Employment

AIS, Inc. Protected Species Observer.​ July 2020 – Present (Project Dependent)

Monitor protected marine mammal and sea turtle species to mitigate impacts of marine construction (e.g. pile driving and dredging) and offshore industries (e.g. offshore wind and oil and natural gas production) and serve as an environmental consultant, helping project managers satisfy compliance requirements. Primary responsibilities include conducting visual surveys to detect and identify protected species, recommending actions to minimize noise impacts and prevent vessel strikes, detailed data collection and reporting, and assessing and reporting injury and mortality events.

AIS, Inc. North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Fisheries Observer.​ August 2017 – August 2021

Deploy for 3-month intervals to work aboard commercial fishing vessels and at shoreside processors in the North Pacific collecting data essential for fisheries management. Primary responsibilities include: documenting fishing effort and catch data, determining species composition of catch, collecting biological samples, implementing various sampling methodologies, reporting regulatory compliance violations to the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement, recording interactions of marine mammals and seabirds with fishing gear, maintaining a detailed logbook of activities, promoting safety at sea, and properly maintaining sampling equipment. Work is performed on vessels ranging in size from 40 to 120 feet and across all gear types (pot, trawl, and longline). Life as an observer requires the ability to work independently in a variety of living conditions, often dealing with rough seas, inhospitable crew members, and minimal access to internet and cellular services.

Powers Ferry Animal Hospital. Veterinary Assistant. ​May 2016 – May 2019

Work collaboratively with veterinarians by: providing restraint, obtaining radiographs, collecting/preparing samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination, preparing/administering medications, performing tests on blood, urine, and feces (e.g. urinalyses and blood counts), and recording patient histories and educating clients. Support and assist the veterinary staff by: preparing animals for surgery by placing IV catheters, conducting routine procedures (e.g. nail trims, suture removal, fluid therapy, etc.), cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment, and maintaining clean exam rooms and treatment areas.

Birdstrike Control Program. Wildlife manager and ecologist. ​December 2014 – April 2016

Implemented a complete bird and wildlife hazard control program at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base in order to rid the airfield of wildlife potentially hazardous to flight operations. Accomplished through a canine partner and the use of FLIR systems and non-lethal control devices (pyrotechnics, remote-control boats, live-trapping, and habitat management). Served as a consultant on all aspects of airport wildlife control for a multitude of Hurlburt Field units and staff agencies. Population monitoring/data collection to inform pilot training and briefing. Remains and DNA collection. Maintenance staff training. Comprehensive monthly reporting. Entry of data into the Air Force Safety Automated System (AFSAS). On call 24 hours a day in order to protect flying operations.

Christopher Newport University. Adjunct faculty professor. ​January 2011 – December 2014

Created, implemented, and graded all coursework for several upper-level biology courses. Coordinated field excursions, guest lectures, and dissections. Encouraged students to enhance their teamwork and presentation skills by implementing debates and formal presentations. Maintained office hours and an open-door policy, as well as provided supplementary materials to students when requested. Received IDEA teaching evaluations with placement in the highest 10% of classes.  

Holistic Wildlife Services. Wildlife field biologist. ​Seasonal positions 2012 – 2014

Mist netted and identified bats native to the southwestern United States, handled a federally endangered species (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae: lesser long-nosed bat), managed a team of undergraduate research assistants, used radio telemetry to track bats and locate roosts, monitored roost sites, and performed data entry.