Andrea Shipley

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, the effects of climate change, and the various relations to 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 (May to 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, approx. $7,500.00, Fall 2008 (with and under the advisement of R.B.
Frederick)

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, approx. $82,500.00 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

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.