Additional Research Experience
Marine Biology & Ecology
Sea Otter Tracking and Observation, Monterey, California
2009-2010 – SORAC Field Observer, Monterey Bay Aquarium
I volunteered as a field observer for the Sea Otter Research and Conservation program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I identified and tracked research otters using radio telemetry and colored flipper tags, conducted behavioral observations and helped interpret SORAC research to the public.
Moorea Coral Reef Long-Term Ecological Research Program, Moorea, French Polynesia
2004-2009 – Graduate Researcher, MCR LTER, UC Santa Barbara
As a graduate student with the MCR LTER. I conducted annual fish counts, led preliminary sampling of benthic infaunal communities, helped organize MCR LTER annual meetings and an NSF site review, and acted as the MCR LTER graduate student representative. (Field Guide - pdf)
Marine Management Area Monitoring, Moorea, French Polynesia
2007 – Benthic Biologist, CRIOBE / MCR LTER
I conducted surveys of benthic algae, coral and macroinvertebrates, part of a joint monitoring program between Le Centre de l'Environement de Moorea (CRIOBE) and the MCR LTER for the Plan de Gestion de l'Espace Maritime (PGEM) in Moorea, a network of marine reserves instituted by the government of French Polynesia.
Biogeography of Symbiont-induced Changes in Coral Morphology, Kenting, Taiwan
2007 – Visiting Researcher, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
I was part of an exchange between the MCR LTER and the Kenting Coral Reef International LTER, and was hosted by Dr. Tung-Yung Fan at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. There, I conducted benthic surveys and collections of invertebrates that induce morphological changes in Montipora corals, and assisted team members conducting research on coral settlement.
Realized Dispersal Patterns of Marine Planktonic Larvae in MPAs, California, Mexico and South Africa
2004-2006 – Research Assistant, University of California, Santa Barbara
I assisted Robin Pelc in her investigation of the export of invertebrate larvae from marine protected areas. I helped plan collections, conducted surveys, and deployed intertidal settlement plates and larvae collectors in Southern California, Mexico, and South Africa.
Biological Monitoring and Conservation of the Rock Islands, Palau
Winter 2003 – Volunteer Ranger, Koror State Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement
I volunteered for Koror State Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement, conducting SCUBA surveys of butterflyfishes and coral cover, developing protocols for surveying mangrove clams, placing marker buoys for demarcation of no-take reserves, implementing rodent control, and accompanying patrols of the Rock Islands.
Physiological Adaptations for Endothermy in the Lamnidae, La Jolla, CA
Summer 2000 – Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow, Scripps Institution of Oeanography
I worked with Diego Bernal in the lab of Dr. Jeffrey Graham, assisting in a physiological study of endothermy in lamnid sharks. My primary duties involved dissection and morphological comparison of various shark species' circulatory systems; specimen collection and boat handling; construction of aquaria and flumes; and measurement of internal temperatures of various tissues in swimming fish.
Polyplacophoran Diversity of the San Juan Islands, WA
Spring 1999 – Research Apprentice, UW Friday Harbor Laboratories
I apprenticed under Dr. Alan Kohn and Dr. Bruno Pernet, studying polyplacophoran diversity in the San Juan Islands. My project included surveying chiton species found on the islands, collecting specimens, and curating the lab's synoptic collection. I also assisted in the collection and preservation of a variety of other organisms.
Effects of Temperature on Foraminifera Growth, Santa Barbara, CA
Summer 1998 – Summer Academic Research Intern, UCSB Marine Science Institute
I interned in the lab of Dr. David Lea, and worked with Peter von Langen culturing spinose and non-spinose planktonic foraminifera for his paleooceanographic studies. My duties included specimen collection and identification; maintenance in constant temperature conditions; documentation of feeding, growth and culturing conditions; and preparation for isotopic analysis.
Ornithology & Wildlife Biology
Avian Migratory Stop-over Ecology, San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area, AZ
Spring 2003 – Biological Technician, University of Montana
I worked with David Cerasale, studying avian stop-over foraging ecology along the Bureau of Land Management’s San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. I was lead entomologist, and oversaw arthropod collection and identification. I also assisted in mist-netting to acquire passerine blood samples for metabolite analysis, and recorded foraging behavior.
Avian Monitoring and Banding, Bolinas, CA
Mar-Nov 2002 – Intern, Point Blue Conservation Science (PRBO)
At Point Blue Conservation Science (formerly the Point Reyes Bird Observatory), I aided monitoring efforts, including mist-netting and banding birds, and conducting avian surveys. I also led educational outreach activities at the Palomarin Field Station and managed the palomarin research skins collection, preparing new specimens, repairing older specimens, and organizing and updating the collections and displays.
Pacific Wren Overwintering Ecology, Fort Lewis Forest Management Area, WA
Winter 2002 – Biological Technician, University of Washington College of Forest Resources
I worked with Nick Palozzotto under Dr. David Manuwal, studying avian wintering ecology and natural history, part of a larger study by the US Forest Service examining efficacy of variable density thinning for promoting old growth structure in secondary forests. My duties included spot mapping, point count surveys of all winter resident avian species, and mist-netting and marking target individuals of Pacific Wren.
Passerine Nesting Success in Human Impacted Areas, Forks, WA
Summer 2001 – Research Field Technician II, UW Olympic Natural Resources Center
I worked with Dr. Matthias Leu, studying passerine nesting success in relation to predator habitat utilization, part of a larger study by Dr. John Marzluff, validating models for predator structuring of avian communities and predatory impact on Marbled Murrelet reproductive success. My duties included territory mapping and nest searching; remote camera maintenance and deployment; mist netting and banding; corvid trapping and radio-telemetry; and vegetation surveys.
Avian Specimen Preparation, Seattle, WA
1998-2001 – Research Assistant, UW Burke Museum of Natural History
I collected tissues for genetic analysis, and prepared skin, skeleton and wing specimens for inclusion in the museum's avian research collection.
Comparative Microstructure of Vertebrate Bone, Seattle, WA
1997-1998 – Research Assistant, UW Burke Museum of Natural History
I worked with Dr. John Rensberger, thin-sectioning bird, mammal and dinosaur bone for analysis of canalicular structure and primary and secondary osteonic arrangement in vertebrate bone.
Geophysical Research & Seismic Hazards Planning and Mitigation
City of Seattle Project Impact, Seattle, WA
1998-2002 – Assistant to the PNSN Representative
I edited hazard vulnerability analyses and disaster management plans for the City of Seattle and the University of Washington, hosted disaster preparedness events, and acted as a scientific advisor for FEMA and the City of Seattle’s Project Impact initiative.
Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network, Seattle, WA
1997-2001 – Research Aide
I worked at the University of Washington seismology lab as a research aide for the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network. My primary duties included media relations, educational outreach, routine seismic data analysis, development of a wireless earthquake information system, and data acquisition for the USGS and the Pacific Northwest Geodetic Array.
United States Geological Survey, Seattle, WA
1998-2000 – Volunteer
I deployed seismometers and acquired data for the three phases of the USGS Seismic Hazards in Puget Sound (SHiPS) investigation. I also coordinated SHiPS media events, hosting various news conferences and acting as liaison between reporters and scientists.
1999-2000 – Small Business Advisor
I consulted and prepared disaster mitigation plans for small businesses in King County and translated educational material into Spanish for disaster training courses in Latin America.
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium/Pacific Northwest Geodetic Array, Seattle, WA
Summer 1997 – NASA Space Grant Consortium Intern
I worked with Dr. Anthony Qamar, completing a geodetic survey of Western Washington for use in a study of crustal deformation of the Juan de Fuca Subduction Zone.