Data Scientist

Michael Getz, Data Scientist

Michael Getz, M.S.

Data Scientist
michael.getz@briwildlife.org

Michael started his science career doing plant surveys for the Nature Conservancy on the Zumwalt Prairie in NE Oregon. He then pursued a BS in Botany from Oregon State University while contributing to a plant metagenomics lab and working summers as a botanist on backcountry field crews across Nevada and Idaho. His interest in large-scale data analysis led him to a master’s project developing computer vision models to improve nonlethal pollinator monitoring and invasive insect detection.

Michael joined BRI in 2026 as a Data Scientist, and prepares complex ecological datasets for analysis, automating data processing, and visualizing results. Now that he’s settled in Maine, he hopes to spend his free time either gardening or sailing.

Education & Certifications

  • MS – Horticulture, Oregon State University, 2024
  • BS – Botany, Oregon State University, 2021
  • BA – International Area Studies, New College of Florida, 2013

Research Interests

  • Applied deep learning
  • Environmental and remote sensing
  • Data communication
  • Plant community ecology

Journal Articles

  • Getz, M.P., Best, L.R., Melathopoulos, A.P. and Warren, T.L., 2024. The establishment and potential spread of Osmia cornuta (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in North America. Environmental Entomology, 53(6), pp.1147-1156.

Grants, Awards & Fellowships

  • Arco Swallow Horticulture Research Fellowship, 2023