Objective: Further understanding of ecosystem science, natural and human induced cascading ecological affects, and management principles.

Education

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Graduate Student: Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences

Major Advisor: Dr. Sarah Karpanty

Thesis: Fossa occupancy modeling in Ranomafana National Park , Madagascar

Fall 2007 - Current

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Major: Wildlife Conservation

2000 – 2003 (Graduated)

GPA: 3.82 out of 4.0

Relevant Course work: Ecosystem Science, Ecosystem Management, Wildlife Population Dynamics, Spatial Technology, Wildlife Habitat Management, Plant Sampling and Identification, Animal Sampling and Identification, Forest Measurements, Society & Environment, Applied Ecology 1 & 2, Wildlife Conservation, Animal Behavior, Ornithology, Human Ecology, Genetics, Global Environmental Change.

EcoLife Study Abroad

University of Pretoria, South Africa

July, 2001- August, 2001

I completed a one-month study abroad program that involved two classes, Ecosystem and Wildlife Management, and People and Nature Conservation. Class work ranged from tracking wildlife, marine lectures, animal and people conflicts, tourism, navigation, conservation, sustainable practices, and rural development.

Research Experience

Virginia Barrier Islands Shorebird Technician

May – August 2007 - Virginia Tech - Wachapreague, VA

· Collected data to understand Red Knot stop-over ecology Blacksburg, VA

· Trapped Red Knots with canon net and drop net

· Processed birds: banded, measured, and fixed birds with transmitters

· Aerial telemetry (Virginia to New Jersey): recorded locations of radio-tagged birds

· Collected and analyzed sediment samples to discern Red Knot habitat use patterns

Snowshoe Hare Field Crew Leader

January 2007 – Current - Colorado Division of Wildlife - Gunnison, CO

July 2006 – September 2006 (Field Technician)

· Assist lead investigator with mark-recapture, telemetry study to estimate density, demography, and seasonal

movements of snowshoe hares in Colorado

· Organize all winter data collection activities: trapping, tagging, and relocating snowshoe hares

· Coordinate a crew of 6 and adjust field activities as circumstance dictates

· Maintain extensive amount of technical equipment including snowmobiles, GPS units, and Lotek receivers

· Maintain trapping grids: checked traps morning and evening, baited with apples and rabbit chow

· Trapping, handling, and marking snowshoe hares; radio collaring, PIT tagging, sexing, and weighing

· Relocating (triangulation & homing) hares daily to determine daytime and nighttime locations

· Extensive work off-trail on steep mountain terrain at high elevations, navigating by GPS, compass, and map

Wildlife Researcher: Khlong Kru Wai Wildlife Sanctuary

December 2005 – February, 2006 - Thai Society for the Conservation of Wild Animals - Chantaburi, Thailand

· Designed and implemented presence/absence study with an emphasis on carnivores

· Used baited track stations and infrared remote cameras to detect species present

· Opportunistic observation searches for animal sign

· Mapping sanctuary area and GIS database management

Wind Power Avian/Bat Migration Technician

April 2005 - October 2005 - Woodlot Alternatives, Inc. - Topsham, ME

· Collected data to discern the effects of proposed wind power projects on avian and bat migrations

· Implemented advanced technologies to understand the local avian and bat migration patterns

· Setup and maintained anabat systems for recording and analyzing bat echolocations

· Recorded targets speed, direction, movements, and vertical height

· Recorded hourly weather observations, including anemometer readings

· Collected, analyzed and organized data samples

· Independently operated and maintained field equipment: computer, radar, generator, and more

· Avian migration literature searches

· Worked long nocturnal hours (up to 100 hours/week)

Canid Ecology Research Technician

Nov 2004 – March 2005 - Yellowstone Ecological Research Center - Cooke City, MT

· Crew member for a long-term ecological canid study: wolf, coyote, and fox

· Characterized the demographic structure of coyotes in the northern range of Yellowstone NP

· Relocated canids through radiotelemetry and direct observations to delineate territories

· Recorded and mapped canid behavior, movements, interspecific and intraspecific interactions

· Rocky Mountain Fox box trapping: set and checked traps, plus processed foxes

· Handled non-sedated foxes: attached radiocollar, took measurements and DNA sample

· Carcass site investigation: identifying tracks, track patterns, and scat to determine cause of death

· Assisted with elk study by monitoring and counting elk for an index of abundance

· Established data protocols and proper electronic data management

· Organized data in excel spreadsheets and GIS layers (ArcView GIS 3.3)

USFS Biological Technician (Wildlife)

June – Oct 2004 - USDA Forest Services - Shaver Lake, Ca

· Crew member for the Forest Carnivore Monitoring Program (Sierra Nevada Framework)

· Aimed to detect the presence of fisher and marten through track collection and photographs

· Setup and serviced track boxes and Trailmaster infrared remote camera stations

· Preliminary hair snare sampling to test the viability for future genetic research

· Extensive off-trail navigating over rugged mountainous terrain using map, compass, and GPS

· Track identification and electronic data entry

Bald Eagle Nestwatch Contractor

February – May 2004 - Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program - Phoenix, Az

· Contracted to observe and record nesting bald eagles behavior

· Collected extensive data on behavior, activities, habitat use, and human disturbances

· Minimize human disturbances by enforcing closed area restrictions

· Public outreach: Educate the public about bald eagles and endangered species protection

· Cooperatively worked with state and local Native American tribal agencies

· Presented data in a final report with future management/program recommendations

Forest Botany (Forest 212) Teaching Assistant

September – January 2004 - University of Massachusetts - Amherst, Ma

· Taught plant identification in winter and summer conditions (trees, shrubs, herbs)

· Introduced plant sampling methods (plotting, basal area, % cover, stems/ha)

· Taught compass use and map interpretation

· Proctored and graded tests, quizzes, assignments, and organized bookkeeping

Timbavati Bateleur Wilderness Safari Internship

June – September 2003 - Timbavati Nature Reserve - South Africa

· Wetland (seep-line) restoration

· Soil erosion reclamation (brush packing & gabian structures)

· Invasive species control / bush encroachment

· Wildlife conservation tourist education (field id, management issues)

Quissama National Park Internship

June – September 2002 - Quissama National Park - Angola

· Assisted researcher on vegetation impacts by translocated elephants

· Radiotelemetry tracking of Grey-Striped Francolin (endemic bird to Angola)

· Submitted research proposals for Western Manatee

· Collected demographic data on black monkey and vervet monkey populations for future management

· Interviewed villages on the use of natural resources for future management

· Data collection on tourist demographics

Opossum Research Field Assistant

January – May 2002 - University of Massachusetts - Amherst, Ma

September – November 2003

· Aided doctorate student in Opossum study

· Relocated opossums with radiotelemetry, triangulated location, and mapped GPS points

· Set and checked box traps as well as assisting in pit-tagging, animal handling,

and taking routine measurements (sex, age, length, weight)

Computer/Network Support Assistant

January 2000 – May 2003 - Housing Computer Services (UMass) - Amherst, Ma

· Network troubleshooting, repair and upgrade software and hardware

· Technical support / customer service for multiple networks and more then 600 computers

Primate Caretaker- Japanese Macaques, Baboons, and Vervets

May 1999 - September 1999 - Texas Snow Monkey Sanctuary - Dilley, TX

January, 2000 and August, 2001

· Behavioral observations of rehabilitating animals and general population

· Blow darting, vaccinations, census work, and fixing and building cages

· Chemically immobilizing animals with ketamine for health inspection and measurements

· Cleaning, feeding, and enrichment for rehab primates and general population

· Computer troubleshooting and database management (Microsoft Word and Excel)

Skills

Computer Skills: ArcView GIS 3.3, Locate II, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel,

PowerPoint, Windows 95, 98, ME, XP, 2000. Technical Support:

network, hardware, and software troubleshooting and upgrading (3yrs

job experience - University of Massachusetts Housing Services).

Wildlife Skills: First Aid and CPR Certified, GPS, Radio-telemetry, Bird / Mammal /

Plant Identification, Small mammal trapping, Box trapping,

Drop/Canon netting shorebirds, Animal Handling, Bird Banding,

Animal behavior monitoring and Data collection, Scientific writing and

Literature searches, Orienteering, 4x4 driving, Backcountry

hiking/camping – Leave No Trace, and Rabies Vaccination.

Certificates of Achievements and Awards

· Virginia Tech Full Scholarship and Teaching Assistantship. 2007-2009

· Certificate of Appreciation awarded by the USFS Department of Agriculture. Oct 2004

· Hokkaido Scholarship. Fall 2003

· Outstanding Senior Award in Wildlife. Spring 2003

· Bateman Outstanding Junior Award in Wildlife Scholarship Award. Fall 2002

· Charles Mason Powell Scholarship/Wildlife. Spring 2002

· New England Outdoor Writers Scholarship Finalist. Fall 2003

· Deans List Honor Roll recipient for Fall and Spring semesters from 2000 to 2003

· Completion of the American Sailing Association Basic Keelboat Sailing Course, certified by

the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Admin.1999

· Completion of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boating skills and seamanship course. 1993

· Certified open water scuba diver by PADI. August 1995