For additional information on any of these positions or projects please view my Curriculum Vitae.
Bat Hibernacula Counts
Regional Wildlife Biologist, August 2010 – June 2012
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Jerome, ID
Across the eastern United States, White-nose syndrome (WNS) has resulted in the
death of millions of hibernating bats. This devastating disease has been slowly
spreading west and there has been a concerted effort to increase the monitoring
of hibernacula across the west. Increases in hibernacula monitoring will
ultimately allow for early detection of WNS and will provide information on the
number of bats and the species utilizing particular hibernacula (basic
information that is lacking for many areas). In collaboration with the BLM,
Craters of the Moon National Monument, and the Silver Sage Grotto, I worked to effectively monitor as many hibernacula as possible.
Trumpeter Swan Surveys
Regional Wildlife Biologist, August 2010 – June 2012
Regional Wildlife Biologist, August 2010 – June 2012
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Jerome, ID
The goal of this research is to investigate a possible northern range expansion by ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) into southern Idaho and to provide information on the distribution and abundance of ringtails within the City of Rocks National Reserve (CIRO) and Castle Rocks State Park (CRSP).
Herpetological Surveys of Sensitive
Reptiles and Amphibians within the Craters of the Moon National Monument and
Preserve
Regional Wildlife Biologist, August 2010 – June 2012
Research Associate, April 2010 – August 2010
Bat Hibernacula Counts
Regional Wildlife Biologist, August 2010 – June 2012
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Jerome, ID
Across the eastern United States, White-nose syndrome (WNS) has resulted in the
death of millions of hibernating bats. This devastating disease has been slowly
spreading west and there has been a concerted effort to increase the monitoring
of hibernacula across the west. Increases in hibernacula monitoring will
ultimately allow for early detection of WNS and will provide information on the
number of bats and the species utilizing particular hibernacula (basic
information that is lacking for many areas). In collaboration with the BLM,
Craters of the Moon National Monument, and the Silver Sage Grotto, I worked to effectively monitor as many hibernacula as possible. Trumpeter Swan Surveys
Regional Wildlife Biologist, August 2010 – June 2012
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Jerome, ID
Trumpeter swans utilize south-central Idaho throughout the winter and have previously nested in the region. In collaboration with the Greater Yellowstone Trumpeter Swan Working Group, I coordinated survey efforts across south-central Idaho to document trumpeter swan distribution and abundance twice a year, once to assess breeding and once to assess wintering habitat.
Golden Eagle Nest Surveys
Trumpeter swans utilize south-central Idaho throughout the winter and have previously nested in the region. In collaboration with the Greater Yellowstone Trumpeter Swan Working Group, I coordinated survey efforts across south-central Idaho to document trumpeter swan distribution and abundance twice a year, once to assess breeding and once to assess wintering habitat.
Golden Eagle Nest Surveys
Regional Wildlife Biologist, August 2010 – June 2012
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Jerome, ID
As a supplement to ground based surveys and aerial surveys focused on cliff faces, canyons, and rocky outcrop areas, we surveyed for golden eagle nests on electrical transmission lines across south-central Idaho. Emphasis was placed on transmission lines in relatively close proximity to sites having or proposed to have wind energy facilities.
American White Pelican Surveys
Regional Wildlife Biologist, August 2010 – June 2012As a supplement to ground based surveys and aerial surveys focused on cliff faces, canyons, and rocky outcrop areas, we surveyed for golden eagle nests on electrical transmission lines across south-central Idaho. Emphasis was placed on transmission lines in relatively close proximity to sites having or proposed to have wind energy facilities.
American White Pelican Surveys
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Jerome, ID
This research was part of a collaborative effort to better understand the ecology of American white
pelicans. In particular, we were interested in better understanding juvenile
survival, breeding colony fidelity, and foraging behaviors. To this end, we trapped, banded, and tagged (wing tags) juvenile pelicans at breeding
colonies. Additionally, we investigated foraging behaviors such as
scavenging on hatchery mortality pits and how these anthropogenic food sources
impact population distributions.
Inventory and Monitoring of Ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) in City of Rocks National Reserve
This research was part of a collaborative effort to better understand the ecology of American white
pelicans. In particular, we were interested in better understanding juvenile
survival, breeding colony fidelity, and foraging behaviors. To this end, we trapped, banded, and tagged (wing tags) juvenile pelicans at breeding
colonies. Additionally, we investigated foraging behaviors such as
scavenging on hatchery mortality pits and how these anthropogenic food sources
impact population distributions.Inventory and Monitoring of Ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) in City of Rocks National Reserve
Regional Wildlife Biologist, August 2010 – June 2012
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Jerome, IDThe goal of this research is to investigate a possible northern range expansion by ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) into southern Idaho and to provide information on the distribution and abundance of ringtails within the City of Rocks National Reserve (CIRO) and Castle Rocks State Park (CRSP).
Herpetological Surveys of Sensitive
Reptiles and Amphibians within the Craters of the Moon National Monument and
Preserve
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Jerome, ID
This project is designed to comprehensively sample the area within the Crater of the Moon National Monument and Presereve (CRMO) over a 5 year period. Using a stratified, random sampling design, reptiles and amphibians are being surveyed with both visual encounter surveys (VESs) and trapping arrays. Detection histories will be generated from the repeated surveys at each survey location and used to estimate occupancy for each species. Measures of correlation between occupancy and habitat and/or cover types will be used to assess habitat associations.
Amphibian Disease Surveys
This project is designed to comprehensively sample the area within the Crater of the Moon National Monument and Presereve (CRMO) over a 5 year period. Using a stratified, random sampling design, reptiles and amphibians are being surveyed with both visual encounter surveys (VESs) and trapping arrays. Detection histories will be generated from the repeated surveys at each survey location and used to estimate occupancy for each species. Measures of correlation between occupancy and habitat and/or cover types will be used to assess habitat associations.
Amphibian Disease Surveys
Regional Wildlife Biologist, August 2010 – June 2012
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Jerome, ID
This research investigated the distribution and prevelance of two emerging diseases, chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and amphibian ranavirus (family Iridoviridae), with a keen interest in the potential implications that these disease may have on imperiled species (Columbia spotted frogs, Northern leopard frogs, and Boreal toads).
"Biology 201"
This research investigated the distribution and prevelance of two emerging diseases, chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and amphibian ranavirus (family Iridoviridae), with a keen interest in the potential implications that these disease may have on imperiled species (Columbia spotted frogs, Northern leopard frogs, and Boreal toads).
"Biology 201"
Adjunct Faculty, August 2011 – May 2012
College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID
Taught Biology 201, an entry level biology course for life science majors. Biology 201 emphasized biological principles important in understanding living organisms including evolution, general biochemistry, cytology, Mendelian and molecular genetics, and ecology.
Mexican Spotted Owl Occupancy and Demographic Study
Taught Biology 201, an entry level biology course for life science majors. Biology 201 emphasized biological principles important in understanding living organisms including evolution, general biochemistry, cytology, Mendelian and molecular genetics, and ecology.
Mexican Spotted Owl Occupancy and Demographic Study
Research Associate, April 2010 – August 2010
NMSU Department of Fish, Wildlife, & Conservation Ecology, Las Cruces, NM
This position involved conducting nighttime calling surveys to determine occupancy estimates for Mexican spotted owls and locating nests to determine reproductive status through mousing.
"Natural History of Vertebrates" and "Mammalogy"
Teaching Assistant, August 2009 – May 2010This position involved conducting nighttime calling surveys to determine occupancy estimates for Mexican spotted owls and locating nests to determine reproductive status through mousing.
"Natural History of Vertebrates" and "Mammalogy"
NMSU Department of Fish, Wildlife, & Conservation Ecology, Las Cruces, NM
I taught two upper-level undergraduate wildlife biology courses including "Natural History of Vertebrates" and "Mammalogy." These courses emphasized evololution, ecology, and diversity. Additional topics included comparative anatomy and physiology, natural history, and consevation concerns.
Habitat Improvement and Restoration
I taught two upper-level undergraduate wildlife biology courses including "Natural History of Vertebrates" and "Mammalogy." These courses emphasized evololution, ecology, and diversity. Additional topics included comparative anatomy and physiology, natural history, and consevation concerns.
Habitat Improvement and Restoration
Forestry Technician, May 2009 – August 2009
United States Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest, Cloudcroft, NM
I worked seasonally conducting habitat and facility improvement projects throughout the Sacramento Ranger District. The largest project involved developing a water crossing to improve recreation facilities and decrease disturbance on water resources and benthic macroinvertebrates.
Mammalian Arid Lands Ecology Lab – Mesocarnivore Landscape Ecology Project
United States Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest, Cloudcroft, NM
I worked seasonally conducting habitat and facility improvement projects throughout the Sacramento Ranger District. The largest project involved developing a water crossing to improve recreation facilities and decrease disturbance on water resources and benthic macroinvertebrates.
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| Corridor Analysis of Ringtails Across the Guadalupe Mountains of Southern NM and West TX |
Mammalian Arid Lands Ecology Lab – Mesocarnivore Landscape Ecology Project
Graduate Research Assistant, August 2006 – May 2009
NMSU Department of Fish, Wildlife, & Conservation Ecology, Las Cruces, NM
As part of my Master's thesis, I trapped 4 species of mesocarnivores (ringtails, gray fox, striped skunk, and spotted skunk). This information was used to assess connectivity between National Parks (Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns). Additionally, I developed Habitat Suitability Models, sampled landscape and habitat characteristics across the study area, and employed population genetic and landscape ecology approaches to assess population structuring for ringtails.
Veterinary Assistant, August 2006 – December 2007
Alta Vista Animal Clinic, Las Cruces, NMAs part of my Master's thesis, I trapped 4 species of mesocarnivores (ringtails, gray fox, striped skunk, and spotted skunk). This information was used to assess connectivity between National Parks (Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns). Additionally, I developed Habitat Suitability Models, sampled landscape and habitat characteristics across the study area, and employed population genetic and landscape ecology approaches to assess population structuring for ringtails.
Veterinary Assistant, August 2006 – December 2007
While attending New Mexico State University, I worked as a veterinary assistant to improve my animal handling skills. In this role I assisted with all aspects of veterinary care including lab testing, examinations, vaccinations, pre-anesthetic injections, and minor procedures.
Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction Project
Wildlife Assistant, August 2004 – July 2006
Arizona Game & Fish Department, Seligman, AZ
As a member of the Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction Project I released, monitore,d and researched endangered black-footed ferrets, conducted Gunnison's prairie dog monitoring and research, and conducted breeding checks and pairings. I represented the project as a member of the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Subcommittee and helped to develop a high school internship program with the local school district.
Black-tailed Prairie Dog & Black-footed Ferret Restoration / Swift Fox Recovery Project
As a member of the Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction Project I released, monitore,d and researched endangered black-footed ferrets, conducted Gunnison's prairie dog monitoring and research, and conducted breeding checks and pairings. I represented the project as a member of the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Subcommittee and helped to develop a high school internship program with the local school district.
Black-tailed Prairie Dog & Black-footed Ferret Restoration / Swift Fox Recovery Project
Wildlife Technician, May 2004 – July 2004
Turner Endangered Species Fund, Fort Pierre, SDMy role on these projects were to reintroduce black-tailed prairie dogs through trapping, quarantine, acclimation, and release, to assist with feeding and monitoring or reintroduced swift fox, to conduct burrowing owls surveys, and to map release sites.
Central Idaho Gray Wolf Recovery Project
Field Assistant, May 2003 – July 2003
Nez Perce Tribe, McCall, ID
This project involved extensive backcountry work while assisting in the collection of scientific data on the ecology of wolves in Idaho. Primary duties associated with this project included conducted howling, track, and scat surveys to determine the presence of wolves, using radio-telemetry to assess reproductive status, and assisting in setting and checking trap lines for wolves.
Red Wolf Recovery Project
Telemetry Intern, March 2003 – May 2003
US Fish & Wildlife Service, Manteo, NC
My primary responsibilities with this project included collecting location data on wild red wolves through ground-based radio telemetry, GPS, triangulation, and MS Locate, using both truck mounted and hand-held yagis. I also assisted with collecting scat following strict protocols as part of ongoing research or red wolf-coyote hybridization, locating and processing wolf pups within dens (sex, blood sample, insertion of PIT tags), and monitoring and feeding wolves during the acclimation period.
Nez Perce Tribe, McCall, ID
This project involved extensive backcountry work while assisting in the collection of scientific data on the ecology of wolves in Idaho. Primary duties associated with this project included conducted howling, track, and scat surveys to determine the presence of wolves, using radio-telemetry to assess reproductive status, and assisting in setting and checking trap lines for wolves.Red Wolf Recovery Project
Telemetry Intern, March 2003 – May 2003US Fish & Wildlife Service, Manteo, NC
My primary responsibilities with this project included collecting location data on wild red wolves through ground-based radio telemetry, GPS, triangulation, and MS Locate, using both truck mounted and hand-held yagis. I also assisted with collecting scat following strict protocols as part of ongoing research or red wolf-coyote hybridization, locating and processing wolf pups within dens (sex, blood sample, insertion of PIT tags), and monitoring and feeding wolves during the acclimation period.
Animal Care Intern, May 2002 – February 2003
As an Animal Care Intern, I assisted in caring for more than 60 exotic and domestic mammals, birds, and reptiles through diet preparation, husbandy, and operant conditioning. I often provided educational presentations to visitors as well.
Findley Lake Nature Center Small Mammal Trapping Survey
Field Assistant September, 2001 – October 2001
Gannon University Biology Department, Erie, PA
This project involved live-trapping small mammals and determining species, sex, and weight, and collecting standardized measurements for each animal.
Intern, May 2001 – August 2001
The Wolf Education & Research Center, Winchester, ID
I conducted behavioral studies and documentation of captive wolves, performed duties in wolf husbandry, handling, and feeding, and provided public education (private tours, presentations, and outreach programs at local venues).
Intern, February 2000 – May 2000
S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie/Pennsylvania Fish Commission Co-operative Hatchery, Erie, PA
I collected water quality measures and recorded daily observations in the care of walleye and perch eggs, feathered eggs daily to help insure proper rotation and development, and prepared a final report.
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| Genetic Population Structure of Ringtails in the Guadalupe Mountains. |
