- Integrative Ecology Lab
- Department of Biology | Center for Biodiversity
- Temple University
Temple University | MS Biology
Spring 2022 - Current
- Graduate Advisor: Matthew Helmus, PhD
- Thesis: "Modeling climate change effects on the establishment of the invasive L. delicatula"
Liberty University | BS Zoology, minor in Chemistry
Fall 2015 - Spring 2019
- graduate of the LU Eagle Scholars Leadership Program
Modeling climate change effects on the establishment of the invasive L. delicatula
Spring 2022 - Current
My project takes data science approach to tackle a biological issue. Invasive species are increasingly prevalent, and a massive amount of data has been compiled about invasion trends, so techniques need to be developed to utilize these biological datasets. I use the machine-learning software “MaxEnt” to make predictions about the risk of spread for L. delicatula, both currently and under climate change. I am developing this invasion prediction framework into an R package and website that will be freely distributed.
Toxicological effects of atrazine and glyphosate on a crayfish ectosymbiont (C. ingens)
Summer - Fall 2018
Toxicological effects of atrazine on the Appalachian Brook Crayfish (C. b. bartonii)
Fall 2015- Spring 2018
Liberty University Provost Research Initiative (PRI) Grant
2017- 2018
This grant is in support of research project to explore crayfish ecotoxicology. Project experimental design includes collaboration efforts with Dr. Mark Blais (histology) and Dr. Todd Allen (analytical chemistry)
Virginia Academy of Science poster presentation award
2017
Research Grant award to support research on the effects of low-level Atrazine exposure on crayfish development.
Instructor of Record for Introduction to Organismal Biology
Temple University Dept of Biology | Fall 2023
- Instructor for two weekly sections of the lab
- Teaches techniques including FigTree and MEGA genetic analysis softwares, dissections
Spatial Data Analysis in R- Global Change Science
Temple University Dept of Biology | Spring 2023
- Created and taught a guest lecture
- Taught basics of GIS analysis in R coding language using packages such as terra and stars'
“Low Level Atrazine Exposure Effects on Crayfish Development.” Presented at Big South Undergraduate Research Symposium, Spring 8th Annual Meeting, April 14, 2018.
Marine Ecotoxicology Summer Research Intern
Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory | Summer 2019
- Performed extractions of organic toxins from shellfish and fish tissues
- Performed biochemical assays such as ELISA, protein assays for analyzing toxin content in tissue samples
- Analyzed results of assay using GraphPad Prism Statistical Analysis Software
- Collected and prepared field samples blue-green algae
- Worked on HAB (harmful algal bloom) emergency response team for 2019 blue-green algal bloom off MS/AL coast
Intertidal Ecology Summer Intern
Shoals Marine Laboratory | Summer 2018
- Expanded a long-term survey of the Appledore intertidal zone
- Collaborated with other interns to perform survey according to National Park surveying method, various other methods
- Analyzed large dataset for trends in abundance, performed statistical analysis for project
- Produced professional poster for RARGOM conference (won best poster in Ecology)
Laboratory Manager
Temple University Dept of Biology | July – November 2022
- Lead a research project funded by California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Mentored eight undergraduate students in California DFA project
- Produced machine learning models and figures for a grant report filed to California DFA
- Oversaw administrative lab functions including conducting interviews
Laboratory Assistant
Temple University Dept of Genetics / Biochemistry | Feb 2020 – July 2022
- Independently planned and executed experiments involving SNP genotyping and Sanger sequencing
- Managed workflow and project assignments for temporary full-time workers
- Worked in a high-throughput COVID-19 CLIA testing lab using an automated rt-PCR test
- Performed tests by-hand. Helped to upscale and automate high throughput testing as part of an effort to execute Temple University COVID testing requirements for students
- CLIA validation of clinical TTR test- Genotyped blood samples to screen for SNP causing inherited genetic disorders
- Received, processed, and stored bariatric/neurology samples for a CLIA Biobank
- Oversaw zebrafish husbandry for lab, performed maintenance on Aquaneering aquatic housing system
Instructor of Radio Telemetry
Liberty University Dept of Biology and Chemistry | Fall 2017 - Spring 2019
- Worked as TA of Ecology and main instructor for students in telemetry and mark-recapture techniques
- Led mark-recapture study on urban population of eastern box turtle (T. c. carolina)
- Used radio telemetry used to track turtles and determine home-range extent
- Trained successor to take over position