Chicago — (RealEstateRama) — Woodstock Institute is pleased to announce that Derek Barthel has joined the organization on Tuesday, assuming the position of Research Associate. Derek is a skilled researcher with interests in both GIS analysis and environmental research. He comes to Woodstock after a tenure as Research Analyst for Northeastern Illinois University and time working as a paralegal. Both of these positions required considerable fluency with data collection and analysis as well as a high-level of proficiency with GIS and research softwares.
Derek has consistently undertaken his research with an eye towards direct engagement outside the office and classroom. His graduate thesis highlighted the effects of tourism and armed conflict on deforestation in Colombia, and in the course of his work he met with several Colombian indigenous peoples affected by these processes as well as officials from the country’s national park service. His interest in environmental studies has further led him to spend the past several years gathering over 200 hours in volunteer experience doing ecological restoration and research work with the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserves of Cook County stewards, and the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
As a graduate student Derek received several awards, including a very competitive research scholarship with funding and stipend. He has also presented his research at several academic symposia as well as in front of undergraduate classrooms.
“Derek’s research skills and his understanding of consumer debt issues will help Woodstock Institute advance its economic security and community prosperity mission. I am very pleased to welcome him to our team,” said Dory Rand, President of Woodstock Institute.
Derek earned his B.A. in Political Science from DePaul University and his M.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies at Northeastern Illinois University.
About Woodstock
Woodstock Institute is a leading nonprofit research and policy organization in the areas of equitable lending, wealth creation, and safe and affordable financial products and services. Woodstock Institute works locally and nationally to create a financial system in which lower-wealth persons and communities of color can safely borrow, save, and build wealth so that they can achieve economic security and community prosperity.
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