Tali Schwelling, Faculty Specialist

Quick Chat With Tali Schwelling

Faculty specialist Tali Schwelling shares what inspires her work with the GEDI team and how she stays connected to nature outside the office.

With a background in wildlife conservation and a passion for connecting people to science, Tali plays a key role in supporting the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission at the University of Maryland. From Dayton, Maryland, she’s been part of the Department of Geographical Sciences for nearly four years, helping the team behind GEDI’s groundbreaking forest structure research run smoothly while engaging the broader community.

What do you like most about your role? 

I like that my work contributes to helping researchers address critical science questions about biodiversity, conservation and other topics that I’m passionate about! 

How would you explain your role in one sentence? 

Supporting the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission, its research team and broader community through behind-the-scenes support and outreach activities. 

What’s a pet peeve you have at work? 

Not sure if it’s a pet peeve, but I wish I could open the windows at the office on nice days. 

What do you do to help you recharge? 

Spending time outdoors, in or near water, biking, gardening and crafting are my favorite ways to recharge and reset.

Anything else you would like people to know about you? 

My background is in wildlife conservation — I really love animals! Separately, I recently became obsessed with knitting ... if anyone wants to form a lunch-time fiber arts club, I'm in :-)

Image courtesy of Tali Schwelling