EDUCATION
Texas State University, San Marcos, TX Expected: December ‘23
Master of Science, Population and Conservation Biology
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA Earned: May ‘20
Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies
Fields: Biology, International Security & Conflict Resolution, and Political Science
RESEARCH PROJECTS
“Manual Stimulation Techniques for Semen Collection in the Southern White Rhino”
- Developing a training protocol for autonomous use of an artificial vagina to collect semen in captive non-breeding Southern White Rhinos.
- Analyzing semen quality as a result of this technique to determine reproductive health and efficacy of the training.
- Cryopreservation testing will be applied to the collected samples to assess optimal conditions to preserve post-thaw motility.
“Application of Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping to Assess Decision-Making Processes in Conservation”
- Map casual relationships between simplified aspects of a complex issue from the perspective of the study subject.
- Analyze for commonalities and abnormalities among different categorical groups of people.
- This methodology has not been widely applied in conservation sciences, and has potential to identify misunderstandings in conservation messaging.
“Comparative Risk-Averse Behaviors of Introduced and Native Apalone Spinifera”
- Found no statistically significant differences in observed behaviors (e.g. time spent basking, flight distance, proximity to shore) exhibited by Apalone Spinifera in native and introduced contexts.
“Conditions Conducive to Invasive Lithobates Catesbeianus Population Growth and Relation to Predation Risk”
- Found that Lithobates Catesbeianus tends to prefer static, permanent bodies of water with non-diverse arrays of invasive vegetation.
- This niche does not significantly overlap with native species of frogs, except in cases where this habitat niche is geographically near flowing bodies of water with more diverse stream or river vegetation.
- Geographical disparity causes Lithobates Catesbeianus to have large, disjunct populations and become increasingly exclusive as prey by local predators (e.g. great blue heron, great egret, common raccoon) in non-overlapping habitats.
“Distribution Patterns of Bats in San Diego County”
- Local bat populations in San Diego County are largely confined to areas outside of urban contexts.
- The most diverse populations of bat species are located in areas predicted to become more urbanized in the next couple decades (e.g. Alpine, Descanso, Pine Valley).
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ovation Fertility Austin, TX
IVF Andrologist Jan ‘22 – Present
- Manage the cryopreservation of biological specimens and reproductive materials and ensure proper storage, transportation, and acquisition.
- Analyze and process samples in the andrology lab for diagnostic and medical use, including for intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and cryopreservation.
- Prepare patient charts and load petri dishes with media for upcoming retrievals and frozen embryo transfers.
Austin Zoo Austin, TX
Keeper II May ‘21 – Jan ‘22
- Participate in animal behavioral programs to promote operant conditioning and enrichment, where I serve as the primary trainer of our Grant’s and Grevy’s Zebras.
- Treasurer of the Training & Enrichment Committee and Secretary of the Animal Welfare & Research Committee.
- Supervise the hoofstock department, managing a team of 5 employees responsible for the care of over 70 animals encompassing 20 species.
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Kendalia, TX
Seasonal Animal Caretaker Feb ‘21 – May ‘21
- Manage several rehabilitation rooms in our native wildlife hospital to ensure proper care for injured, diseased, and/or orphaned wildlife.
- Care for, enrich, and monitor the rehabilitative progress of native and exotic animals residing in our sanctuary, including primates, carnivores, and procyonids.
- Strategize for upcoming breeding seasons to ensure attainment of proper resources, space, and staff to accommodate incoming wildlife.
Austin Aquarium Austin, TX
Mammal Keeper Jul ‘20 – Feb ‘21
- Monitor and conduct daily reports on the health and happiness of all mammals in our care, including procyonids, primates, rodents, megalonychids, mustelids, and didelphids.
- Analyze animal behavior, conduct appropriate research, compose written reports with a high-degree of evidence and accuracy, and implement welfare initiatives in congruence with my findings.
Lions Tigers & Bears Sanctuary Alpine, CA
Office Administrator Nov ‘19 – Jul ‘20
- Manage incoming donations, implement efficient data entry processes, interact with visitors and potential donors, and coordinate and execute event plans.
- Care for, enrich, and prepare diets for large carnivores, including lions, tigers, jaguars, bears, cougars, and bobcats.
- Direct project management as it relates to donor events, habitat alterations, outreach initiatives, and marketing campaigns.
- Engage in training sessions on animal husbandry, animal behavior, and proper handling practices.
Nature and Culture International Del Mar, CA
Office Manager Sep ‘19 – Nov ‘19
- Serve as the direct liaison between the organization’s main North American office and our South American partner organizations.
- Communicate with the South American offices, obtain appropriate permits and clearances with domestic and foreign governments, and engage high-level stakeholders and donors in our efforts.
- Lead weekly Board meetings and provide support and supplemental information for the CEO, Development Director, and directors of our South American partners.
- Maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and strategic partners to extend our outreach and influence.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
| Primarily Primates
Mar 2022 – Present Austin Bat Refuge Feb 2021 – Present Lions, Tigers, & Bears Oct 2019 – Jul 2020 |
San Diego River Park
Oct 2019 – Jul 2020 San Diego Audubon Society Sep 2019 – Jul 2020 |
San Diego Canyonlands
Sep 2019 – Jul 2020 SanD/Stone Initiative Aug 2018 – Oct 2019 |