Eastern Kentucky University

Graduate Student, Biology

Thesis Title: Population models for Kentucky bobcats based on home-range size and habitat use

Advisor: Dr. Bob Frederick

About

My research interests bridge the gap between theoretical and applied ecology and conservation of wildlife, with a strong slant towards animal behavior and ecosystems processes.  I am highly interested in projects whose information can be directly applied to conservation efforts, and which includes dealing, in part, with the human dimension of conservation.  My future goals include continuing on for a doctoral degree, looking at the dynamics of elephants as ecosystem engineers, and the various relations to the HEC.  I would like to obtain a position with an NGO or research institute, where I will be able to contribute my efforts towards local community research, conservation, and educational initiatives in Africa.

Other broad personal (non-professional) interests include, but are not limited to: food science and culinary techniques, agriculture, organic farming, outside activities, home repair, the arts and music.

CV:

EDUCATION
Eastern Kentucky University – Department of Biological Sciences; MS in Biology

North Carolina State University – Study Abroad Program: Namibia, African Ecology and Conservation (FW565, 4 hrs), Dr. Werner Dörgeloh, Summer 2010 (14 May to 4 June 2010), TBD, Course focus:  Ecology – desert, wildlife, savanna; Conservation; Park management; Ecotourism; Human-wildlife interaction; Ecological sampling techniques

Rutgers University - Douglass College
B.S. Biological Sciences, October 2003

AWARDS and HONORS
Eastern Kentucky University Research Grant, Fall 2008 (with and under the advisement of R.B.
Frederick)

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, approx. $100,000.00 as of January 2010, Funding for Bobcat Project, Spring 2009 (with and under the advisement of R.B. Frederick)

Research Assistantship, Eastern Kentucky University, Department of Biological Sciences, Spring 2010

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
GA – Mammalogy Museum Collection: The main goals of the Mammalogy collection assignment are
the reorganization and thorough documentation of the entire collection.  Mammalogy Collection Supervisor: Dr. Charles Elliott.

GA – Bio 100 Lab Preparation: The main responsibilities is to ensure the preparation of the lab sections
for each week lab is in session.  Bio 100 Supervisor:  Dr. David Eakin.

Masters Research: Department of Biology, Eastern Kentucky University, 2008-Present (Research
Advisor: Dr. Robert B. Frederick)
- Field study comparing the accuracy and precision of VHF & GPS radio tracking equipment, in habitat commonly used by bobcats.  Assessment of the associated error and the cost to benefit for each transmitter type was performed.  Trained field assistant, Robert Pace (EKU Biology Undergraduate) in all field and lab techniques.
- Developed and planned a field study to estimate bobcat density within Breathitt County, Kentucky, for a grant proposal submitted to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR); funding is under negotiation.
- Home-range analysis, core use area analysis, home-range overlap analysis, and preferential habitat characteristic analysis will be conducted by using Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
- Two statistical models originally published by Woolf et al. (2002), for the prediction of presence/absence and estimation of abundance from characteristics of commonly used areas, will be tested for applicability within Kentucky.
- Radiotelemetry: aerial, triangulation, and homing as per White and Garrott (1990); GIS


RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Theoretical and field study of ecological communities and populations.
- The Human Elephant Conflict and how anthropogenic disturbances affect patterns of change within populations and between individuals, as well as the human dimensions of conservation initiatives that are involved with shaping elephant populations.
- The use of non-invasive and real-time sampling techniques for the study of community and population dynamics.
- The affect of climate change on behavior patterns of populations.
- Predator-prey interactions and social communication behaviors.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Teaching Assistant: Biology 100 for Non-Majors, Eastern Kentucky University, 2008-2010
- Taught two sections of the biology lab each semester, and was responsible for the presentation material and quizzes.

Teaching Assistant: Biology 102 for Education Majors, Eastern Kentucky University, Fall 2009
- Assisted with one section of this course, and was responsible for explaining material and grading.

UNIVERSITY SERVICE
Social Coordinator: Organization of Biology Graduate Students (OBGS), 2009.
- Responsible for setting up social activities for the OBGS membership.

Judge: Animal Sciences, Middle School Division, 7th Annual Kentucky Science and Engineering Fair, Eastern Kentucky University, 2009.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Tandem Labs: Biomarker and Immunoanalytical Division, Study Coordinator I, November 2007 – July
2008 (Supervisor: Stacy LaBruno).
- This position assists the Project Manager and Study Coordinator II primarily to prepare Analytical Plans, create data summary tables, write reports, and assure that critical phase report preparation and associate processes are performed within the specified timelines to meet our clients expectations. 
- All work preformed is conducted within the project life-cycle with numerous parallel tasks.  This position required a great deal of multitasking and task management skills: Complete comprehension and understanding of the client study protocol design; ability to understand the scientific concepts of each product line offered by the Immunoanalytical Division (PK, antigenicity, CBA and Biomarkers); with input and supervision from the Project Manager, create Analysis Plans to support all phases of work in the Immunoanalytical Division (Validation Plan, Sample Analysis Plan, Transfer Plan, etc.); with input and supervision from the Project Manager, create Reports to support all phases of work in the Immunoanalytical Division (Validation Report, Sample Analysis Report, etc.); when required, completely adapt client specific report templates to the standard Tandem report templates; assist the Project Manager with regard to meeting client deadlines; create data summary tables from Watson LIMS and various Excel spreadsheet formats; assure that all run folders, data tables and reports are moved through QC and QAU in sufficient time to meet client expectations; maintain the flow of run folder reviews according to the “real-time” run folder review process for lab and Study Coordination review; assure that all QC and QA findings are responded to in a timely fashion and are complete and accurate; drive the process related to report finalization with client; and completely understand the status of each project that is being supported and work with the Scheduling Coordinator to maintain an accurate and clean scheduling database.

Cornell University: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Field Assistant/Research
Assistant, May 2007 – October 2007 (Supervisors: Mike Booth, Dr. Alison Power, Dr. Alex Flecker, Dr. Steve Thomas).
- Dr. Nelson Hairston, Jr. Lab, Field Assistant to Mike Booth for his Doctorial research on two
species of sucker fish in desert streams.  Assisted with all aspects of the experimental design implementation.  Exclusion and inclusion cage design and setup, depletive electrofishing, quantitative and qualitative invertebrate, fish isotope sampling, and algal sampling.  Tagging of fish involved use of T-tags and elastimer for mark-recapture analysis.  Flow and discharge stream measurements were some of the physical stream characteristics assessed.  A side project involving mark-recapture of the target fish species, in low elevation desert streams, for movement analysis, was designed and implemented by myself, with funding from Mike Booth.  A paper is in preparation for publication by Mike Booth and Andrea Shipley (second author).
- Dr. Alison Power Lab, Research Assistant, Grass Disease Ecology study.  Assisted in the harvesting and processing of grasses, for ELISA testing, for research in the spread of viral infections within the grassland ecosystem.
- Dr. Alex Flecker Lab, Field Assistant, Stream Ecology Project in Trinidad.  Assisted in quantitative sampling and processing of high elevation tropical stream system, for ecological characterization, as part of an NSF granted study of the ecology and evolution of guppies when
affected by anthropogenic disturbances.  Sampling/processing included: Epilithon, Seston, FBOM, FPOM, CPOM, Nutrients in water (NH4, SRP, NO3 & DOC), Benthos (Hess Sampler), Ash Free Dry Mass, Chlorophyll and Particulate Phosphate (all methods as detailed in Methods in Stream Ecology by Hauer and Lamberti).

Xenobiotic Laboratories: Bioanalytical Chemistry Department, Associate Scientist, August 2005 to April
2007 (Supervisor: Dr. Guanchung Zhou).
- Responsible for the preparation and analysis of clinical samples as specified under validated protocol, FDA GLP guidelines and SOP standards, from start to completion.  Involved in method development, validation and documentation.  Communication with the Principle
Investigator/Study Director and SRO, activation and subsequent closure of study notebooks, the processing and quality control of data, the archiving of completed studies, and the writing study reports for clients, are part of the daily study activities.  Processing preparation of clinical
samples include protein precipitation, liquid extraction and solid phase extraction.  Operation of HPLC-MS/MS for sample analysis, utilizing Analyst 1.4.1, NuGenesis and Thermo Watson LIMS system software interface (HPLC: Shimadzu; MS: MDS Sciex API-3000, 4000 & 5000).

Colgate-Palmolive Corporation: Home Care Department (R&D), Lab Technician, January 2005 to
August 2005 (Supervisor: Dr. Gregory Szewczyk).
- Responsible for the scheduling and implementation of gravimetric performance testing of current LDL (light detergent liquid) formulas, for 85% of the retail market, including: Baumgartner, Cup, TGRT, Shake Foam & Miniplate tests.  Analysis of collected data was
performed using both Microsoft Excel and JMP Statistical software.  Considered a performance testing expert by Colgate-Palmolive qualification standards, trained permanent employees on performance tests to ensure proper qualification, and oversaw temporary employees working on applicable projects.  Assisted in the preparation of LDL batches for use in laboratory testing, with
minor tests including physical measurement of batches (pH, viscosity, cloud/clear, and freeze/thaw).  Age/Stability studies were conducted on current and experimental batch
formulations.

Rutgers University: Department of Ecology and Natural Resources, Dr. Tate Lab of Soil Ecology & Microbiology, Lab Assistant & Technician, January 2000 to July 2002 (Supervisors: Dr. Robert Tate, III, and Dr. Eric Gaulin)
- Lab assistant to doctoral graduate students working in the lab.  Often performed assays such as: Phospho-Lipid Fatty Acid Analysis (PLFA), BIOLOG, serial dilutions, plate counts, & Dehydrogenase analysis.  Other lab duties included:  preparing media, autoclaving, basic lab
management, research, chemical order placement & procedure book updates.  An independent experimental microcosm study was conducted comparing the effects of different application rates of soybean and corn, leaf and root, exudates on soil microbial communities, by Andrea Shipley, in 2001-2002.   

CERTIFICATIONS
NOLS: Wildlife First Aid Certification, November 2008.
One Match Fire Clinic, Eastern Kentucky University, Adventure Programs, March 2009.

SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS & ADDITIONAL DATA
Memberships: - Ecological Society of America (ESA), member since August 2008.
- American Society of Mammalogy (ASM), member since August 2008.
- Society of Conservation Biology, member since August 2008.
- Animal Behavior Society (ABS), member since August 2008.
- The Wildlife Society: National, Northeast Regional, and Kentucky Chapters, member
since January 2009.

Software Knowledge:
- BIOLOG
- JMP System Statistical Software
- Analyst 1.4.1 and Nugenesis software
- Thermo Watson LIMS
- SPSS Statistical Software
- ArcGIS

Contact Information

Email:

Address: Department of Biological Sciences
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY
40475