Environmental Communication Manager

• Jan 2022 - Present

Science Communications Specialist

• Aug 2020 - Jan 2022

Though the focus of this position was graphic design, it also included a great deal of conceptualizing content, writing, and learning new skills as appropriate to the project. Time management was critical in this role and I learned a lot about prioritizing workflows and balancing deadlines that I expect will serve me well for the rest of my career.Some of my favorite projects that I tackled in this role:- creating self-guided educational modules for local government officials (including storyboarding, creating infographics, writing content, honing messaging, and researching various topics from green infrastructure to land use policy), - collaborating with an Indian Nation to help them tell their view of the Chesapeake Bay's history through custom graphics and a StoryMap, and - designing a set of two signs about the importance of oysters and how they are being restored (from wireframes to carefully crafting text to designing attractive graphics, this project was close to my heart after spending so many years researching and communication about oysters during my undergraduate and graduate education).

Science Communications Officer

• Jan 2019 - Aug 2020

As a communications officer, I was a resource for over 200 faculty. I wore the hats of a graphic designer, writer, and enthusiastic presenter. My responsibilities included creating marketing materials and leading tours of our research building. I also collaborated with faculty to create infographics, wrote scientific news stories, and worked on grant proposals. I started and ran the Institute for Biohealth Innovation's Twitter account (@MasonBiohealth) and represented the Institute at various local and national conferences.

Science Communications Assistant

• Aug 2018 - Jan 2019

I wrote and designed with a focus on translating biohealth research into articles and infographics digestible to a broader audience.

Graduate Research Fellow

• May 2016 - Aug 2018

Selected by Virginia Sea Grant to receive funding for research, tuition, and a stipend. Selected by Virginia Sea Grant to receive funding for research, tuition, and a stipend.

Masters Candidate

• Aug 2015 - Aug 2018

Advised by Dr. Ryan Carnegie in the Aquatic Health Sciences department, I studied the interactions between the parasite Perkinsus marinus and the Eastern oyster. Advised by Dr. Ryan Carnegie in the Aquatic Health Sciences department, I studied the interactions between the parasite Perkinsus marinus and the Eastern oyster.

Student Researcher

• Jan 2015 - May 2015

I completed research for credit in Dr. Heidi Fuchs' laboratory. I processed images of urchin larvae, measuring angles and compiling/sorting data in Microsoft Excel files. I created histograms of the data collected and performed an analysis of data collected.

Student Researcher

• Sep 2014 - May 2015

I worked in Dr. Keith Cooper's lab caring for oysters in the wet lab. I cultured algae to feed the oysters and monitored water quality.

REU Intern

• May 2014 - Aug 2014

I completed research funded by NSF concerning marine disease ecology. The research was completed under the instruction of Dr.'s Daphne Munroe, Dave Bushek, and Tal Ben-Horin. The experience culminated in a poster presentation at the Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition in Portland, ME. I completed research funded by NSF concerning marine disease ecology. The research was completed under the instruction of Dr.'s Daphne Munroe, Dave Bushek, and Tal Ben-Horin. The experience culminated in a poster presentation at the Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition in Portland, ME.

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Student Researcher

• Jul 2013 - Aug 2013

Sampled submerged eelgrass from a boat, packed samples on ice, processed samples in the laboratory.

Student Researcher

• May 2013 - Aug 2013

Worked with Rutgers professors Dr. Ravit and Dr. Cooper researching oysters. The goal of the project was restoration of oysters to the Hudson/Raritan Estuary. Collected specimen, shucked and dissected them, embedded tissues in paraffin and made slides, learned techniques to draw hemolymph, gained lab experience. Compiled and interpreted data collected.

Extern

• Mar 2013 - Mar 2013

Worked for one week as a Douglass Extern through an internship program offered at Rutgers. Processed sediment samples under a microscope looking for Cretaceous-period fossil fragments. Conducted a question and answer session and guided tour of museum for elementary school students. Contributed to the photographing, measuring, and cataloging of many marine fossils. Assisted in the installation of a marine fossil exhibit. Worked for one week as a Douglass Extern through an internship program offered at Rutgers. Processed sediment samples under a microscope looking for Cretaceous-period fossil fragments. Conducted a question and answer session and guided tour of museum for elementary school students. Contributed to the photographing, measuring, and cataloging of many marine fossils. Assisted in the installation of a marine fossil exhibit.

Veteranarian Assistant

• 2008 - 2012

Worked as a veterinary assistant. Acquired skills and techniques such as feeding, handling, administering medication, giving shots, and drawing blood from companion pets. Assisted veterinarian in examinations and surgeries. Learned methods for dealing with overexcited and frightened animals as well as owners. Worked as a veterinary assistant. Acquired skills and techniques such as feeding, handling, administering medication, giving shots, and drawing blood from companion pets. Assisted veterinarian in examinations and surgeries. Learned methods for dealing with overexcited and frightened animals as well as owners.