Megan O'Brien

My work blends geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and accessible data visualization. I am passionate about developing comprehensive, data-driven solutions to complex problems.

Education

Master of Arts, Geography, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax NS (May 2026)
Diploma, Geographic Information Systems – Cartography & Geovisualization, NSCC Centre of Geographic Sciences, Halifax, NS
Bachelor of Science, Marine Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS

Skills

Geospatial: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, FME, Survey123

Data Visualization: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), Blender, Tableau, PowerBI

Statistics & Programming: Python (arcpy, pandas, osgeo), R (lidR, terra, randomForest), SQL (PostgreSQL), JavaScript (Google Earth Engine)

Experience

2024 - Present

Saint Mary's University

Graduate Thesis Student

  • Analyzed complex geospatial datasets and 3D remote sensing data in ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth Engine, and R to develop a machine learning model for mapping old-growth forest in Nova Scotia, improving predictions by 50%.

  • Implemented Python-based (arcpy) modelling programs to assess the impact of road construction and traffic on the surrounding environment.

  • Developed process documentation and technical reports to create a roadmap for future projects in Nova Scotia.

  • Designed award-winning maps, presentations, and data visualization products using Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS Online, and Blender to communicate research insights with technical and non-technical stakeholders in academic and government fields.

2024 - Present

Saint Mary's University

Graduate Thesis Student

  • Analyzed complex geospatial datasets and 3D remote sensing data in ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth Engine, and R to develop a machine learning model for mapping old-growth forest in Nova Scotia, improving predictions by 50%.

  • Implemented Python-based (arcpy) modelling programs to assess the impact of road construction and traffic on the surrounding environment.

  • Developed process documentation and technical reports to create a roadmap for future projects in Nova Scotia.

  • Designed award-winning maps, presentations, and data visualization products using Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS Online, and Blender to communicate research insights with technical and non-technical stakeholders in academic and government fields.

2024 - Present

Wicked Problems Lab, Saint Mary's University

Graduate Student Researcher


  • Managed large datasets from 8 geospatial databases to update and verify maps of land use in ArcGIS Pro.

  • Improved deprecated tools for modelling landscape connectivity in R, Julia, and Python (arcpy), allowing clients to optimize the impact of land acquisition and conservation decisions.

  • Assessed geospatial modelling methods for estimating forest age in a systematic literature review, currently in publication.

  • Communicated key project outcomes to clients and delivered user-friendly GIS products for use in conservation.

2024 - Present

Wicked Problems Lab, Saint Mary's University

Graduate Student Researcher


  • Managed large datasets from 8 geospatial databases to update and verify maps of land use in ArcGIS Pro.

  • Improved deprecated tools for modelling landscape connectivity in R, Julia, and Python (arcpy), allowing clients to optimize the impact of land acquisition and conservation decisions.

  • Assessed geospatial modelling methods for estimating forest age in a systematic literature review, currently in publication.

  • Communicated key project outcomes to clients and delivered user-friendly GIS products for use in conservation.

2024

GeoNet Technologies

Geographic Information Systems Intern

  • Utilized Summit Evolution, QGIS, and photogrammetry hardware to process imagery and perform 3D topographic mapping.

  • Used Python to perform quality control on completed topographic map sheets, identifying symmetry and elevation errors; rectified issues in ArcMap.

  • Automated compilation and quality control processes by developing and testing new Python scripts and implementing a GitHub-based protocol.

2024

GeoNet Technologies

Geographic Information Systems Intern

  • Utilized Summit Evolution, QGIS, and photogrammetry hardware to process imagery and perform 3D topographic mapping.

  • Used Python to perform quality control on completed topographic map sheets, identifying symmetry and elevation errors; rectified issues in ArcMap.

  • Automated compilation and quality control processes by developing and testing new Python scripts and implementing a GitHub-based protocol.

2022 - 2023

Shad Canada

Program Assistant & Manager

  • Worked with a diverse team to manage the daily operation of a residential STEM program for 50+ high school students at the University of British Columbia.

  • Scheduled and executed daily activities for students, ensuring transportation, catering, and communication needs were met.

2022 - 2023

Shad Canada

Program Assistant & Manager

  • Worked with a diverse team to manage the daily operation of a residential STEM program for 50+ high school students at the University of British Columbia.

  • Scheduled and executed daily activities for students, ensuring transportation, catering, and communication needs were met.

Extracurricular

2023 - 2024

Centre of Geographic Sciences Student Association

Vice President, Communications

  • Published a weekly newsletter to 600+ students, publicizing weekly events and activities offered by the Student Association.

  • Designed publicity materials including posters, social media posts, and flyers.

  • Managed recruitment for up to 10 program representatives from each program at the college.

2023 - 2024

Centre of Geographic Sciences Student Association

Vice President, Communications

  • Published a weekly newsletter to 600+ students, publicizing weekly events and activities offered by the Student Association.

  • Designed publicity materials including posters, social media posts, and flyers.

  • Managed recruitment for up to 10 program representatives from each program at the college.

Awards

  • Second Place, Best Student Presentation - Atlantic Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers (ACAG) (2025)

  • Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship ($10,000) (2025)

  • Best Student Poster - Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) (2025)

  • Honourable Mention, Arthur Robinson Print Map Award - Cartography and Geographic Information Society (CaGIS) (2025)

  • Best Student Lightning Talk Award - Atlantic Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers (ACAG) (2024)

  • President's Prize - Canadian Cartographic Association (CCA) (2024)

  • CANMAP Award (2024)

    • The CANMAP Award is given to a graduating student from the Geovisualization and Cartography program at the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) who demonstrates exceptional skills in the fields of GIS and mapmaking. More importantly, the winner has shown innovativeness in project work. The winner has been a resource to fellow students and faculty.

Publications

O'Brien, M., Bush, P. G., Binney, L., Gould, A., & Matsumoto, P. (2025). Landscape connectivity in Prince Edward Island (Updated for 2025). Saint Mary's University. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.18998.36165.

Conferences

Paper Presentation - 'Improving the classification of old-growth forest with GIS and remote sensing techniques in Nova Scotia', Canadian Association of Geographers, Atlantic Division Annual Meeting
November 21 - 22, 2025 | Online, hosted by Saint Mary's University


Poster Presentation - ' Improving the classification of old-growth forest with GIS and remote sensing techniques in Nova Scotia', Canadian Association of Geographers, Ontario Division Annual Meeting
November 14 - 15, 2025 | Toronto, ON


Poster Presentation - ' A New Old Growth Potential Index for Nova Scotia', Canadian Association of Geographers Annual Meeting
May 20 - 23, 2025 | Ottawa, ON


Lightning Round Presentation - ' A New Old Growth Potential Index for Nova Scotia', Canadian Association of Geographers, Atlantic Division Annual Meeting
November 2 - 3, 2024 | Online, hosted by Memorial University