Assistant Supervisor of Ambassador Animal Experiences

• Dec 2019 - Present

Senior Zoologist, Ambassador Animal Experiences

• May 2017 - Dec 2019

Ambassador Animal Specialist

• Jan 2016 - May 2017

Animal husbandry and training of a varied collection of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Community outreach and education regarding wildlife education and conservation biology.

Children's Zoo Specialist

• Feb 2015 - Jan 2016

Substitute Teacher

• Jan 2015 - May 2022

K-12 grade. K-12 grade.

Wildlife Specialist

• Jul 2014 - Oct 2014

Performed species surveys (using transects, trap and release, radio-telemetry, point counts, etc.) for a variety of species. Completed habitat restoration of mangrove forests. Assist in the implementation of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan. Analyzed a variety of biological and physical data associated with environmental studies using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information System (ArcGIS). Conducted water quality surveys (secchi disk, DOC, chlorine, salinity, etc.). Educated and informed the base residents and visitors about the significance of the Station’s resources, conservation, and ecological practices. Experience operating small motor vessels (obtained Skippers’ license) and utility vehicles. Show less

Graduate Teaching Assistant

• Aug 2013 - Jun 2014

Summer 2014. Assisted in teaching an undergraduate course (Coral Reef Biocomplexity) about marine environments, the role of corals in the present and geological past, conservation, and wildlife preservation abroad in Curaçao, formerly the Netherland Antilles. Assisted in preparing and planning travel arrangements, presented in field lectures, aided in completion of field assignments, and lead daily group snorkels and scuba dives.Fall 2013 & Spring 2014. Taught discussion sections of GEOL103 QRII: Planet Earth Quantitative Reason II in the classroom as well as online by giving lectures, assisting in completion of lab assignments, preparing and proctoring exams, and preparing discussion for each week’s studies. Evaluated and graded discussion assignments, quizzes, and exams. Show less

Research Assistant

• Aug 2012 - May 2014

Developed unique approach and implementation to quantify and correlate auto feedback relationships in Caribbean reef building coral species Orbicella faveolata during environmental change• Independently planned and carried out a research expeditions to Curaçao, formerly the Netherland Antilles, to collect tissue and skeletal biopsies of coral using standard SCUBA techniques• Prepared and presented annual updates to thesis committee• Presented thesis research at American Geophysical Union's Fall 2013 Annual Meeting & Exposition Show less

Wildlife Medical Clinic

• Aug 2011 - May 2014

Active participation on a wildlife triage and treatment team. Provided comprehensive medical care for free-living native wildlife species. Minimum of two weekly patient care shifts in addition to weekly triage and orphan care responsibilities. Trained and handled education birds of prey. Active participation in public education and outreach programs of the Wildlife Medical Clinic. Proficient in patient restraint, physical examination, record maintenance, and basic technical skills associated with captive care of wild mammals, birds, and reptiles. Show less

Laboratory Assistant (Lab Preparation)

• Aug 2009 - May 2012

Performed basic lab duties such as preparing agar gels, washing glassware, stocking lab supplies. Set up teaching labs for students and teaching assistants and assisted in teaching laboratory classes. Provided care for laboratory animals (variety of invertebrates as well as fresh and saltwater fish), prepared diets, cleaned tanks.

Animal Programs/Zookeeper

• Jun 2012 - Aug 2012

Responsible for daily husbandry, training, and record keeping of a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Involved in public education and outreach programs through daily keeper chats. Responsible for daily husbandry, training, and record keeping of a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Involved in public education and outreach programs through daily keeper chats.

Conservation Science, Animal Behavior Internship

• Jun 2011 - Aug 2011

Worked under animal behaviorist Dr. Jason Watters to study the behavior of many animals in a zoo setting. Conducted a research project on animal behavior and exhibit enclosures. Gained experience in the development of research plan, animal observations, and scientific presentation. Worked on an animal enrichment team. Worked under animal behaviorist Dr. Jason Watters to study the behavior of many animals in a zoo setting. Conducted a research project on animal behavior and exhibit enclosures. Gained experience in the development of research plan, animal observations, and scientific presentation. Worked on an animal enrichment team.

National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates

• Jun 2010 - Aug 2010

Conducted a research project on the strength of the predator-prey interactions in the rocky intertidal. Gained experience in the development of research plan, fieldwork, scientific writing, and presentation. Conducted a research project on the strength of the predator-prey interactions in the rocky intertidal. Gained experience in the development of research plan, fieldwork, scientific writing, and presentation.

Steve Irwin Fellowship

• Jun 2008 - Jun 2008

Gained hands-on experience at Australia Zoo, Taranga Zoo, and at the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Gained a greater understanding of foreign affairs related to wildlife and conservation biology. Gained hands-on experience at Australia Zoo, Taranga Zoo, and at the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Gained a greater understanding of foreign affairs related to wildlife and conservation biology.

Marine Biology Summer Course

• Jun 2007 - Aug 2007

Studied integrative and broad topics in marine biology at the John G. Shedd Aquarium as well as on a research vessel (R.V. Coral Reef II) in Bimini, Bahamas. Gained an understanding of the marine environments and human impact on marine life. Studied integrative and broad topics in marine biology at the John G. Shedd Aquarium as well as on a research vessel (R.V. Coral Reef II) in Bimini, Bahamas. Gained an understanding of the marine environments and human impact on marine life.