Meet Chris Urbanek: Senior Spatial Ecologist
Chris Urbanek’s career has taken him from wetlands in the American Midwest to conservation projects across the globe – and eventually to spatial ecology in Australia. Joining the analytics team in February this year as a Senior Spatial Ecologist, Chris brings together ecology, GIS and advanced analytics in a way that helps translate complex environmental data into meaningful, real‑world outcomes for clients.
From Michigan wetlands to global conservation work
Chris grew up in Michigan, where early weekends spent foraging, exploring wetlands and searching for salamanders with his dad sparked a lifelong curiosity about ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
That curiosity led him to Colorado, where he studied Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at university. His undergraduate research focused on prairie dogs, using bioacoustics and early machine‑learning techniques to understand how their vocalisations differ between threats and social interactions. After graduating, Chris worked with conservation organisations in the US, rehabilitating landscapes after bushfires and monitoring ecosystem recovery.
Building Expertise Across Borders
Before moving to Australia Chris spent two years working and travelling across Central America, South America and South‑East Asia, combining freelance GIS work with hands‑on conservation projects.
One standout chapter was in Costa Rica, where Chris volunteered with a jaguar conservation program, assisting with genetic research and DNA extraction – all while improving his conversational Spanish along the way. (He also speaks conversational Polish, thanks to his Polish heritage.)
“I’ve never really believed careers need to be linear,” Chris says. “Every side quest teaches you something you end up using later.”
Putting down roots in Australia
After moving to Australia in 2017, Chris decided to return to university to better understand Australian environmental systems. He completed further studies in Environmental Management and Geospatial Analytics, followed by an honours project investigating how urbanisation affects gene flow in kangaroo populations.
By analysing DNA from scat samples and combining this with spatial modelling, the project explored how changing landscapes influence connectivity between wildlife populations.
“That project really tied together my interests in ecology, genetics and spatial analytics” Chris says.
Using technology to answer ecological questions
Following on from his studies, Chris went on to deliver environmental analytics for large infrastructure and mining projects. His work used tools such as satellite imagery, drones and LiDAR to help organisations make informed decisions about land rehabilitation, biodiversity and regulatory compliance.
“We were using remote sensing and modelling to quantify vegetation diversity and monitor whether rehabilitation targets were being met,” he explains. “I’ve always been interested in how technology can help us understand ecosystems better and plan more effectively,” he says. “It’s not just about creating maps – it’s about helping people make better decisions, earlier.”
Joining the team
Chris joined e2m in February this year, his role focuses on identifying opportunities where spatial technology can improve ecological understanding, streamline field programs, and provide clients with clearer environmental insights. Chris joined the team after years of watching its work from afar.
“The technical capability at e2m stood out, but what really mattered to me was the culture,” Chris adds. “You can tell when a company genuinely values its people and learning – not just output.” Another big drawcard for moving to e2m was the opportunity to get back into field work. “The camaraderie you get from field trips is one of the best parts of the job,” he says. “You really get to know people and work together as a team.”
When he’s not working, Chris is usually surfing, hiking, rock climbing, or planning his next trip. Having lived and worked across multiple continents, he brings a global perspective – and a natural ease with people – to the team.
For anyone considering a career in environmental science, Chris has simple advice:
“Be tenacious. There will be ups and downs, but if you stay curious, ask questions and take opportunities when they come along, you’ll get where you want to go.”