Program Officer - Research Implementation and Ethics

• Feb 2023 - Present

Aquatic Biologist

• May 2022 - Feb 2023

+ Main responsibilities include: project support, leading teams in remote field areas, collaborating with Indigenous Peoples, compiling and analyzing data, and quality assurance/quality control of samples collected +Prepare technical reports and manuscripts +Field project experience in aquatic habitats across Canada relating to water quality (in situ surface collection), environmental DNA (eDNA), benthic invertebrates, and sediment collection +Operation of small boats and all-terrain vehicles, including conducting fieldwork via helicopter Show less

Research Technician

• Sep 2020 - Apr 2022

+ Involved in development of fish health toolkit with GEN-FISH project + Performed molecular analyses including RNA/DNA extractions, cDNA synthesis, primer design/testing, and qRT-PCR analyses + Instructed lab members on laboratory procedures and techniques + Maintained laboratory organization and order/manage lab supplies + Assisted in biological sampling of aquatic ectotherms in laboratory holding (including salmonids) + Involved in development of fish health toolkit with GEN-FISH project + Performed molecular analyses including RNA/DNA extractions, cDNA synthesis, primer design/testing, and qRT-PCR analyses + Instructed lab members on laboratory procedures and techniques + Maintained laboratory organization and order/manage lab supplies + Assisted in biological sampling of aquatic ectotherms in laboratory holding (including salmonids)

Lab Instructor - Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Sep 2021 - Jan 2022

Graduate Student

• Aug 2018 - Sep 2020

Master's Candidate at University of Winnipeg, studying and conducting research in Dr. Caleb Hasler's Fish Biology and Aquatic Conservation Laboratory.

Graduate Student Instructor

• Jan 2020 - May 2020

Educated University level students on K-12 level science curriculum materials. This lecture was filmed in a studio at the University of Winnipeg and included in-person students and those that watched the lectures remotely online.

Graduate Lab Instructor

• Sep 2018 - May 2019

Instructor for two first year biology labs. The labs involved topics within Cell & CellularProcesses and Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity. I was responsible for educating firstyear students by instructing them on lab materials and procedures and exhibiting andgrading their exams.

STEM Education Ambassador & Americorps Member

• Aug 2017 - Jul 2018

- Educate students (Kindergarten to 5th Grade) on a range of Marine Science topics including: Deep Sea, Sailing, Fish, Water, and Watersheds - Prepare and teach daily lesson plans tailored to each grade level of 25+ students daily - Provide support and mentoring for students - Collaborate with co-workers on lesson plans and ideas for student education - Engage students in ocean adventure learning (Kindergarten to 8th Grade level): Coastal Exploration on foot, Sailing, Kayaking, and Powerboating Certifications Received Include: -Waterfront Lifeguarding (American Red Cross Certification) -First Aid & CPR for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross Certification) -Kayaking Instruction (American Canoe Association certification) -US Powerboating certification Show less

Behavior and Technology Professional Intern

• Jan 2017 - Jun 2017

- Assumed managerial responsibilities for the research lab and the coordination of park activities when my direct manager departed- Implemented the use of GIS Mapping and related technology to assess the impact of park noise and light on animal behavior-Applied sound, audio, and light data measurements to park systems responsible for animal welfare efforts-Prepared visual media/presentations for Animal Science Team using Adobe software for both internal and external communications-Collaborated with managers and animal keepers to discover areas of concern to study, evaluate, and improve animal well-being - Process/analyze data collected and create reports to send to animal care staff and zoological managers- Technology/Software Used: Adobe Products (Premier, Photoshop, Illustrator), Sound/Audio (Audio/Video recording, 3M Detection Software, Seisomograph), Behavior Monitoring (Fulcrum App, Zoo Monitor), Basic GIS Mapping, Microsoft Suite (High use of Excel), 3D Printing with Makerbot & Tinkercad - Professional Classes: Research Methods, Training and Enrichment, Wildlife Monitoring, Poster/Presentation, Behavioral Husbandry, Geriatric Care Show less

Aquatic Research Professional Intern

• Jun 2016 - Jan 2017

Responsibilities-Conduct daily behavior observations of marine life and evaluate animal welfare in the main tank exhibit during construction-Engage guests; explain conservation initiatives and current research, answer any questions-Manage and utilize data involving various computer programs: Excel, GIS Mapping, 3D printing, Fulcrum, Adobe After Effects, and Image J-Conduct research sessions with dolphins including the use of video, sound recordings by means of hydrophone, and computer monitoring of dolphin acoustics-Create experimental stimuli for dolphin cognition sessions-Assist in updating other departments regarding the research being conducted-Maintain and organize the research areas-Analyze daily water chemistry on aquatic research systems -Provide daily care of research fish; feeding and cleaning of their habitats -Assist in data collection of daily husbandry care and various research projects -Initiate personal research project to include observation, data compilation, analysis, and a review of results including a presentation to staff by the end of internshipSkills-Demonstrated technical skills in the disciplines of biology and marine science including studies in psychology and chemistry-Proficient in use of innovative technology including: videography, Adobe After Effects, Fulcrum, GIS Mapping, audio monitoring using hydrophones, 3D printing, Excel, and Image J-Cooperative, assists team members and other departments in achieving personal and group goals-Analytical thinker, ability to interpret and work with numbers -Excellent time manager, multitasks, and completes multiple projects simultaneously -Effective communicator with Guests, supervisors and team members Show less

Student Assistant

• Jan 2016 - May 2016

Responsibilities -Greet prospective students and visitors and present information regarding The University of Miami’s marine science program. Research and respond to unanswered questions. -Organize, maintain and clean marine science laboratories -Assist marine science and biology professors in laboratories as required -Perform computer research for professors and administrators -Maintain and update office systems including scheduling of appointments using the Outlook Mailing System and the Marine Sciences Facebook page -Design and create marketing materials announcing upcoming department events -Carry out general office and secretarial responsibilities including document collating and distribution, answering general phones, typing of documents and labels, and the delivery and pick up of (often heavy) packages from other departments Skills -Likes and works well with diverse group of people including students, professors, parents, staff members, alumni, trustees, and benefactors -Strong communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing -Resourceful and flexible team player, cooperates and works well with others -Builds consensus and trusting relationships with customers and colleagues -Ability to multitask in a diverse and extremely busy office -Performs independently and prioritizes work for multiple concurrent projects -Analytical and detail oriented with good listening skills Show less

NOAA- Southeast Fisheries Science Center Student Research - Senior Thesis

• Sep 2015 - May 2016

Responsibilities -Independently develop and define Senior Thesis project -Using NOAA equipment, identify larval lobster species from the British Virgin Islands -Work with University professors and NOAA laboratory personnel to determine methodology and initiate appropriate analysis of data collected -Statistically analyze data from multiple perspectives to confirm results and findings -Prepare written thesis to reflect data outcomes, analysis, and experiment findings -Present thesis to supervising department professor and Marine Science Board Skills -Science aptitude and demonstrated technical skills in the discipline of marine science -Ability to work independently in the pursuit of completing a research project -Works well with people having diverse backgrounds and science based educations -Analytical, identifies and gathers appropriate literature resources -Manages projects effectively, creates plans and meets deadlines -Personal background to obtain all necessary government and security clearances -Motivated self-starter who takes initiative with minimal supervision -Proficient in the use of complicated laboratory equipment with the ability to prepare microscopic slides using ethanol -Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel Show less

Environmental Physiology and Toxicology Lab under Dr. Martin Grosell

• Jan 2014 - May 2015

Responsibilities-Cared for laboratory marine organisms including feeding, habitat cleaning, water chemistry analysis and maintenance of water quality. Maintained fish research systems.-Initiated independent personal project assessing the implications of changing environmental factors on preference and behavior of marine organisms-Assisted faculty and graduate students in the development, preparation, and completion of marine science experiments. Help interpret and verify results.-Handled and managed confidential information related to projects being completed by graduate students and senior personal investigator (Dr. Martin Grosell)Skills-Science aptitude with analytical and critical thinking skills, a strategic thinker-Knowledge of marine lab equipment to include experience with shuttle box system and corning machine to determine TCO2 values. Perform ammonia assays, fluorescence analysis for oil concentration, triple end point titrations, sonication of substances, and osmolality of fluids. Execute caudal punctures to remove blood, intestinal dissections to measure various factors (pH, salinity, and temperature), the preparation of solutions, and cleaning/handling of sterile specialized oil glassware.-Works well with people possessing varied levels of education and experience -Cooperative, assists team members in setting and achieving personal and group goals-Productive and having a solid work ethic, works well under pressure -Takes initiative to start and complete work without supervision-Resourceful and results-oriented-Provides project research and other laboratory information, requests feedback -Thoroughly researches and interprets background information for graduate students-Physical strength to move and carry containers weighing up to 40 pounds Show less

Student Assistant

• Sep 2012 - Dec 2014

Responsibilities-Assisted students with research materials, books, periodicals, and related media-Shelved books and Literature in assigned locations using Dewey Decimal Classification-Performed various tasks as instructed by manager-Answered desk phone, resolved customer questions and problem situationsSkills-Works well people, empathetic, and willing to resolve questions/problems for students-Strong communication skills to properly and efficiently understand and answer questions-Extremely accurate with numbers and other information, pays attention to detail-Ability to properly understand a numerical system for categorizing materials-Conscientious, is punctual and meets all scheduling requirements Show less

Student Research and Volunteer, Ocean Diversity Institute

• May 2011 - Aug 2011

Responsibilities -Worked as part of a multi-cultural team to collect Long Island Sound marine samples for the CT Department of Environmental Protection and then identify them based on laboratory analysis, textbook, and prior research materials -Recorded species type, size, quantity and other metrics by sampled location -Analyzed and recorded results of comprehensive water tests for each location sampled -Evaluated historical significance of marine samples collected compared to water testing and key attributes using statistical tests and other procedures -Prepared public presentation for the CT State DEP regarding the information gathered and a projection of the long term implications to Long Island Sound -Teamed with DEP scientists to develop our experiment and obtain necessary materials -Compiled all of the data and background information, prepared a paper highlighting the findings of our experiment, and presented it to the DEP in a public meeting Skills -Enjoys working with people as part of a multi-cultural team given the responsibility of developing and meeting a common goal. Wants to meet people from other backgrounds -Interest and desire to prepare for and complete public speaking assignments -Demonstrated skills in and desire for a career in marine science and/or conservation -Physical strength to carry large containers weighing up to 50 pounds -Analytical and critical thinker who is results oriented -Good research instincts with the ability to identify and resolve complex situations Show less