Experience

Trent University

• Canada
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• PhD Student

  • Aug 2018 - Present

  My PhD work involves the use of microsatellite genetic loci for genotyping Ambystoma salamanders. Using this data, I investigate assemblage structure across multiple field sites to study the role and interactions between salamanders populations in the Unisexual Ambystoma Complex. Where my study takes place, this complex system consists of two bisexual host species (Ambystoma laterale and A. texanum) and group of obligative sexual parasites (unisexual Ambystoma). Unisexual Ambystoma are a monophyletic clade of practically all female multiploidy nuclear hybrids that require sperm from a bisexual host species for successful reproduction via kleptogensis (a unique reproductive mode novel to this system). My work on this system focuses on answering how assemblages of unisexual Ambystoma develop in context to their available host population and how we can leverage their primarily clonal reproductive system to monitor immigration/emigration patterns in a metacommunity context. By using microsatellite loci we can identify specific lineages of unisexual salamanders across our field sites, monitor for minute genetic variations to assess potential lineage age, with future aspirations of investigating niche variability between lineages. Show less



The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Master's in Biology Student/ Research Student

  • Aug 2015 - Jun 2018

  As a a graduate student studying population dynamics of Black-spotted newts (Notophthalamus meridionalis). My project was a joint effort between the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and local zoos, with lab and field components. By studying genetic variation between populations I was able to investigate time scales of subspecies separation and, when combined with field work, possible drivers for evolutionary change among populations. As a a graduate student studying population dynamics of Black-spotted newts (Notophthalamus meridionalis). My project was a joint effort between the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and local zoos, with lab and field components. By studying genetic variation between populations I was able to investigate time scales of subspecies separation and, when combined with field work, possible drivers for evolutionary change among populations.



Restoration Ecology Lab

• UC Davis

• Research Assistant

  • Jul 2014 - Sep 2014

  In the early morning hours (5-8 am) I would help with captured rodents in the field. This consisted of species identification, ear tagging, and weight measurements. During the day I would review pictures taken from the camera traps in search of mammal activity during the night. I also helped bait and set camera traps as well as live animal traps. In the early morning hours (5-8 am) I would help with captured rodents in the field. This consisted of species identification, ear tagging, and weight measurements. During the day I would review pictures taken from the camera traps in search of mammal activity during the night. I also helped bait and set camera traps as well as live animal traps.



Clark Lab

• Blue Oak Ranch Reserve, San Jose

• Research Assistant

  • Jun 2014 - Jul 2014

  • Trained in radio telemetry techniques • Trained to catch, tube, and release rattlesnakes • Recorded behavioral assessment of Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) • Trained to use basic audio equipment and audio data analysis • Trained in radio telemetry techniques • Trained to catch, tube, and release rattlesnakes • Recorded behavioral assessment of Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) • Trained to use basic audio equipment and audio data analysis



Lawler Lab

• UC Davis

• Research Assistant

  • May 2011 - Sep 2013

  • Helped rear Cascade frog (Rana cascadae) larvae to adulthood through daily feedings and countings • Took daily temperature, pH measures, and water particulate measures • Conducted own research project on tadpole behavior • Helped rear Cascade frog (Rana cascadae) larvae to adulthood through daily feedings and countings • Took daily temperature, pH measures, and water particulate measures • Conducted own research project on tadpole behavior



Shaffer Lab

• UC Davis

• Research Assistant

  • Sep 2010 - Jul 2013

  California Tiger Salamander Volunteer • Collect data (weight, length) on California Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense) through sampling techniques to study population trends • Remove undesired species from pitfall traps • Collect shrimp samples as a method to test ecological health and study population trends • Monitor health and feeding of on campus Tiger Salamander colony Turtle Ecology • Trapped turtles in Davis arboretum and nearby waterways using netting techniques and hand catching • Identify individuals with use of scoot notching techniques • Canoeing to get across waterways • Log turtle species, weight, and size Show less



Schwartz Lab

• UC Davis

• Research Assistant

  • Jul 2012 - Aug 2012

  • Collect data (individuals, flower count, species ID) on flowers in the McLaughlin Research reserve to study the effects of climate change on populations of endangered species • Grow plants in greenhouses to study effects of soil types on growth rate and patterns • Collect data (individuals, flower count, species ID) on flowers in the McLaughlin Research reserve to study the effects of climate change on populations of endangered species • Grow plants in greenhouses to study effects of soil types on growth rate and patterns