Christina Burnham Email & Phone Number

Petaluma, Ca, Us

Petaluma, California, United States

I assist in field research of Adélie penguins, with a focus on their ecology and population dynamics. Responsibilities include conducting daily observations and data collection at the remote Cape Crozier Adélie penguin colony, surveying Ross Island penguin colonies using UAVs, deploying videologging and tracking technology on penguins, collecting biological samples, and monitoring Ross Island wildlife for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Additionally, I maintain field equipment, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, analyze data, generate season reports, and contribute to the dissemination of research findings through publications and public outreach projects. This position involves months of living at an isolated field camp and enduring harsh environmental conditions characteristic of Antarctic fieldwork.

Chaperoned university students to international destinations including Thailand and South Africa. Facilitated scientific fieldwork activities, fostering student growth through research projects and experiential learning in diverse cultural settings. Managed emergencies and crisis response, adherence to program protocols, and ensured student welfare in remote and challenging environments.

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Prepared permits for multiple laboratories seeking to import biological samples from endangered species by coordinating with US Fish and Wildlife Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and CITES authorities in foreign nations

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Organized biology laboratory activities, prepared lectures, facilitated discussions, and assisted with the development of semester-long student experiments for 48 undergraduate students each semester.

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Cultivated skills in experimental design, DNA extraction and quantification, labwork troubleshooting, bioinformatics using CLC Genomics Workbench and R, coding in RStudio, data visualization with gplots, and sample collection fieldwork.

Bahia, Brazil

Supported the reintroduction and monitoring of endangered Spix's Macaws into their native habitat in the Caatinga of Brazil. Assisted in husbandry of captive breeding populations and participated in strategies to support in situ breeding success and restoration of critical habitat. Collaborated closely with local community stakeholders to foster conservation awareness and promote sustainable practices.

Scotland Neck, Nc

Responsible for the captive management and propagation of over 200 species of birds as well as grounds maintenance, construction and demolition, public education, and science communication. Dedicated to furthering the Sylvan Heights mission of breeding endangered waterfowl species and maintaining excellence in ex-situ conservation, research, and public education.

Prestage Poultry Department

Assisted research of broiler/breeder chicken reproductive physiology and nutrition. Studied incubation techniques and the embryonic development of chicks with a focus on maternal, nutritional, genetic, and management factors that can influence successful embryo development. Tasks included team coordination, lab work, animal husbandry, and science writing including standard operating procedures and publications.

Namibia

Conducted research assessing the feasibility of UAVs (or "drones") in mitigating poaching threats and assisting anti-poaching efforts. Assisted in deployment, operation, and maintenance of fixed-wing and quadcopter drones. Skills included drone operation, data collection, UAV image analysis, and radio telemetry tracking of collared wildlife.

San Francisco Bay Area

Worked closely with professionals to understand and accurately depict the first illustrations of newly discovered botanical specimens. Attached to the Summer Systematics Institute, a National Science Foundation funded REU program, and attended phylogenetic-related lectures, workshops, and field excursions.

Asheboro, Nc

Assisted in data collection and behavioral monitoring within the NC Zoo aviary to assess what impact noise level and crowd density had on the feeding behaviors of the resident bird population. Skills included data collection using tablet and sound meter technologies, public relations, and science communication.

Master Of Science - Ms

Bachelor Of Science (Bs)

Bachelor Of Science (Bs)