Reena Patrose Email & Phone Number

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Assisted with the recovery of threatened and endangered species through reproductive management, rearing of offspring, release to the wild, and monitoring of native populations, as well as all aspects of daily animal care including routine husbandry, health assessments, medical treatments, and animal transports. Species include cactus ferruginous pygmy owls, black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed garter snakes, springsnails, and Mt. Graham red squirrels.Assisted with developing and implementing breeding strategies and reproductive management for the species managed at the Center in order to increase propagation and release of offspring in the wild.Led the 2020 and 2021 breeding seasons for black-footed ferrets, performing reproductive checks, vaginal lavages, cell cytology, pairing, caring for newborn kits, and training new staff in the aforementioned tasks.Served as the Phoenix Zoo's black-footed ferret Species Survival Program (SSP) Institutional Representative and managed communication between our facility and the SSP.Conducted research on species housed at the Center and was involved in experimental design, data collection and interpretation, and manuscript writing.Monitored health and administered medications as needed to animals at the Center, and maintained detailed records within an online database (ZIMS).Participated in field work for all species cared for at the Center, performing surveys, telemetry, capture and handling, and collecting swab samples for disease testing.Presented information about the Center’s species and mission to the public in person and through social media posts and videos, increasing awareness of the Zoo’s conservation efforts and generating interest in protecting native endangered species.

Initially hired on for a six-month position, was retained for an additional three months, and offered a further six month extension due to continued success within this position.Gathered and analyzed behavioral and hormonal data related to reproduction events for the Mt. Graham red squirrel, leading to a greater understanding of reproductive requirements for this species. Utilized ethograms to document behavior of the squirrels in one-hour increments, as well as during 5-minute reproductive assessments between two squirrels intended for pairing and 20-minute increments before and after reproductive assessments to determine any potential changes in behavior that may indicate reproductive readiness. Performed daily husbandry tasks, behavioral and health monitoring, and reproductive assessments and introductions for the highly endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel.Visited the squirrels’ native range to help determine potential soft-release sites and collect enrichment items for the squirrels managed at the Center.

Assisted Dr. Marianne Moore with research regarding white-nose syndrome in five differentially-affected bat species from across America to determine if differences in skin proteome correlate to resistance against the disease.Trapped wild bats using mist nets to collect data regarding species, sex, age, and weight and obtain viable skin samples for use in the laboratory.Independently performed proteomics laboratory work including reagent preparation, tissue processing, and total protein assays, thus gaining proficiency with general and specialized laboratory equipment. Successfully defended an undergraduate thesis for Arizona State University’s Barrett the Honors College using this work, and assisted with a methods paper regarding the use of proteomics for non-model species.Presented my work at multiple events and student research forums to audiences with varied understandings of proteomics, immunology, and white-nose syndrome.Continued to work on this research upon graduating from Arizona State University due to my investment and dedication to this project.

Lead group study tutoring sessions for students in introductory biology courses (BIO 181 and 182) and held individual tutoring sessions for introductory chemistry courses (CHEM 113 and 116), leading to an improvement in students’ exam scores and understanding of difficult concepts.Served as a Teacher's Assistant for an introductory genetics course (BIO 340) and assisted with answering students' questions during recitation as well as grading recitations, quizzes, and tests.Retained high session attendance due to personable and engaging manner.Independently developed and improved tutoring session material to supplement and enhance understanding of lecture content.Trained new Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders to utilize proven SI strategies in their sessions, leading to an increase in the quality and effectiveness of our SI leaders.Collaborated with other SI leaders to develop marketing strategies to increase SI utilization and session attendance.

Guided incoming students through Arizona State University's admissions process via phone and email contact, serving as a primary point of contact between the students and the university.Initiated the growth of Arizona State University Polytechnic campus's tour guide program by developing new trainings, protocols, and programs, leading to an increase in the recruitment and retention of volunteers.Conducted in-depth walking tours of the campus for prospective students and families and presented on student panels, providing facts, information, and personal experiences about various aspects of the Polytechnic campus.Resolved questions and concerns prospective students had regarding the campus to increase the confidence and interest of incoming students.

Performed burrow transects, trapping, and handling of wild prairie dogs related to sylvatic plague vaccine trials. Handling involved collecting flea samples, attaching ear tags, and collecting blood samples. Additionally performed behavioral observations and supplemental feeding of wild prairie dog colonies.Performed track surveys for New Mexico meadow jumping mice, placing track plates along the banks of streams in the Sipe White Mountain wilderness area. Assisted with general wildlife health duties including data entry, sample preservation and archiving, literature reviews, and necropsies, all for a variety of species.Gained an understanding of a variety of animal diseases, particularly those affecting mammals.Operated a 4x4 vehicle and navigated between remote sites using maps and GPS.