I conduct desktop analyses, perform field work, and draft reports relating to threatened/endangered species, wetlands, and vegetation on behalf of clients in the renewable energy sector to ensure environmental compliance.

As a wildlife technician, I conduct post-construction bird and bat fatality monitoring at a Minnesota-based wind farm. Within my role, I conduct area searches along transects and record all incidents utilizing ArcGIS, photos, and detailed data tables describing taxa and physical characteristics of the animal. Additionally, I record pertinent information about the turbine sites daily and help run bias trials, including searcher efficiency and carcass removal. Finally, I assist with reports by organizing, analyzing, and writing up findings that are then utilized by agencies like the Minnesota DNR and USFWS as needed.

As a veterinary assistant, I ran lab work such as heartworm and intestinal parasite screenings, used proper gentle control techniques with dogs and cats during injections and x-rays, assisted with blood draws, drew up vaccines, cleaned and prepared exam and surgery rooms, and ensured that the clinic was stocked with all the necessary equipment.

This UMN lab ran by Dr. Khodursky specializes in antibiotic resistance studies and uses E. coli as the model organism. While there, I helped collect data for antibiotic resistance and persistence studies by performing DNA purification, gel electrophoresis, PCR, and electroporation. This is also where I became familiar with sterile technique, the proper use of pipettes, spectrometers, bacterial growth curves, and filtration. Besides doing lab work, I also prepared glassware using an autoclave, prepared and poured culture plates, and maintained the overall organization of the lab.

While adapting to a flexible schedule that could change on a daily basis, I traveled from home to home to care for pets whose owners were out of town. This included feeding, walking, and playing with pets of all shapes and sizes. During and after each visit, I would communicate any concerns to owners and/or simply inform them that all was well.

Over the course of two summers, I helped my former high school coach run a track and field program for elementary and middle school children. From prior experience in this sport, I was able to help organize activities for 40+ athletes, provide tips on running form when necessary, provide encouragement, and promote sportsmanship and resilience.

While collaborating with fellow student workers to ensure that duties were evenly distributed, I worked to maintain the cleanliness of one of the freshman dormitories at the University of Minnesota. This involved deep cleaning bathroom and laundry facilities, removing trash, and utilizing machinery to clean carpets.