Piedmont Region Biologist

• Mar 2021 - Present

Research Assistant

• Feb 2020 - Mar 2021

Temporary appointment with North Carolina State University under the guidance of the USGS Southeast Gap Analysis Project to assist with research task as necessary with a focus on preparing and organizing data for the purpose of integrating the West Virginia Breeding bird atlas data to enhance species GAP occupancy models. Review taxonomic standing and range shifts for the purpose of updating USGS species habitat models. Temporary appointment with North Carolina State University under the guidance of the USGS Southeast Gap Analysis Project to assist with research task as necessary with a focus on preparing and organizing data for the purpose of integrating the West Virginia Breeding bird atlas data to enhance species GAP occupancy models. Review taxonomic standing and range shifts for the purpose of updating USGS species habitat models.

Program Coordinator- Lake Johnson Park

• Sep 2015 - Mar 2021

Build and instruct nature-based program curriculum and outdoor recreation programs to suit community needs for the Waterfront Programming Center and Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center. This includes families, schools, youth groups, and the elderly. Lead, schedule and write curriculum for outdoor programs such as bird identification tours, sailing, canoe, kayak, children's wildlife activities, and a wide variety of family nature programs with a strong emphasis on native flora and fauna identification. Coordinate with fitness instructors to schedule and manage fitness programs. Oversee and/or direct daily program and staff activities including facilitating camps visiting the park. Assist in natural resources inventory for park land management plan using the ArcGIS Collector app. Input and organize park patronage data for analysis. Train staff and assist in day-to-day park operations and emergency response. Prepare promotional materials and evaluate program success. Plan and facilitate custom group programming. Coordinate waterfront conference center rentals. Conduct regular patrols of the park by gas-powered motor boat and by PUV. Show less

Graduate Research Assistant

• Aug 2016 - Dec 2019

Graduate student appointment with post-graduation extension to investigate the effects of patch size and isolation on the patch dynamics of forest interior avian species across the Gulf Coast region using available forest loss/cover, breeding bird survey, and eBird citizen science data. Research largely involved the assessment of two commonly used remotely-sensed data sets (National Land Cover Database and Global Forest Change) and the ability to use spatiotemporal models to advance landscape level conservation planning and to understand the impact of land development and change on species persistance. Manage and reformat data using Microsoft Access, Excel, JMP, and Python. Conduct landscape analysis and species persistence analysis using ArcDesktop 10.5.1 spatial analyst applications, ArcPy JMP, and PRESENCE. Develop a process to summarize annual forest loss and change surrounding breeding bird survey routes using ModelBuilder in a way that is easily repeatable for future analysis. Develop maps and other graphics to convey impact of forest loss on species persistence for both interdisciplinary and non-academic settings. Process and input NLCD forest change data through Guidos software for forest fragmentation analysis to further enhance species persistence models. Perform statistical analysis as needed. Write and submit scientific publications. Show less

Coqui Field Technician, PR

• May 2017 - Jul 2017

Conduct vegetation sampling and collect environmental data for survey sites as a crew chief and report data to graduate student PI. Facilitate set up of sampling arrays and management of acoustic automatic recording devices for monitoring of coqui frogs in southwest and central Puerto Rico in rough terrain. Assist in collection of breeding data including species identification and ageing eggs by sight. Take field vehicles for maintenance and care for field equipment as needed. Position often required communicating across language barriers and conflict resolution with land owners. Show less

Avian Field Technician, NC

• Apr 2016 - Jul 2016

Team lead survey site vetting and selection and coordinate with project PI. Plan weekly field logistics and ensure proper field vehicle maintenance as a crew chief. Operate field vehicles in difficult and sandy terrain. Implement survey designs and conduct vegetation sampling and collection of environmental data of prescribed-fire treated plots of varying frequency and intensity including plots specifically managed for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Conduct auditory and visual avian point count and vegetation surveys in the sandhills of North Carolina which included trekking up to a mile through dense vegetation and rough terrain with survey equipment. Use two separate sampling methods, a community level count and a select species count to assess the efficiency and accuracy of point-count sampling. Selected species included Brown-headed Nuthatch, Eastern Wood Pewee, Pine Warbler, and the Bachman’s Sparrow. Organize and report data. Coordinate with state employees and stakeholders when necessary to ensure safe access to survey sites. Show less

Conservation/Education Intern Coordinator

• Feb 2015 - Sep 2015

Conduct conservation monitoring programs, including vegetation sampling and monitoring, dune transect measurements, water quality monitoring, and wildlife population studies. Lead a variety of environmental education programs for the public, and assist in intern curriculum development. Act as a staff supervisor and oversee and mentor 15 undergraduate college interns. Duties include responding to dorm issues, wildlife emergencies, equipment malfunctions, and managing all aspects of internship program from scheduling to conflict resolution. Oversee and recruit area SEANET volunteers and initiate and co-manage conservancy efforts to understand rodenticide usage and public perception of rodent control and predator population relations on the island. Show less

Coastal Staff Educator

• Sep 2014 - Nov 2014

Lead and facilitate a wide variety of ecology and natural history based classes in coastal environments for K-12 school groups based upon state testing standards. Additional responsibilities included regular care of resident animals and instruction in recreational activities such as canoeing, archery, and sailing. Lead and facilitate a wide variety of ecology and natural history based classes in coastal environments for K-12 school groups based upon state testing standards. Additional responsibilities included regular care of resident animals and instruction in recreational activities such as canoeing, archery, and sailing.

Interpreter Naturalist

• Apr 2012 - Sep 2014

Develop and lead conservation and outdoor recreation programs at James River State Park and Holiday Lake State Park. Maintain educational animals and facilitate outreach to teachers and youth groups to organize trips based on Virginia science curriculum standards of learning. Examples include canoe tours, flora and fauna identification hikes, environmental programs, wildlife education, and campfires. Lead, on average, four programs daily with groups ranging from 2 to 70 participants. Recruit and manage trail building volunteers and assist in trail maintenance with park staff. Show less