Experience

• 

  Sea Turtle, Inc.

  • South Padre Island, Texas, United States

  • Chief Conservation Officer

    • Dec 2020 - Present
    • South Padre Island, Texas, United States

• 

  University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • United States
  • Higher Education
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Doctoral Student

    • Aug 2015 - Dec 2020

    Investigating the control and chronology of hatchling emergence and hatchling fitness in the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles. Mentor: Dr. Thane Wibbels

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant

    • Aug 2013 - Dec 2020

    During the spring semesters I teach Vertebrate Zoology Labs (2-3 labs per semester), in which I design all in-class quizzes and examinations, lead lectures and discussions on comparative vertebrate phylogeny, taxonomy, and anatomy and physiology. I also facilitate specimen identification and classification through the hands-on use of dissections, models, and live and preserved specimens. Summer semester (1 lab) and Fall semester (2 labs) I teach Principles of Human Physiology Labs where I lead lectures and discussions and design quizzes and in-class examinations on various aspects of human physiology. Labs focus on active learning through group experiments and computer simulations. Summer 2016 I successfully co-taught Topics in Contemporary Biology Lab (2 sessions per week). Biology Lab for non-majors with discussions, experiments, and active learning focused on species identification, evolution, PCR, micro-pipetting, and microscope techniques. Fall 2013 I successfully taught Introductory Biology I Lab (2 labs). Led lectures on basic biological concepts including cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, protists, and bacteria. Assisted students on in-lab experiments.

  • Masters Student

    • Aug 2013 - Jul 2015

    Utilized field research and data analysis techniques to complete my masters thesis: 'The Biological and Conservational Implications of Hatchling Biology in the Kemp's Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) Sea Turtle'​Mentor: Dr. Thane Wibbels

• 

  Programa Binacional de la Torturga Lora - Gladys Porter Zoo

  • Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico

  • Field Biologist

    • Apr 2014 - Aug 2014
    • Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico

    As part of the bi-national recovery program's investigations and scientific research teams, I worked on the primary nesting beach for the Kemp's ridley sea turtle performing beach patrols and conservation status monitoring, PIT and flipper tag applications, nest relocations, and stranded and injured turtle rescues throughout the nesting season (seasonal employment).

• 

  Programa Binacional de la Tortuga Lora - Gladys Porter Zoo

  • Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico

  • Field Biologist

    • Apr 2013 - Aug 2013
    • Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico

• 

  Programa Binacional de la Tortuga Lora - Gladys Porter Zoo

  • Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico

  • Field Biologist

    • Apr 2012 - Aug 2012
    • Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico

• 

  P.J. Hoffmaster State Park

  • Muskegon, Michigan

  • Ranger

    • Jul 2011 - Sep 2011
    • Muskegon, Michigan

    I performed customer service activities, utilized the state computer system to assist campers, and maintained a clean park.

• 

  Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

  • Sarasota, Florida

  • Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Intern

    • Mar 2011 - Apr 2011
    • Sarasota, Florida

    Daily tank maintenance (water quality, backwash, etc.), feeding, cleaning, and care of sick and injured sea turtles, sea turtle and marine mammal necropsies, sea turtle releases, public interactions, data entry and analysis.

• 

  The Florida Aquarium

  • Tampa, Florida

  • Husbandry Intern

    • Jan 2011 - Mar 2011
    • Tampa, Florida

    I worked as part of the wetlands gallery team to facilitate daily functions of the aquarium, including feeding and cleaning of exhibits and interacting with the public.

• 

  Michigan Department of Natural Resources

  • Grand Haven State Park

  • Ranger

    • May 2009 - Aug 2009
    • Grand Haven State Park

    I utilized the state computer system to assist campers and worked as part of a team to maintain a clean and functional park.