Mark Servilla, NIS Lead Scientist

Designs and implements LTER Network Information System Coordinates integration of LTER partner sites computing and data infrastructure Enables cross-site synthesis through cyberinfrastructure technology Phone: 505.277.2619 Email: servilla@lternet.edu

Mark is the Lead Scientist for the Network Information System (NIS). His primary responsibility is the implementation of the LTER Network Information System—a system of standards and applications that support the interoperability of distributed LTER research sites, thus enabling synthetic science at the Network level and beyond. To achieve a successful Network Information System, he will rely on his skills as a computer scientist to use the latest computing technologies for maximum effectiveness within the NIS, while utilizing his experience as an earth scientist to better serve the needs and understand the requirements of LTER, associated scientists, and the field of Ecology in general.

Prior to his current position at LNO, Mark's most recent role in the private sector at Photon Research Associates (PRA), Inc. was as architect of a web-based application (GeoServer TM) that provided the discovery, management, and exploitation of geospatial data, including Earth observation imagery and GIS vector objects. In this role, he was responsible for co-management of software development teams that spanned both national (Albuquerque, NM and Huntsville, AL) and international locations (Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia). The application that he developed, GeoServer TM, is now used at multiple sites within the Federal Government. During his seven years at PRA, Mark participated in numerous software development projects and was involved in the start-up of an Internet company that utilized satellite imagery for commercial agriculture.

Mark holds graduate degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Volcanology) and Computer Science, both from the University of New Mexico. His doctoral research focused on numerical modeling of the eruption of the Bishop Tuff volcano at Long Valley, California three-quarters of a million years ago. As a post-doctoral Research Associate with the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, his primary responsibility was to monitor volcanic activity along the south-central coast of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, and Kamchatka, Russia using satellite-based remote sensing. He used numerical simulations to model atmospheric ash distribution during volcanic events to provide early warning for commercial and private aviation. Mark's experience in theoretical computer science includes the use of genetic algorithms for the study and implementation of network intrusion detection.

Mark's personal life revolves around his wife, Christina, and their home in the eastern foothills of Albuquerque's Sandia Mountains. He values outdoor life greatly and his interests include trail running, rock climbing, kayaking, and backcountry skiing. Having lived in New Mexico for over 35 years, Mark finds the State a magical and wonderful location to live, and encourages everyone to come experience its diverse culture and environment.