1,000+ sq. miles of EEZ data.
  • Developed a web-based GIS dashboard for marine navigation, habitat assessment, and regulatory engagement.

Scientific Visitor | National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) (2018 – 2019)

  • Engineered high-resolution geospatial models for NASA & Uber’s Air pilot project, optimizing urban mobility planning.
  • Developed 3D bathymetric maps & interactive GIS applications supporting National Security Applications research.
  • Designed a cloud-based geospatial analysis pipeline for modeling climate risk & environmental intelligence.

Selected Projects

Automated GIS Pipeline for Marine Spatial Analysis (Python, PostGIS, GDAL)

  • Built ETL workflows to automate sonar data processing, integrating real-time bathymetric updates into GIS dashboards.

Geospatial Dashboard for Remote Sensing Analytics (ArcGIS, QGIS, Python APIs)

  • Designed cloud-integrated GIS tools to analyze multi-source spatial datasets, improving remote sensing efficiency.

Publications & Presentations

  • Hoel, P., Bianchi, D., Cavanaugh, K., Freider, C. Anthropogenic nutrient sources influence kelp canopies during a marine heat wave. Marine Pollution Bulletin (in revision).
  • Hoel, P., Moreno, A., Bianchi, D. Mechanisms controlling lower trophic ecosystem response to ocean outfall discharges: role of nitrogen form and freshwater volume. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 2024.
  • Hoel, P., Fredston, A., Halpern, B.S. An Evaluation Framework for Risk of Coastal Marine Ecological Diversity Loss From Land-Based Impacts. Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022.
  • Boehnert, J., Dobson, G., & Hoel, P.GIS Tutorial for Atmospheric Sciences. UCAR & UNC-Asheville, 2020.
  • O’Lenick, C.R., et al., including Hoel, P.A Case-Crossover Analysis of Indoor Heat Exposure on Mortality and Hospitalizations among the Elderly in Houston, Texas. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2020.
  • Hoel, P. The human-kelp connection: Are we impacting the spatial patterns of kelp in Southern California? Oral presentation, UC GIS Week Conference, 2022.
  • Hoel, P. Comparing influence of physical dynamics and nutrient additions of Southern California waste water outflows. Oral Presentation, Coastal Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) Conference, 2021.

Technical Leadership & Industry Engagement

Lead Instructor, GIS for Community Health Workshop (2021)

  • Developed and delivered geospatial analysis training for public health and urban planning applications.

Science Communicator & Geospatial Educator (2020 – Present)

  • Built a science communication platform (120K+ audience, 3M+ interactions) for GIS, climate science, and oceanography.
  • Featured on CTV (Canadian Television) and media outlets as an oceanography expert.

Teaching Fellow, GIS & Remote Sensing Applications (UCLA, 2020 – 2024)

  • Led courses integrating climate modeling, spatial analysis, and policy-driven GIS applications.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Morris Neiburger Award, UCLA (2021, 2020 Honorable Mention)
  • Early Career Fellow, Center for Diverse Leadership in Science, UCLA (2020 – 2024)
  • Best Spatial Analysis Storymap, ESRI User Conference (2019)
  • Graduation with High Honors Distinction, UCSB (2018)

Professional Affiliations & Leadership

  • Emcee & Program Team, EDGE Youth Leadership (2022 – Present)
  • Member, UCLA Environmental Justice Working Group (2020 – 2022)
  • Mentor & Team Lead, EDGE Youth Leadership (2018 – 2021)

Professional References

Available upon request.