Graduate Assistant

• Aug 2023 - Present

Naturalist

• Feb 2023 - Aug 2023

Introduce clients to the wildlife and ecology of the lowcountry through guided kayak tours. Interpret and educate a wide range of age groups about topics such as estuarine water quality, salt marsh ecology, wildlife identification and biology, etc. First mate on multiple different sized motor vessels. Monitor water quality on Ward Creek and report results through SCDHEC. Introduce clients to the wildlife and ecology of the lowcountry through guided kayak tours. Interpret and educate a wide range of age groups about topics such as estuarine water quality, salt marsh ecology, wildlife identification and biology, etc. First mate on multiple different sized motor vessels. Monitor water quality on Ward Creek and report results through SCDHEC.

Consulting Aquarist

• Mar 2022 - Jul 2023

Applying aquatic life support system knowledge and resources to support the operation of native and exotic saltwater and freshwater aquaria. Aid in the troubleshooting of aquarium issues. Provide technical support for the animal care staff. Applying aquatic life support system knowledge and resources to support the operation of native and exotic saltwater and freshwater aquaria. Aid in the troubleshooting of aquarium issues. Provide technical support for the animal care staff.

Veterinary Technician

• Mar 2022 - Oct 2022

Using veterinary science and practices to support more than 6,000 non-human primates for biomedical research. Triage to identify necessary courses of action with injured/diseased primates. Use suturing, bandaging, and pain management techniques to treat trauma. Utilize IV fluids, disease identification, and medicine administration to manage gastrointestinal issues. Manage clinical data. Using veterinary science and practices to support more than 6,000 non-human primates for biomedical research. Triage to identify necessary courses of action with injured/diseased primates. Use suturing, bandaging, and pain management techniques to treat trauma. Utilize IV fluids, disease identification, and medicine administration to manage gastrointestinal issues. Manage clinical data.

Animal Care Specialist

• Jul 2021 - Oct 2021

Followed strict husbandry protocols for 46 batoids and selacimorphs. Care consisted of vitamin and supplement administration, health assessments/physical examinations, triage, food preparation, and environmental enrichment. Frequent practicing of safe animal handling. Operated and maintained a recirculating marine system including 3 sand and carbon filters, UV sterilizers, an ozone generator, a protein fractionator, and large biofilters. Analyzed water chemistry parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ORP, salinity, and DO to simulate natural conditions that characterizes seawater. Worked with construction/deconstruction of PVC plumbing systems. Provide the public with a coastal experience and educate about the importance and conservation of elasmobranchs in our ecosystem. Communicated biological and conservation topics to large groups of visitors and constituents. Show less

Interpreter/Naturalist

• May 2021 - Sep 2021

Researched peer-reviewed scientific literature to create and inspire tailored interpretive programs for a diverse range of visitors. Emphasized the importance of visitor engagement to achieve an enjoyable and educational experience utilizing audiovisual presentations, hands-on educational materials, and museum exhibits. Aided in land stewardship to preserve the ecological function of a Missouri mixed hardwood stand through the removal of invasive bush honeysuckle mechanically and chemically, promoting the growth of a healthy understory. Show less

President

• Dec 2019 - Dec 2020

Represented a professional organization through student outreach. Provided professional career development for students by organizing volunteer events with various organizations. Organized and led meetings for students and engaged groups through scientific communication. Represented a professional organization through student outreach. Provided professional career development for students by organizing volunteer events with various organizations. Organized and led meetings for students and engaged groups through scientific communication.

Conservation Specialist

• Sep 2020 - Nov 2020

Performed habitat delineation to contribute to the restoration and management plans of various Missouri habitat types. Utilized timber stand improvement techniques to restore glades, prairies, and mixed hardwood stands for the preservation of historic habitats. Conservation work on the WCO glade helped bolster the return of the endangered Missouri bladderpod (Physaria filiformis) to the area. Consulted with private landowners to aid in the improvement of forest stand site quality using prescribed fire and the removal of trees to promote crop tree growth. Show less

Undergraduate Research Assistant

• Aug 2019 - Mar 2020

Conducted research on scent trailing behavior in juvenile cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) to study the navigation of neonates to overwintering hibernacula. Collected and analyzed data during research trials under the supervision of the attending researcher and IACUC chair member. Researched peer-reviewed literature on the topics of conspecific scent trailing and A. piscivorus behavior and biology. Carried out strict husbandry protocols such as monitoring ambient and basking temperatures, scheduled feedings, water/substrate changes, and updating animal care information spread sheets. Show less

Hellbender Intern

• May 2019 - Aug 2019

Aided in the production of more than 500 critically endangered cryptobranchid salamanders for the reintroduction into native streams. Operated and maintained freshwater filtration systems, cleaned aquaria, prepared food and vitamin supplementation, performed health examinations on animals contaminated with Batrachochytrium dendrobatitis, and collaborated with Missouri Department of Conservation and United States Fish and Wildlife Service to restore historical populations and prevent further decline. Reviewed scientific information regarding the decline of the hellbenders to create a better understanding of the conservation of the species and identify knowledge gaps in their research. Show less