Laura Cobham

Relevant Skills

Computer Skills: 3 years of GIS software experience (ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro), proficient in the use of Microsoft/Google Suites

Research/Writing Skills: Presented high-quality and professional oral and written deliverables as part of coursework for the City of Cambridge based on in-depth research

Graphic Design Skills: 6 years of personal graphic design experience (Adobe Illustrator/InDesign/Photoshop/Affinity Designer/Canva)

Relevant Experience

Research Assistant, 2023 (Wilfrid Laurier University - Waterloo, ON)

• Collected data in the field by collaborating with a team
• Interpreted and entered data into Excel and ArcMap that would be used to determine action on sand dune restoration on Burlington Beach and Wasaga Beach

Global Adversity & Wellbeing Research Assistant, 2023 (Wilfrid Laurier University - Burlington, ON)

• Worked with family mobility data in ArcGIS Pro to create maps that showed family journeys to Canada
• Integrated maps, photos, and text into ArcGIS StoryMaps that presented the data in an easily understood and interesting way

Stock Associate, 2022 (Zara - Burlington, ON)

• Worked in a fast-paced environment meeting hourly deadlines to maintain the warehouse and allow the store to run smoothly

Poll Location Inspector, 2021 (Elections Ontario - Burlington, ON)

• Interacted with members of the public to collect data to deliver a detailed report to the Returning Officer to be analyzed
• Worked in a 2-person team to divide tasks so that necessary information was obtained

EcoHawks General Marketing Member, 2021-2023 (Wilfrid Laurier University - Waterloo, ON

• Collaborated with a team to engage Wilfrid Laurier students on social media and translate online participation to in-person events
• Used graphic design skills to create eye-catching posters

Seasonal Department Associate, 2020 (Canadian Tire – Burlington, ON)

• Provided customers with accurate information about products, locations, and pricing
• Was responsible for maintaining the department through regular upkeep and warehouse management, oversaw closing of the department at night

Awards

Graduation with High Distinction from Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU)

• 11.0 or higher cumulative GPA for all courses

Esri Canada GIS Scholarship Award, 2023

• Nominated by Wilfrid Laurier University as a student who has showed skill in using Esri products

WLU Capstone Urban Sustainability Project 2nd Place, 2023

• Achieved 2nd place in Wilfrid Laurier University’s CUSP course, where students compete by creating high-quality deliverables for the City of Cambridge
• Conducted in-depth research on sustainability and 15-minute neighbourhoods

WLU Arthur Beckman Geography Scholarship, 2022

• Achieved the highest GPA in all completed Geography courses in 2021-2022

WLU Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, 2nd Year Faculty Award, 2022

• Achieved the highest GPA in senior Geography courses in Year 2

WLU In-Course Scholarship, 2019-2022

• Achieved a GPA over 11.0 from Years 1-3

WLU Research Assistant

Sand Dune Mapping with GPS

My most recent work experience was in the summer of 2023, when I worked with a team of Laurier professors and other students as a research assistant. I helped collect GPS data that would inform action on sand dune restoration at Burlington Beach and Wasaga Beach.

Burlington Beach was the 1st data collection location. It has efforts in place to preserve sand and build its dunes back up, such as beachgrass.

Burlington Beach has sections of beachgrass that help to hold sand in place with the roots so that it doesn't get blown away by the wind.

Wasaga Beach was the 2nd data collection location. The beach is often raked and vehicles can drive on it, so sand dunes cannot grow.

Data Collection Locations

First, the team went to Burlington Beach in early June of 2022, spending the day there and learning how to use the Leica S16 rover. Then, in late June the team went to Wasaga Beach, where the data collection could go faster due to the students being more experienced with the equipment. It took approximately 2 hours to get to Wasaga Beach, and only took 15 to reach Burlington Beach.