Dara holds a B.S. in Ecosystem Restoration and Management from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and has dedicated over 20 years to the Commission. She began her career with GLIFWC as the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Project Coordinator and, over time, transitioned into a variety of roles, including developing GLIFWC’s PostgreSQL database for an ANA Environmental Regulatory project.
Following the completion of the project, Dara took on dual roles as both the AIS Coordinator and Database Manager. Eventually, she shifted to full-time Database Manager, where she develops, maintains, and administers database and data-driven web applications. Dara is involved in a wide range of projects within the biological services division, including initiatives related to invasive species, waterfowl, native plants, and even creels fish when needed.
Additionally, Dara helps lead several initiatives, including the ESRI Enterprise build on GLIFWC’s existing database, development of GLIFWC’s website, and the digitization of historic Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Prior to joining GLIFWC, Dara gained valuable experience with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).