Experience

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  ZooTampa at Lowry Park

  • Tampa, Florida, United States

  • Guest Engagement Training Coordinator

    • Aug 2020 - Present
    • Tampa, Florida, United States
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  National Aquarium

  • United States
  • Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
  • 400 - 500 Employee

  • Manager of Tours & Experiences

    • Oct 2017 - Jul 2020

    Oversees a team of more than 25 tours guides and program specialists in the design, delivery, and evaluation of behind-the-scenes tours, overnights, children's programs, and other in-depth, premium experiences for National Aquarium guests. The goal of each program is to engage guests with the National Aquarium's mission to "inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures" by connecting program subject matter with each individual audience in order to create excellent guest experiences that motivate participants to join us in taking action to protect our blue planet.

  • Immersion Program Specialist

    • Aug 2015 - Oct 2017

  • Visitor Programs Interpretive Aide

    • Nov 2014 - Aug 2015

    Works as part of the Visitor Programs team, providing excellent customer service while forging connections between aquarium visitors and marine life through various interpretive programs. Tailors messaging to suit audience interests and empowers guests to take action to support conservation in their daily lives.

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  Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center

  • Key Biscayne, FL

  • Naturalist

    • May 2014 - Jul 2014
    • Key Biscayne, FL

    Connected children of various ages with marine and coastal habitats of Biscayne Bay through outdoor field trip and summer camp classes. Programming included explorations of hardwood hammock, dune, mangrove, and seagrass habitats, as well as snorkeling and kayak adventures, art projects, and hands...

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  Alaska SeaLife Center

  • Seward, Alaska

  • Interpretation/Exhibits Intern

    • Jul 2013 - Sep 2013
    • Seward, Alaska

    Interpreted living and non-living exhibits to guests and led behind the scenes tours, classes, and presentations. Aided the exhibits department in the development of messaging for a new exhibit on marine debris, as well as updates to existing exhibits. Developed a conceptual drawing for a mural t...

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  Dallas World Aquarium

  • Saltwater Aquarist

    • Jul 2011 - Jul 2012

    Provided care for various syngnathid species, as well as invertebrates, tropical reef fish, and live food cultures. Maintained aquarium systems ranging from 200-1,000 gallons by siphoning, water quality testing, cleaning filtration, water changes, and basic LSS maintenance. Participated in daily record-keeping, disease diagnosis and treatment, and quarantine procedures.

  • Aquarium Intern

    • May 2011 - Jul 2011

    Assisted aquarium staff in care and maintenance of saltwater systems, including water quality testing, food prep, feeding, and maintenance of LSS

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  Southern Arkansas University

  • United States
  • Higher Education
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Biology Department Lab Assistant

    • Jan 2011 - May 2011

    Performed lab procedures on DNA samples from plants of the Genus Passiflora in preparation for genetic sequencing. Aided in the completion of other lab and departmental projects including cataloging the university's vertebrate specimen collection and developing write-ups for a display showcasing current and past research within SAU's chemistry, biology, and physics departments.

  • Writing Center Consultant

    • Aug 2009 - Dec 2010

    Assisted students, faculty, and staff in various levels of the writing process, including brainstorming, editing, citation styles, etc. Developed and executed training sessions on scientific writing techniques.

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  Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

  • Solomons, Maryland

  • Research Experience for Undergraduates Intern

    • Jun 2010 - Aug 2010
    • Solomons, Maryland

    Reproduced paleoclimate records using the ratio of oxygen isotopes found in a coral core sample from the Caribbean. Compared results to findings from an earlier publication to determine if the two studies showed the same trends. Presented results via written report and on-site conference, as well...

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  National Park Service

  • Pea Ridge National Military Park, Garfield, AR

  • Youth Conservation Corps. Supervisor

    • May 2009 - Aug 2009
    • Pea Ridge National Military Park, Garfield, AR

    Directed and managed 10 youths, ages 15-18, in completion of various projects including restoring historic fence, invasive plant removal, and general park maintenance. This opportunity provided these teens with practical work experience through hands-on resource management projects.

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  National Park Service

  • Pea Ridge National Military Park; Garfield, AR

  • Seasonal Laborer

    • May 2008 - Aug 2008
    • Pea Ridge National Military Park; Garfield, AR

    Worked as part of the Wildland-Urban Interface seasonal crew in the Resource Management Department to construct a fireline around a portion of the park’s perimeter by removing dead and down brush, as well as thinning Eastern Red Cedar populations.

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  National Park Service

  • Pea Ridge National Military Park; Garfield, AR

  • Youth Conservation Corps. Laborer

    • Jun 2007 - Aug 2007
    • Pea Ridge National Military Park; Garfield, AR

    Completed various park maintenance tasks, including cleaning the visitor center, maintaining the park grounds, and construction/maintenance of historic fences and hiking trails.