Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
Relevant Coursework:
Key Projects & Research
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Joshua Shank

Owings

Summary

Senior Geography & Environmental Systems major at UMBC (BA, expected May 2026) with strong academic training in climate change, sustainability, conservation, and GIS applications. Experienced in applied research and outreach projects, including pollinator habitat restoration studies, digital climate storytelling, and GIS-based trail mapping. Demonstrated leadership as an officer in UMBC’s Astronomy Club and Rowing Crew, with experience delivering educational presentations, organizing community events, and managing team logistics. Skilled in curriculum design, public speaking, and technical mapping tools, with additional experience supervising youth science programs through four years of volunteer teaching at Vacation Bible School. Brings a proven record of reliability and discipline from four years as a line cook, never missing a shift or arriving late. Dedicated to connecting environmental science with education, community engagement, and practical solutions in sustainability.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Line Cook Supervisor

Chesapeake Market & Deli
10.2021 - Current
  • Coordinated seamless shift transitions by maintaining thorough handover notes and clear communication channels among crew members.
  • Streamlined communication between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, reducing order errors and enhancing guest satisfaction, I work both sides so I have good experience with communications.
  • Overhauled kitchen organization system, increasing workspace functionality and expediting meal preparation times.
  • Trained junior cooks for improved cooking techniques, resulting in higher quality dishes and increased customer satisfaction.

Volenteer

Huntington United Methodist Church
01.2016 - 01.2020
  • Supervised groups of K–5th grade students in a classroom setting, ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment.
  • Designed and led interactive science demonstrations and activities to introduce core STEM concepts to young learners.
  • Developed age-appropriate lesson materials and collaborated with other instructors to support program goals.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Geography And Environmental Science

UMBC
Baltimore, MD
05-2026

Skills

  • Technical: ArcGIS Pro Garmin GPS data analysis Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Canva Research writing Curriculum development Environmental data interpretation
  • Communication & Outreach: Public speaking Lesson planning Youth education (K–12) Community engagement Event organization Presentation design & delivery
  • Professional & Workplace: Leadership Team management Logistics coordination Time management Reliability (4 years as line cook with perfect attendance) Multitasking in high-pressure environments

Interests

Originally when I came to UMBC I wanted to be a mechanical engineer, through taking coursework at UMBC I found that I had a strong connection to the Environmental Sciences Frequently I enjoy traveling and seeing as much of the Natural world as I can I pride myself in my experiences in the national parks I have visited I have also found that I like to educate people about Environmental sciences, I think its something that should be more present in modern day teaching especially in the K-12 system

Timeline

Line Cook Supervisor

Chesapeake Market & Deli
10.2021 - Current

Volenteer

Huntington United Methodist Church
01.2016 - 01.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Geography And Environmental Science

UMBC

Relevant Coursework:

  • GES 350: Climate Change and Society — Social and policy dimensions of climate change.
  • GES 320: Urban Ecosystems — Environmental systems and sustainability in cities.
  • GES 326: Conservation Thought — Historical and contemporary approaches to conservation.
  • GES 305: Landscape Ecology — Spatial patterns and ecological processes.
  • GES 337: Natural Resource Management — Management of natural systems and sustainability.
  • GES 386: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems — GIS mapping and analysis for environmental applications.
  • GES 120: Environmental Science and Conservation — Foundations in ecological and conservation science.
  • GES 110: Physical Geography — Earth systems, landforms, and climate processes.

Key Projects & Research

  • Pollinator Pathways in Urban Ecosystems — Developed a research paper and presentation on urban pollinator corridors, integrating Maryland case studies such as FDA White Oak hives and Route One initiatives.
  • Roadside Pollinator Habitat Restoration — Synthesized ecological research (Hopwood & Mawdsley, 2023) into a final paper on habitat restoration with applications for Maryland.
  • Climate Conversations Project — Produced a digital story based on an interview with a Maryland state policy leader, exploring climate change perspectives and local adaptation strategies.
  • Trail Mapping Project (ACLT) — Built a GIS-based, multi-map portfolio of the American Chestnut Land Trust trail system using Garmin GPS data and ArcGIS Pro.
  • Rabbit Hole Presentation: Ballroom Culture and HIV/AIDS Prevention — Delivered a seminar presentation on Black Geographies, analyzing the intersections of public health, culture, and grassroots education.

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