Assistant Medical

BRETT BIRDWELL

**** ******** ***. *********, ** *2507 - 858-***-**** (C) - *************@*****.***

Summary

Researcher with over 3 years of biology experience in the lab and in the field. With a diversified work background, including US military emergency medicine, genetics research, sea turtle conservation, and ecological restoration. Currently working in an applied biological control laboratory at the University of California Riverside, studying pest problems threatening California's agriculture and exploring the possible biological control agents that could help in fighting them.

Highlights

gene expression bench work

muscle protein research (Drosophila)

data collection in the lab and field

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

educating the public about endangered species

Applied Biological Control

sea turtle conservation

Experience

University of California Riverside March 2015 – Current Position Laboratory Technician

Riverside, California

Currently working in an applied biological control laboratory primarily involved in the identification and control of invasive insects threatening southern California agriculture. The research involves the location, release, and evaluation of natural enemy impacts on population growth. The evaluation of biological control agents are conducted in the field and also aspects of both pest and natural enemy biology and behavior are studied in the laboratory. My work has been the rearing of target species in the campuses three-stage quarantine facility. This facility is one of only two in California and one of just four Insectaries west of the Rocky Mountains. My supervisor has relied on my ability to to organize laboratory space for safer and more efficient use for us and our colleagues in quarantine, meticulous data collection, keeping a steady stock of lab supplies, and maintaining laboratory equipment.

Widecast Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network June 2014 to August 2014 Biology Research Assistant

Pacuare, Costa Rica

Worked as a biology field research assistant in the remote pacuare region of Costa Rica protecting and conserving local sea turtle populations. Gained in-depth hands on experience about the conservation issues, biology, behaviors, and life-cyles of the 4 sea turtle nesting in this part of the Caribbean. Helped manage a large scale sea turtle hatchery and developed techniques and methods to improve the daily operations. Collected data, tagged, and protected sea turtles during their nesting process from poachers. Led nightly patrols of volunteers to observe nesting behavior and collect turtle eggs to be relocated to our guarded hatchery.Trained hundreds of volunteers from throughout the world about turtle biology and conservation, proper transport of eggs, and scientific data collection. Worked with local guides and community to actively engage them in this turtle conservation effort. Helped maintain the off-the-grid camp used by staff and volunteers.

Acción Verde January 2014 to March 2014

Biology Research Intern

Bogotá, Colombia

Worked as a biology research assistant for a company dedicated to the restoration of ecological habitats, such as rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs in Colombia. Worked both with private and governmental agencies. Wrote and designed a protocol to improve planting and cultivating techniques of mangrove species for San Andres, a Caribbean island and a site for mangrove restoration in Colombia.

The Science Exchange July 2013 to September 2013

Field Biologist

Isla de Canas, Panama

Worked as a researcher, collected data, and wrote a scientific paper on the mass nesting reproductive phenomena known as arribada of olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). First to setup the STIT method, a statistical based, unbiased method with margins of error to estimate arribada populations at this particular nesting site. My work here was published as a poster at the 34th international sea turtle symposium.

San Diego State University May 2012 to May 2013

Research Assistant

San Diego, CA

Worked as an undergraduate research assistant in a university genetics laboratory. Conducted experiments using transgenic fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) to explore gene expression and protein function in muscle cells. Maintained fly stocks, fly food, and performed bench work. Presented findings for special study upper division credit.

Big Brother Big Brothers of America January 2006 to April 2007 Mentor

Leesville, LA

Offered time, energy, and guidance to troubled boys assigned to the Big Brother program.

Military Experience

US Army June 2004 to May 2008

Healthcare Specialist

Fort Polk, LA

Served as a medic in the infantry platoon providing medical care for soldiers at the battalion aid station. Trained soldiers in CPR, first aid, and trauma care. Worked in the hospital and clinics rendering one-on-one care to patients. Responsible for updating and maintaining medical records.

Task Force Warrior United States Army March 2006 to November 2006

Combat Medic

Afghanistan

Served a 9-month hazard duty assignment performing combat operations in-country while under extreme danger and high stress environments. Coordination with foreign nationals and coalition forces.

Education

San Diego State University Graduated May 2013

B.S: Biology

San Diego, CA

Biology minored in Anthropology

• Graduated with a 3.0 GPA

• Studied abroad at Sunderland University, Sunderland UK- fall 2010

• Studied abroad in India with college of extended studies of San Diego State University Dec.27th 2012- Jan 16th 2013

• Completed 1 semester (3 credit hours) and passed Biology 557- Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory. Using various tissue preparation techniques including routine fixation, tissue orientation, embedding, cutting, mounting, staining, and cover-slipping. Operating and troubleshooting problems on tissue processing equipment, embedding stations, and microtomes.

Languages

Spanish - Professional Working Proficiency

Publications

Katherine Comer Santos, Brett Birdwell, Jacinto Rodríguez Murillo, Edgar Samaniego V, Santiago Peres Valdes, Darbelito Valdes Castro, Luis Agrazal Melendez, Annie Hines, Kirsten Moy and Roldán Valverde. State of the Isla Canas arribada beach in Panama. 2014. Poster presented at the 34th International Sea Turtle Symposium in New Orleans, LA, 9-13 April

Awards

Army Commendation Medal for Valor, September 2006

Combat Medical Badge, for providing medical care while under direct fire September 2006 NATO Medal

Certifications

PADI open water diver certified

Skills

Research, Training, Instructor, Leadership, CPR, First Aid, Diverse International experiences, Biology Field Experience, MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint

Interests

Avid gardener, photographer, surfer, artist, and traveler

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