Yazmin Lommel

Ecological Research Scientist with 6+ years of field research experience across diverse ecosystems, from Mexican islands to national parks. I help land managers make data-driven restoration decisions through comprehensive biological surveys, species assessments, and technical reporting—published researcher specializing in rare plant conservation with expertise in GIS analysis and statistical modeling.

Research Technician II at SDSU Research Foundation: Soil Ecology and Restoration Group (SERG) (2025-10 – Present)

• Managed and taught three interns in plant identification of native species, invasive plant management, and environmental restoration methods
• Spearheaded and wrote a Weed Management Plan for the project site for the land manager takeover
• Wrote and formatted well-received technical reports for grantors, highlighting project successes

Southern California Forest Ecology Field Technician at SDSU Research Foundation: Soil Ecology and Restoration Group (SERG) (2025-05 – 2025-10)

• Conducted ecological surveys for Common Stand Exams in partnership with USFS, performing field plant identification and data collection
• Estimated plot cover, fuel load, and tree measurements for over 100 sites across Southern California Forests
• Analyzed forestry data using RStudio and Excel, which was synthesized into well-received technical reports for project stakeholders

Graduate Teaching Assistant: Evolution at San Diego State University (SDSU): Department of Biology (2021-08 – 2024-05)

• Taught approx. 75 students per semester, for six semesters, created homework and discussion assignments
• Prepared lectures, held discussions, and helped students with homework and assignments in Evolution

Lab/Field Assistant at SDSU: Dr. Flores-Renteria Lab (2021-06 – 2024-05)

• Conducted ecological surveys on isolated Mexican islands using Survey123 (ArcGIS) and GPS navigation across rugged terrain
• Successfully published thesis evaluating the species status of a rare cacti on Mexican islands using DNA and ecological surveys
• Assisted in reviewing and writing technical documents and published papers regarding research within the lab

Biological Science Technician (Nursery) at Glacier National Park (MT) (2019-05 – 2019-10)

• Identified over 100 native plants using dichotomous keys for collection, propagation, and germination
• Cleaned hundreds of pounds of native plant seed for habitat restoration using a seed blower
• Planted native plants grown in the nursery in the front and back country

M.Sc. in Evolutionary Biology – San Diego State University (SDSU) (2021-08 – 2024-12)

B.Sc. in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Ecology/Evolution – University of California, Merced (UCM) (2014-08 – 2018-05)