Shradha Birdika

Led an interior mapping project for the Energy and Sustainability Division, standardizing floor plans to CAD
files for seamless integration into GIS software, thus ensuring accurate spatial data analysis.
Calculated and verified interior architectural measurements, enhancing property managements decision-
making capabilities that impact budget planning, space management, and energy audits.
Presented complex project results to County Leadership using engaging visuals and accessible language.

Facilitated in a study focused on the Urban Heat Island effect in environmental justice areas of Rhode Island.
Conducted street tree surveys and analyzed air temperature and air quality data to identify key factors
contributing to temperature disparities, paving the way for informed mitigation policies.
Applied Participatory GIS techniques to perform spatial analysis of perceptions of Clark University's Hadwen
Arboretum by interviewing greenspace users as part of an independent research project and honors thesis.
Evaluated resulting maps to inform strategies for arboretum development and improved visitor satisfaction.

Enhanced patron satisfaction by providing customer service for diverse library users.
Addressed frontline information needs and connected stakeholders with appropriate academic resources.
Supervised and coordinated clerks within the library circulation to ensure smooth daily operations.

Clark University’s Hadwen Arboretum, located at the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, is a cherished community asset. This research's overarching objective was to qualitatively analyze this urban greenspace and its multifaceted impact on the community using Participatory Geographic Information Science (PGIS) techniques. A total of twenty interviews were conducted with three cohorts: local officials and residents of the Columbus Park Neighborhood, specifically those with frequent interactions with the arboretum, members of Clark's facilities management, and faculty and students actively engaged with the arboretum. The results revealed that the Hadwen Arboretum has garnered widespread positive feedback, particularly regarding aesthetic improvements and overall community satisfaction, with specific commendation directed towards its aesthetic appeal, maintenance efforts, and positive impact on the community's well-being. Additionally, the negative perceptions identified along May and Lovell streets highlight the subtle challenges of greenspace management, necessitating a multifaceted approach to address environmental and community engagement. These findings offer valuable guidance for shaping the future trajectory of the arboretum, providing a roadmap for refining the bottom-up management model. The significance of this methodological approach is indicated by the potential applications of sketch mapping in informing social policies and its relevance to a wide range of research topics across disciplines.

HERO fellows study trees outside of Massachusetts for first time