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Manci Li has been with Steigerwaldt for almost 2 years. She currently holds the title of Senior Data Scientist & Carbon Project Manager.
What do you specialize in?
My work is rooted in data and problem-solving; I bring a data science lens to forest carbon project development and management. On the technical side, I work on modeling carbon stocks, designing customized forest inventory analyses, and building the analytical frameworks that underpin a project. I also oversee projects end-to-end, from technical development through reporting and documentation.
What does a day in your role look like?
It really varies. I wear a lot of hats. Some days I’m deep on the technical side — diving into different databases or writing code as an individual contributor. Other days it’s more client-facing — managing relationships, communicating project progress, or handling procurement. And then there’s always the project management side keeping everything moving.
What initially drew you to your field?
Honestly, it was fairly fortuitous. My background was in data and molecular biology, and my Ph.D. training gave me a strong foundation in statistics and programming — skills that are remarkably domain-agnostic. Forest carbon turned out to be a natural fit; it’s a field with very clear, well-established methodologies and public guidelines, which made the transition intuitive rather than intimidating. That statistical grounding also translates directly into forest inventory work, to the point where I additionally qualify as a biometrician.
What energizes you and keeps your passion going?
What really energizes me is challenge and continuous learning. Every project brings a different set of constraints, data challenges, or technical hurdles, and I get to approach each one creatively, drawing on my data skills to find solutions and build efficient processes. The variety keeps me sharp, and honestly, the fact that I’m always learning something new is what keeps the work exciting.
What is your favorite part of your role or favorite thing about working at Steigerwaldt?
My team, without a doubt. The environment we have is genuinely supportive and collaborative, and that makes a real difference in how you show up every day. Professionally, it’s really the breadth of what we do. The range of clients and projects means I’m constantly exposed to new challenges, new systems, and new problem sets. That diversity keeps the work intellectually stimulating in a way that a more narrowly focused role simply couldn’t. Every engagement feels like a new puzzle to solve.
What are three attributes that describe your team?
Capable, Proficient, and Supportive
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