Professional Portfolio

Craig O'Connor

Analytical and detail-oriented professional with experience in regulatory environmental risk assessment and data-driven decision-making across public and private sector roles. Skilled in interpreting regulations, leveraging data tools, and delivering clear insights to regulators, attorneys, and internal stakeholders.

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01

Journey & Experience

A background built at the intersection of environmental policy, data analytics, and regulatory compliance.

Experience

Analyst

NJ Department of Environmental Protection  ·  March 2024 – Present

Track multiple regulatory projects simultaneously, work directly with supervisors and third-party attorneys to ensure accurate NJDEP Orders, maintain a database of NJ Equity companies in the Public Utility Sector, and actively update SWUCA rules and regulations. Lead a project comparing NJ Natural Disaster Preparedness measures to other US states.

Data Analyst

Siemens Financial Services, Iselin, NJ  ·  November 2023 – March 2024

Identified US state waste management and recycling policies to predict the effect of incoming regulations on investment projects. Created and presented portfolio emission calculations based on risk participation, and documented workflow to assist in autonomous portfolio integration.

Prior Experience

Other Roles  ·  2019 – 2023

Assisted a local Town Administrator with website design and zoning summaries; managed contracted construction payments across multiple parties; provided logistics and inventory support in an industrial warehouse setting; managed customer interactions and team assignments in retail.

Education

B.S. Community, Environment, and Development

Penn State University  ·  Graduated May 2023

Specialization in Environmental Economics and Policy, with a focus in Data Analytics. Member of the Dean's List. Founded and served as Vice President of the CED Club, and held VP and leadership roles in Enactus and Springfield clubs.

Teacher's Assistant — Extended School Year Program

NJ Department of Education  ·  2016 – 2019 (Summers)

Taught children ages 5–9 in math and English, and organized arts, crafts, and athletic activities for the program.

02

Skills & Certifications

A versatile toolkit spanning regulatory compliance, data analytics, geospatial analysis, and emerging technology — built through hands-on professional and academic experience.

MANAGEMENT

Government & Regulation

  • Updating Rules & Regulations
  • Policy Implementation
  • Administrative Analytics
  • Multi-Project Tracking
  • Database Maintenance
Certified Notary
Databases & Analysis

Data Analytics

  • Data Management
  • Survey Dispensing & Analysis
  • Actionable Insights
  • Tableau & Power BI
  • Microsoft Suite (Advanced)
Various Certifications
Coding & Development

Technical Proficiency

  • AI Prompting
  • Python (Intermediate)
  • SQL
  • Git & Version Control
  • Monitoring & Analytics
AI Fundamentals
Geospatial

Mapping & Zoning

  • ArcGIS
  • Rules & Regulations
  • Public Communications
  • Map Design
  • Map Analysis
Project Management

Leadership

  • Timetables & Communication
  • Team Leadership
  • Documentation
  • Reviewing & Mentoring
  • Stakeholder Communication
03

Featured Projects

A curated collection of academic and professional projects showcasing analytical rigor, policy insight, and data-driven problem-solving.

01

Waterbody Improvement Initiative

Data Analysis US Census PA DEP Team Leadership

Utilized US Census data (one of 30+ datasets) to determine the likelihood of resident-funded water quality improvement initiatives aimed at increasing PA DEP waterbody ratings. Led the project team, managing individual deadlines and timelines to ensure timely delivery of findings for PA DEP review.

02

Penn State Dormitory Sustainability Survey

Survey Design Demographic Research Sustainability Presentation

Designed and conducted demographic research with Penn State dormitory residents to gauge opinions on quality, sustainability, and infrastructure. Results were compiled and formally presented to professors as part of a university-wide initiative.

Housing Development Proposal — State College

Urban Planning EPA Compliance Zoning Federal Codes

Formulated an 837-unit housing development construction proposal on 174 acres in the State College area, incorporating EPA rules and regulations. Identified geographic and regulatory challenges and proposed corrective measures aligned with federal and state development codes.

04

Town Population Growth Impact Assessment

Policy Analysis Infrastructure Water Quality Cost Reduction

Reviewed the impacts of a 15%+ local population increase over 10 years on roads, water quality, waterways, and the electrical grid. Delivered actionable, cost-reducing recommendations to local administration for infrastructure improvement and access enhancement.

05

UN SDGs Conference Presentation

Public Speaking Sustainability UN SDGs Penn State

Presented at "Global Sustainability: It Starts with Us," a Penn State-hosted conference centered around the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Enabled direct dialogue between the student body and Penn State administration to address sustainability improvement areas on campus.