Directly responsible for the critical daily care and husbandry for a variety of marine vertebrates and invertebrates (including but not limited to teleosts, elasmobranchs, mollusks, cnidarians, arthropods, and echinoderms). Provide nutritional assessments and individual specific diet formulation, disease assessment and treatment, new animal collection and acclimation. Supervisor of 30+ animal husbandry and aquarist volunteers, develop and administer training for exceptional care with a focus on food preparation and feeding, and tank maintenance and cleaning. Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all life support systems including mechanical evaluation, problem solving, and water quality management. Create and evolve written procedures in order to provide detailed protocols to develop a unified approach to both common and rare on-the-job challenges.

I have completed by Master's degree working under the instruction of Dr. Kumar and the Aquaculture Research Institute studying the biochemical and physiological effects of organic and inorganic mineral metabolism in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Performed water quality tests for the Growth Management Division in the accredited Pollution Control Laboratory for Collier County. In charge of turbidity, total suspended solids, and total dissolved solids testing including participation in quality control procedures to ensure integrity of samples. Completed all field sampling kit preparation for external clients and assisted environmental specialists with various field-sampling runs, including red tide sampling.

Performed specialized aquarium tasks such as animal feeding and husbandry, as well as necessary tank cleaning and system upkeep, weekly acclimation of new additions, and disease assessment/treatment. The aquarium is home to a variety of marine fish (including elasmobranchs), invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians that each require specified daily care. Worked hands-on with each of the animals to develop skills through operant conditioning. Successfully wrote and submitted research and education grant applications in excess of $95,000 approved.

Led and supervised school-aged students during weeklong summer camps sessions. The camps are designed to expand children’s knowledge of the Indian River Lagoon and coastal waters. Supervised fieldtrips to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the Marine Science Center, and the Canaveral National Seashore. Designed and implemented education programs to develop understanding of different marine species and habitats.

Data analyst for quality assurance. Responsible for Kosher certifications for all active ingredients. Updated and maintained Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point documents for each of the products. Assisted with microbiology lab set up and maintenance and analyzing food chemistry and taste testing.

Worked as an exhibit educator. Prepared and gave presentations on different marine species, and assisted in the daily opening and closing of the exhibits. Shadowed staff in various departments in order to gain as many skills as possible while serving at the aquarium.