M. Karolina Vera Email & Phone Number

Assist with water quality monitoring of western bays and tributaries in the South Shore Estuary Reserve via onboard use of YSI meter and water collection for chemical analysis. Use spectrometer to analyze of water samples for chlorophyll. PIT tag (passive integrated transponder device) diamondback terrapins during breeding season. Deploy and track water loggers using GPS for marsh inundation study. Compiled, sorted and verified the accuracy of monthly bay study data points. Deployed, retrieved, and did maintenance on WQM (Water Quality Monitor) units. Assisted with DEC sampling of bay waters for bacteriological analyses.

Lido Beach, Ny

Help with monthly DEC water sampling in western bays of the South Shore Estuary Reserve. Help with the pit tagging of diamondback terrapins.

Objective: to analyze the trend of CN isotopes according to horseshoe crab size and N load within the bayResponsible for: collection of horseshoe crab blood and leg tissue across four beach sites; Preparing the tissue samples for CN analysis; Analyzing CN results and trends.

Asheville, North Carolina

Worked with the goal of conserving/enhancing the natural resources of America's public lands across the country. Gained practical conservation skills and formal training while exploring career options. Promote community service and environmental awareness through volunteerism and service in the outdoors.

Avondale, Pa

Sorted and identified aquatic macroinvertebrates to family from various sites across PA and the US. Collected samples from on-site Malaise traps. Presented to staff of Research Center and members of community on effects of agricultural best management practices on water quality at the end of internship.

Easton, Pa

Objective: to investigate the factors that create a successful vernal pool habitat for amphibians Responsible for: study design for retrieval of soil cores in pool to assess vernal pool hydrology; soil core extraction and their physical and chemical soil analysis; weekly monitoring of water chemistry, hydrology and reproductive effort of vernal pool breeding amphibians

Easton, Pa

Conducted a canopy cover and vegetation survey of 14 vernal pools located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Identified freshwater and saltwater zooplankton, as well as macroinvertebrates. Collected ocean water and zooplankton samples and conducted nutrient analyses.

Easton, Pa

Objective: to design a study that investigates constructed versus natural vernal pools through the lens of wetland restoration and amphibian conservationResponsible for: writing multiple drafts of research proposal and helping with vernal pool field work involving water quality, hydrology and amphibian egg mass counts, as well as with Raritan Bay field work, involving water quality and collecting water samples for nutrient analysis and zooplankton counts

New York City

Worked as part of salt marsh assessment field teamCollected salt marsh vegetation community data (species name and percent cover)Collected data on fauna (count mussels and crab burrows) Collected aboveground plant materials and root cores to assess biomassCollected soil samples (cores) to characterize soil structure (bulk density, texture, organic content)Collected location points using a GPS unit and transfer data to and from GPS unit using GISUsed GIS to produce mapsRecorded information on datasheets and aerial maps; completed data entry into computer server

Master Of Science - Ms, Urban Ecology

Bachelor’S Degree, Environmental Science, Senior

Activities and Societies: Lafayette Environmental Awareness and Protection (LEAP), Lafayette Outdoors Society, Newman Catholic Association