Michael Ocasio Email & Phone Number

Parkville, Md, Us

I study the conservation ecology of the endemic and understudied Puerto Rican Oriole using point counts, bird banding, and nest observations to assess species abundance, survival, and recruitment. My research additionally facilitates opportunities for underrepresented undergraduates to gain experience in tropical ecology by funding research excursions to Puerto Rico, and hands on ornithological experiences in Baltimore.

Baltimore Chapter

I facilitate and lead outdoor activities for the Latinx community within the Baltimore area in order to increase our presence and voice in outdoor spaces.

Annapolis, Maryland, United States

I surveyed Maryland for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly, documenting its continued advance across the state.

Padre Island National Seashore

I patrolled 75 miles of undeveloped gulf coast shorelines for the critically endangered Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle and its nests. I collected spatial, genetic, and biomorphic data while also deploying PIT and metal tags for mark-recapture analyses. I excavated and incubated sea turtle eggs, and released hatchling sea turtles.I rescued and documented stranded sea turtles as a member of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network.

Paraguay

I promoted and developed conservation initiatives in a rural subsistence agriculture community.I co-created and implemented sustainable agroforestry initiatives to reduce habitat destruction while increasing economic opportunity and equity. I developed and utilized curriculums on biodiversity and English as a second language for 5th - 7th graders at the local elementary school. I presented to governmental institutions, schools, community groups, and individuals to advocate for environmental stewardship and the implementation of sustainable community development projects.

I deployed autonomous recording units on private land across Nebraska to better understand the spatial distributions of bat populations affected by white-nose syndrome.

Southern Iowa

I conducted surveys to collect diversity, morphometric, and spatiotemporal data of reptiles, amphibians, odonates, mammals, fish, butterflies, mussels, and birds.I assessed terrestrial and aquatic habitat quality by measuring canopy cover, ground cover, water depth, litter depth, horizontal vegetation structure and identifying plants to species. I live-trapped for small mammals using a hexagonal transect consisting of 160 Sherman traps.I deployed and checked camera traps, confirming the presence of over 20 species of mammals.

Thailand

I captured, identified, and banded various wetland birds using mist nets in Bung Boraphet wetland to estimate bird populations and biodiversity.I conducted an occupancy survey on tigers, leopards, and their prey species using camera traps, and track and scat identification to assess spatial distribution.I analyzed tiger movement data to assess hunting and breeding events, and hiked to these sites to identify prey type or the presence of a breeding pair.

Education record

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Wildlife Biology