Benjamin Szykman Email & Phone Number

Blacksburg, Virginia, United States

Blacksburg, Virginia, United States

Research and Development with Spectrum Brands for aquatic pet products

Co-lead education programs for elementary, middle, and high school students across local school districtsfocused on ecology, pollution prevention, and conservation issues associated with the Lower James Riverthrough hands-on field-based educational programming,Lead focused lessons on local fish species identification collected via trawls and fish dissection provided to highschool students, and wetland ecology for middle school students.Lead in-water education via lessons… Show more Co-lead education programs for elementary, middle, and high school students across local school districtsfocused on ecology, pollution prevention, and conservation issues associated with the Lower James Riverthrough hands-on field-based educational programming,Lead focused lessons on local fish species identification collected via trawls and fish dissection provided to highschool students, and wetland ecology for middle school students.Lead in-water education via lessons through teaching students how to canoe, the importance of water safety,and guided education lessons on watersheds within the Powhatan Creek. Show less

Blacksburg, Virginia

Supported graduate field research studies focused on the phenology and habitat use of larval darters in the Upper Roanoke River Basin, and movement patterns of Candy Darter in New River Basin.In-field sampling of larval Roanoke Logperch with light traps and driftnets in the upper Roanoke River drainages.Sorted, identified, and logged results of driftnet samples for larval fish.Conducted backpack electroshocking on streams in the New River watershed for Virginia Tech… Show more Supported graduate field research studies focused on the phenology and habitat use of larval darters in the Upper Roanoke River Basin, and movement patterns of Candy Darter in New River Basin.In-field sampling of larval Roanoke Logperch with light traps and driftnets in the upper Roanoke River drainages.Sorted, identified, and logged results of driftnet samples for larval fish.Conducted backpack electroshocking on streams in the New River watershed for Virginia Tech census projects Show less

Gloucester, Virginia

Conducted sampling of juvenile estuarine and freshwater fish using seine and trawl nets; sorted species, and logged results.Extracted and aged otoliths for blue catfish, striped bass, Atlantic croaker, and spot.Performed dissections and sample preservation for further study.Entered and organized raw data into MS Excel for use in further scientific analysis.Helped create and maintain a tank system for blue catfish.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Performed opening/closing facility duties and customer service by instructing guests on rental equipment operation, including boating regulations, National Park Service fishing regulations, and basic boat safety and proper usage.Maintained equipment including boats: fueling, cleaning and identifying & reporting maintenance issues.