Erika Vanhavel Email and Phone Number

• Handle and restrain animals for examination and veterinary procedures.• Assist veterinarian in surgical procedures.• Provide help and guidance for clients by advising basic pet care instructions, medical recommendations, and answering questions involving the patient.• Recognize and assess animal behavioral cues and actions, and react promptly and appropriately to the situation at hand to ensure the safety of clients, patients, and co-workers.

Clearing several miles of trail in the wilderness and forest areas with a crosscut sawVery well practiced in trail construction with several different tools, including pickmatics, pulaski ax, single and double bit ax, single and double jack hammer, rock bar, puinjar, auger, and a variety of carpentry tools. Knowledge and practice of river bank rehabilitationKnowledge and usage of Leave No Trace practicesKnowledge and practice of wilderness and bear country backpacking skillsContinuous practice of safety and awareness during the job

Study of the conservation of the Gray Wolf in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Evaluation of both ecological and economical population stressors.• Extensive literature research and some field research• Designed study and proposed recommendations based on sound data

Conducted a study on the effect of wolf spider (Schizocosa oreata) courtship vigor on toad (Bufo americanus) detection latency. • Assisted with experimental design.• Independently observed trial recordings and scored specific behaviors, working with live toads, virtual spiders, and recording equipment. • Used Microsoft Excel to record raw data and perform statistical analysis for interpretation. • Learned important problem solving skills and adapted to unexpected difficulties that often arise from working with live animals.

Actively participated in a study of CAFO contamination and nutrient loading in mid Michigan.• Collected water and air samples in the field and utilized a spectrometer for water analysis.• Plated water and air samples for bacterial examination.• Collected and recorded observational and numerical data for later statistical analysis.