I use active learning techniques to explore biology with students

My PhD focused on antiparasite behavior of birds

Through the Makenzie lab I am working on several NSF funded projects. Combining traditional parasitology methods with new molecular techniques. I regularly perform microscopy, laboratory animal care, fungal inoculation, parasite egg identification and DNA swabbing and extractions using Qiagen, Prepman and Mo Bio kits.Fieldwork includes collection of wild canid scat, mist netting and swabbing bats as well as capturing and swabbing amphibians at all life stages. I have also gained experience performing PCR, qPCR, aligning DNA sequences to make species identifications using BLAST and next generation high throughput DNA sequencing techniques using 16s and 18s primers. I partake in data analysis and organization and participate in the development of methodology, research proposals, peer reviewed articles and attend a weekly graduate seminar on parasites.

Major duties include monitoring of wolf locations and movements (using track identification and scat ID). Radio-telemetry (by vehicle, hiking, or plane) using receivers and H-antenna to pick up signals from radio collared wolves. Backcountry travel by 4WD vehicle, ATVs, hiking and backpacking. Assisting project biologists with various wolf management and research activities such as: Capture (using leg-hold traps or darting), radio collaring of wolves including medical workups (blood, vaccines etc) and measurements. Setting up and maintaining trap lines, food caches and scent stations. Working with the public and data entry.

Performed species composition surveys. Clipped vegetation for nutritional analysis, GPS plotted pen and plot locations. Performed forest measurements (DBH, stem counts, canopy cover, species composition etc.)

Collected wind aspirated dust and silt. Located silt fences and BSNE's using GPS. Planted and extracted resin bags to determine soil nutrient levels.

Seasonal trail-work consisted of early season trail clearing and heavy reconstruction work including dry masonry and natural woodwork in the backcountry as well as packing of 80+ lbs. of tools, food and gear for the weeks stay in remote backcountry locations. Crew leader duties included supervising and training workers. Producing detailed trail condition reports. Cooking for crew and assigning projects.

Measured juvenile crocodiles to determine allometric growth patterns. Ground teeth of sedated adults. Fed crocodiles, sometimes by force in anorexic animals. Cleaned enclosures. Preformed autopsies.