Rafael Helisch

A recent graduate with a Master's in Energy and Environmental Management and a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems. Hands-on experience using data and regulatory fact-finding, decision-making systems, ArcGIS for evaluating factors of environmental impact and human health, Python for automating workflow, and SQL for managing GIS databases. Knowledge with NEPA, environmental law, natural resource management, and social-ecological system management.

Dedicated to data-driven decision making and written and verbal reporting for environmental assessments and remediation projects, using communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. Familiar with 40-hour HAZWOPER.

Solar Farm Site Selection: An EEM Practicum at UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT (2025-01 – 2025-05)

• Executed in-depth research on zoning laws, land use regulations, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, opinions of the general public, and renewable energy policies to assess legal and practical feasibility of land parcels for solar farm placement in Connecticut.
• Utilized ArcGIS Pro to analyze publicly available environmental, infrastructure, and regulatory datasets to eliminate undesirable locations, such as watershed, endangered species, zoning, environmental justice communities, land area, and distances to housing.
• Integrated policy research with value judgments to produce data-driven recommendations for externality-minimizing solar energy development locations.
• Authored a report and presentation to communicate findings to a potential readership of stakeholders and professional decision-makers.
• Presented findings for 2 optimal solar farm land parcels from 1000s of potential sits in Connecticut to assist in solar energy adoption while minimizing externalities.

Internship for Brownfield Redevelopment at TOWN OF BLOOMFIELD (2021-01 – 2021-05)

• Analyzed publicly available land covered datasets to assess current potential brownfield site status in Bloomfield, CT.
• Reviewed satellite imagery to determine if sites were underutilized or had past land use suggesting contamination.
• Cross-referenced sites with public, online tax databases to determine if sites were tax delinquent, also a qualifier for brownfield status.
• Identified discrepancies between 50 original Brownfield listings and present land-use conditions, regarding if site was residential, only had leaking storage tanks, or if remediation was complete, a disqualifier.
• Produced and communicated a list of 3 remaining data-supported recommendations regarding the status of sites for redevelopment initiatives to allow Bloomfield to focus funding.

Legal Assistant at LAW OFFICE OF FRIEDRICH M. HELISCH (2019-06 – 2024-08)

• Performed routine office duties such as shredding papers; scanning, preparing, and organizing documents; assisting in maintaining the archive.
• Ran errands including dropping-off mail, recording legal instruments, delivering documents to their recipients, and showing properties to prospective buyers.

Gallery Ambassador Volunteer at THE MARITIME AQUARIUM (2018-06 – 2019-08)

• Greeted 100s of visitors, and built a report by answering questions, and helping promote an enjoyable experience.
• Educated visitors about marine life, conservation, and Long Island Sound ecosystem.
• Explained and enforced rules of exhibits to visitors and explained their importance for the safety of themselves and the animals.

Master of Science (MS) in Energy and Environmental Management – University of Connecticut (2025-05)

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Sciences; Human Health (Concentration) – University of Connecticut (2022-12)

Graduate Certificate (CGS) in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – University of Connecticut (2024-12)

Career Development Course – Platform to Employment (P2E)