Geraldine Klarenberg

Lecturer, Quantitative Data Science

Dr Geraldine Klarenberg is a lecturer in Quantitative Data Science. She joined the School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences in August 2019.

Her work broadly focuses on data science and systems modeling, with an emphasis on exploratory data analyses, complexity of natural systems and interdisciplinarity. The availability of large and/or complex datasets and increased computational power holds great promise for research, but requires specific skill sets. Geraldine’s aim is to empower students and researchers with the basics, and more, if required.

In her teaching she emphasizes making students comfortable with coding, data management, reproducibility, and analyses. This also encompasses data visualization, data preparation and management, exploratory data analysis techniques (including time series analysis) and numerical ecology and machine learning techniques. In addition to teaching techniques and best practices, an important component is to introduce learners to suites of (open access) tools and computing resources.

Geraldine’s appointment is 30% consulting, and students and faculty are encouraged to contact her to discuss coding, data management and analysis issues. 

To book an online meeting: Book time with Klarenberg,Geraldine: ONLINE Data and analysis support

To book an in-person meeting: Book time with Klarenberg,Geraldine: IN-PERSON Data and analysis support

Geraldine has a PhD from the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at UF, where she researched the effects of highway building through the Amazon, mainly on vegetation structure. After graduating, she was a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, where she analyzed tick and vegetation data from the NEON site at Ordway Swisher Biological Station.

For part of her PhD she was employed by the Suwannee River Water Management District as a Statistician, and later by FFGS Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences as a Biological Scientist to develop a bonefish population model.

Before moving to the USA, she lived in South Africa. There she worked for an NGO on water issues and sustainable livelihoods, and as an independent consultant on (international) water management issues, livelihoods and climate change mitigation. She also lived in Australia and the Fiji Islands for her master’s research projects.

Courses Taught

Current Projects

• Data Science Training for Future Leaders in Soil Health Research and Extension (USDA) - collaborator
• Using Collaborative Open Science Tools to Improve Engagement with the Ecology of the Guana River Estuary (NOAA – NERRS) - PI

• Education

  • PhD, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (with a certificate in Biological Systems Modeling), University of Florida, 2017
  • MSc+BSc, International Land and Water Management (major: Irrigation and Water Engineering), Wageningen University, 2004