ABOUT ME
My name is Karie Knoke
Highly accomplished Systems Analyst and Data Architect with over 30 years of experience designing complex relational databases and technical methodologies. Expert in bridging the gap between raw data and scientific insight, specifically within Pesticide Toxicity & Safety, Sustainable Agriculture, and Environmental Research. Proven track record of leading high-stakes projects for organizations like Microsoft, AT&T Wireless, and Washington State University. A self-motivated leader adept at systems analysis, project management, and cross-functional team collaboration.
WHAT I SPECIALIZE IN
Systems Analyst & Data Architecture
Business Needs Assessment, Relational Database Design (RDBMS), Data Modeling (ER Diagrams), DDL.
Data Science & Analytics
Statistical Reporting, Data Interpolation, Predictive Modeling, Business Intelligence (BI), Data Visualizations.
Project Leadership
Project Vision and Alignment, Risk Assessment & Mitigation, Resource Planning & Allocation, SDLC Management, Agile/Scrum, User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
Marketing Strategy
Market Research & Analysis, SEO, Target Audience Definition, Branding, Value Proposition, Messaging & Content Strategy, CRM.
Over 30 YEARS OF IT AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
KCOMP SOLUTIONS | Principal Systems Consultant | 1992 – Present
long-term technology consultancy providing high-level systems analysis and data engineering for diverse industries.
Client Projects:
Benbrook Consulting Services (BCS)Pesticide Data Specialist
Hygeia-Analytics (1998 – Present)
-
Data Engineering: Created technical methodologies, system documentation and designed relational databases for all .
-
Scientific Modeling: Built the Pesticide Use Database System (PUDS), interpolating data gaps to provide a comprehensive view of national pesticide usage on Agricultural crops.
-
Risk Analytics: Built the Dietary Risk Index (DRI) system, a complex relational system linking USDA NASS data with FDA residue reports to rate food safety, based on toxicological endpoints established by the EPA.
-
Environmental Impact Modeling: Developed specialized calculator for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from dairy operations and longitudinal studies on the impacts of GE crops.​
BCS Client Projects:
Data Analytics Supporting Litigation Cases:
Data Analytics Supporting Scientific Papers:
-
Pesticide Use Database System (PUDS) - Database creating continuous data points for pesticide use on agricultural crops and aggregating chemical risk groups.
-
Dietary Risk Index (DRI) system - Database for ranking and identifying high-risk foods and pesticides.
-
UK EFSA Residue DRI system - Database for ranking and identifying high-risk foods and pesticides, both imported and exported from the United Kingdom (UK).
-
ORG-Tracker – an analytical tool for organic certifiers.
-
Consumer’s Reports - Produce without Pesticides, https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-contaminants/produce-without-pesticides-a5260230325/
-
Heartland Health Research Alliance (HHRA) - The Heartland study, annual upgrade of PUDS and DRI systems.
-
Shades of Green (SOG) Calculator - This tool quantified the environmental "hoofprint" and nutritional differences (specifically Omega fatty acid ratios) between conventional and grass-based organic dairy systems.
-
Organic Valley - Incorporate the SOG calculator into their consumer "hoofprint" project.
-
Global Glyphosate Use Database - a collection of all glyphosate use, worldwide.
-
Environmental Working Group - Dirty dozen list, collaborate on EPA toxicological endpoints.
-
Chipolte Restaurant - Identifying high-risk ingredients in their meals.
-
Clif Bar - Identifying high-risk grains in their products.
-
Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) - Tracking EPA's evaluation review of ~33,000 pesticides as promised by the FQPA.
-
and many more...​
​
​​
-
Glyphosate & Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma: Expert Report (Monsanto vs. Hardeman [Case No. 3:16-cv-00525], Stevick [Case No. 3:16-cv-02341] and Gebeyehou [ Case No. 3:16-cv-05813])
-
EPA’s regulation of Glyphosate: Expert Report (2022)
-
Chlorpyrifos use on Grapes in California: Expert Report (Marisol Padilla vs. Dow Agrosciences LLC, (2021) [Case No. 19-CV-002262])
-
Paraquat Lawsuit (Class Action): Expert Report (2021) [Multidistrict litigation (MDL)]
-
ConAgra Foods, Inc. Lawsuit (Wesson Oil) (Class Action, 2014). [Case No. 11-cv-05379-MMM], U.S. District Court Central District of California Western District.
-
Center for Biological Diversity, et al., vs. US EPA and Bayer CropScience LP, et al. (2023): Dicamba Expert Report (2023) [Case No. cv-20-00555-DCB]
-
General Mills, KIX cereal litigation: Expert Declaration (2015) [Case No, 12-249 (KM)(SCM)
-
FQPA Lawsuit: Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) vs. US EPA (1999), [Case No. C-99-3701 CAL]​
​​
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2022). Tracking pesticide residues and risk levels in individual samples—insights and applications. Environmental Sciences Europe, 34(1), Article 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-022-00637-w
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2022). Heartland Health Research Alliance Comments Submitted to EPA Docket: EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0223 "Pesticide Registration Review: Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides." HHRA. https://hh-ra.org/policy-and-regulatory-reform/#:~:text=October%202022%3A%20%E2%80%9CPesticide%20Registration%20Review,-2016-0223-0026.
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2021). The Dietary Risk Index: Applications to UK Food Standards Agency Residue Data. (Technical Report for the Heartland Health Research Alliance)
-
Benbrook, C., Kegley, S., & Baker, B. (2021). Organic Farming Lessens Reliance on Pesticides and Promotes Public Health by Lowering Dietary Risks. Agronomy, 11(7), 1266. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071266
-
Benbrook, C. M., & Davis, D. R. (2020). The dietary risk index system: a tool to track pesticide dietary risks. Environmental Health, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-020-00657-z
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2019). How did the US EPA and IARC reach diametrically opposed conclusions on the genotoxicity of glyphosate-based herbicides? Environmental Sciences Europe, 31(1), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-018-0184-7
-
Mesnage, R., Benbrook, C., & Antoniou, M. N. (2019). Insight into the confusion over surfactant co-formulants in glyphosate-based herbicides. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 128, 137–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2019.03.053
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2018). Pesticide Residues in Meat, Dairy, and Egg Products: An Analysis of FSIS National Residue Program Data, 1996–2016. Benbrook Consulting Services / Heartland Health Research Alliance
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2018). Why Regulators Lost Track and Control of Pesticide Risks: Lessons From the Case of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides and Genetically Engineered-Crop Technology. Current Environmental Health Reports, 5(3), 387–395. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-018-0207-y
-
Benbrook, C. M., Davis, D. R., Heins, B. J., Latif, M. A., Leifert, C., Peterman, L., Butler, G., Faergeman, O., Abel-Caines, S., & Baranski, M. (2018). Enhancing the fatty acid profile of milk through forage-based rations, with nutrition modeling of diet outcomes. Food Science & Nutrition, 6(3), 681–700. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.610
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2016). Technical Briefing on the Synergistic Impacts of 2,4-D and Glyphosate Formulations. Heartland Health Research Alliance (HHRA)
-
Benbrook, C. M., & Davis, D. R. (2016). Comments to the FDA on the Use of the Term "Healthy" in the Labeling of Human Food Products. (Docket No. FDA-2016-D-2335). The Organic Center / Benbrook Consulting Services.
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2014). Comments to the U.S. EPA on the Proposed Registration of Enlist Duo Herbicide. The Organic Center / Center for Food Safety.
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2012). Impacts of genetically engineered crops on pesticide use in the U.S. — the first sixteen years. Environmental Sciences Europe, 24(1), Article 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/2190-4715-24-24
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2012). A Deeper Shade of Green: Lessons from Grass-based Organic Dairy Farms. The Organic Center. https://organic-center.org/deeper-shade-green-lessons-grass-based-organic-dairy-farms
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2012). Glyphosate Tolerant Crops in the EU: A Forecast of Impacts on Herbicide Use. Greenpeace International.
-
Benbrook, C., Carman, C., Clark, E. A., Daley, C., Fulwider, W., Hansen, M., Leifert, C., Martens, K., Paine, L., Petkewitz, L., Jodarski, G., Thicke, F., Velez, J., & Wegner, G. (2010). A Dairy Farm’s Footprint: Evaluating the Impacts of Conventional and Organic Farming Systems. The Organic Center. https://organic-center.org/reportfiles/COFEFFinal_Nov_2.pdf?_gl=1*gznfhq*_gcl_au*OTUyODgyMTI4LjE3NzU4MTA2Nzk.
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2004). Genetically Engineered Crops and Pesticide Use in the United States: The First Nine Years (Technical Paper No. 7). Ag BioTech InfoNet.
-
Benbrook, C. M. (2003). Impacts of Genetically Engineered Crops on Pesticide Use in the United States: The First Eight Years (Technical Paper No. 6). Ag BioTech InfoNet.
-
Baker, B. P., Benbrook, C. M., Groth, E., & Lutz, K. J. (2002). Pesticide residues in conventional, IPM-grown and organic foods: Insights from three US data sets. Food Additives and Contaminants, 19(5), 427–446.
-
Groth, E., Benbrook, C. M., & Lutz, K. (1998). Worst First: High-Risk Insecticides in the U.S. Food Supply. Consumers Union of United States, Inc., Public Service Division.
Washington State University
Lead Database Architect
(2014-2015)
-
Data Translation: Redesigned relational databases to link pesticide residues (PDP) with USDA usage data.
-
Scientific Publication: Collaborated on peer-reviewed research, providing the data infrastructure required for toxicological modeling in the food supply.
IPM Institute
Lead Database Architect
(circa 2010)
-
Application Design: Designed a Toxicity Utility application to automate data collection and toxicity endpoint calculations.
-
Integration: Developed C# programs to migrate and normalize legacy Excel data into relational SQL Server environments.
-
Technical Documentation: Authored DDL and ER diagrams to ensure data lineage and transparency for scientific auditing.
AT&T Wireless
Senior Systems Analyst
(1995-2001)
(Multiple Contracts)
-
Systems Documentation: Utilized reverse-engineering to document complex Sales & Marketing applications via Data Flow Diagrams (DFD).
-
Y2K Remediation: Led a critical database migration from FoxPro to MS Access 97, including UI/UX redesign and on-site implementation.
-
Process Automation: Optimized Financial Reporting Systems (FRS) using DCL to automate workflow and increase reporting speed.
Microsoft Corporation
Senior Programmer Analyst
(1994-1995)
-
Software Development: Developed Access/Visual Basic routines for "Title Builder," a CD-ROM training authoring tool.
-
Quality Assurance: Acted as Test Lead and Bug Coordinator for the internal Training Registration System; managed SQL administration and RAID tracking.
Pemco Insurance/Washington Mutual Bank
Senior Programmer Analyst
(1992-1993)
-
Software Development: Developed ACH processing system.
-
Quality Assurance:
Sacred Cedars Wilderness School | Founder & Wilderness Instructor | 2007 - present
-
Most Famous For: Being the runner-up as a survivalist on the leading reality TV show, ALONE season 9.
-
Strategic Operations: Managed all aspects of business operations, marketing, on-campus and online course development, retreat hosting and expedition planning.
-
Digital Presence: Social media, podcasts, YouTube, online membership community.
-
Public Relations: Public speaker, author, podcast interviews, magazine articles.
-
Grant Management: Secured and executed a $5,000 grant from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for archery equipment, empowering women and children in the art of self-reliance.
THE ELFISH COMPANY | Business Owner & Operations Manager | 2001 – 2008
-
Strategic Operations: Managed all logistics, marketing, and regulatory compliance for an eco-sustainable wild-caught salmon enterprise.
-
Digital Presence: Developed and maintained the company’s e-commerce and consumer advocacy website.
-
Grant Management: Secured and executed a $20,000 State of Alaska grant for consumer education on sustainable fisheries.
EDUCATION & AWARDS
-
B.S. in Computer Science | Central Washington University
-
B.S. in Business Administration | Central Washington University
-
Minor in Psychology | Central Washington University
-
Graduate Studies: Information Systems Management | Seattle Pacific University
-
Grant: State of Alaska Salmon Marketing Grant
-
Grant: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
ORGANIZATIONS & LEADERSHIP
-
Treasurer: Sandpoint Regional Holistic Chamber of Commerce
-
Former President/Officer: Data Processing Management Association (DPMA) & Association of Computer Management (ACM)
-
Environmental Advocate: Farmed Salmon Coalition
-
Member: Cross Sound Marketing Association (CSMA), Alaska
-
Volunteer: Panhandle Environmental League (Research), The Lands Council
TECHNICAL & INDUSTRY SUMMARY
-
Current Technical Stack: PostGres, PGAmin, MS Access, Python, PyCharm, Canva, Flourish, Lucid Charts, Advanced Excel, MS Office Suite, Asana (project management), Trello, WIX, Word Press.
-
Past Technical Stack: MS SQL Server, C#, .NET, MS Access/VBA, Visual Studio, LINQ, Python, Advanced Excel, Foxpro, Dbase, Oracle.
-
Industry Expertise: Environmental Impact, Pesticide Toxicology, Telecommunications, Marketing, Health & Wellbeing, Commercial Fishing.
Excerpt my most current work on Glyphosate
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
If you need clear, reliable insights from complex environmental or scientific data, I’d love to help.
(208) 659-9000