CURRICULUM VITAE
Emma J. Thomas
**** ***** ****** ******, *********, LA 70570
************@*****.***
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Urban Forestry -January 2009-May 12, 2017 Southern University A&M College, Baton Rouge, La.
Dissertation: “Exploring the Benefits of Urban Forestry and recreation for Individuals dealing with Mild to moderate Depression and Anxiety” (A Holistic Approach)
Currently working on Publication
M.S. Degree in Recreational Therapy - June 2006 Southern University A&M College, Baton Rouge, La.
B.S. Degree in Secondary Health and Physical Education - December 2001 Southern University A&M College, Baton Rouge, La.
RESEARCH/TEACHING AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Forest Technology Instructor, Sowela Technical College Oakdale, La. Sept. 2019-Current
Teaches a host of Forest Technology courses along with hands-on engagement in courses such as:
Intro to Forest Technology- familiarize students with terms and objectives of this course.
Dendrology- discuss how trees grow, their reproductive methods, and scientific method of identification.
Forest Surveying- show student ways of surveying tracts of land.
Silviculture- discuss forest management and various methods of establishing, maintaining and harvesting forest resources.
Timber Harvesting- utilize BMP’s best management practices and take laboratory field trips to harvesting operations for first hand observation and study.
Forestry Products- teach students how products are manufactured in Louisiana, wood identification and the utilization process.
GIS/GPS- Familiarize students with computer systems and software associated with Geography and the methods of inputting and manipulating data in a GIS environment.
Reforestation- Students study the various methods of natural and artificial reforestation. Take planned field trips to industrial planting operations, industrial site preparations and various natural regeneration locations.
Prescribed Burning and Wildfire Control- students learn various methods and procedures for wildfire control and prescribed burning. Laboratory learning include hands-on fire line establishment and maintenance, dozer and fire plow maintenance and observation of control burn applications.
Graduate Research Assistant, Southern University A&M College Baton Rouge, La. Jan. 2009-May 2017
Performed independent research and worked directly with Dr. Yadong Qi (Interim Departmental Chair & Director of the Urban Forestry Program) to successfully accomplish goals and objectives.
Developed research proposal on : “Exploring the Benefits of Urban Forestry and recreation for Individuals dealing with Mild to moderate Depression and Anxiety” (A Holistic Approach)
Collected and analyzed data on individual clients using PROC GENMOD of SAS version 9.3, interviews, surveys and literature searches.
Reviewed research and literature relating to current discoveries and best urban practices.
Assisted with planning/seminars, / events, including site selection, training materials and general support.
Assisted in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery.
Maintained stocks of general lab materials and placed orders for lab equipment and supplies.
Issued environmental field reports and worked in all weather conditions.
Developed course schedules and spreadsheets as directed by supervisor.
Outdoor Forestry Technician, Mallet, La. Nursery Green and Development March 2014-March 2017
Trained employees to perform necessary tasks as required.
Supervised field employees routinely to adequately ensure proper duties were performed.
Assorted and identified all native and some exotic tree species.
Conducted field duties and tests.
Prepared data sheets and for field evaluations.
Coordinated and managed forestry department calendars and schedules.
Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Port Hudson, La. July 2017-January 2017 Port Hudson Parks and Recreation
Supervised the recreational staff, scheduled work hours, implemented as well as interpreted certain policies, and evaluated the staff performance along with making recommendations to any disciplinary measures relative to staff disobedience.
Conducted meetings with public organizations and the community at large in order to better explain the objective of certain programs.
Organized a number of recreational and community programs at the park level, community center or with regard to other recreational facilities.
Responded to special projects, frequently under deadline conditions.
Coordinated and scheduled travel for staff.
Inventoried supplies and prepared orders for purchase.
Directed activities for daily and yearly parks and recreation department.
Vermillion Hospital: Recreational Therapist, Lafayette, La.
October 2006-September 2009
Developed methods of therapy for individual patients, maintained files on the results of treatment and therapy sessions, updated records to indicate patients’ progress and setbacks and designed plans in consultation with physicians and other medical staff.
Met with patients and interviewed them about their physical and psychological health, and learned their symptoms and complaints, trained intern students and technicians.
Facilitated heath management and life skills to large groups of geriatrics, adolescents/adults, suffering from drug addictions, dementia and other mental health issues.
Operated audio-visual equipment, exhibited knowledge of the policies and procedures of the long/short-term facility, communicated effectively both in English, both orally and in writing, worked independently, prioritized tasks and organized work efficiently. Provided mental and behavioral health monitoring crisis prevention and intervention training and supervised clients in a residential substance abuse facility.
Prepared and scanned medical documents, and mailed correspondence to clients; inputted confidential medical data into company’s database; filed all appropriate documents to the highest regulatory and company’s standards always maintained confidentiality and protocols.
Port Allen Middle School Health and Physical Education Teacher/ Coach, Port Allen, La. August 2004-August 2005
Demonstrated knowledge and ability in computer information systems, student organization and management.
Developed experience in school safety and standards, inspected team and school equipment through inventorying, sanitation practices and budgeting numbers.
Coordinated and facilitated health education and wellness programs for new and existing students.
Assisted with various events including but not limited to sports banquet, welcome week health fairs and orientation.
Planned and organized after school activities, worked with other faculty members to facilitate PTA meetings about, students’ health, behaviors and implemented health education strategies.
Managed team members during both practice sessions and competitions.
PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL SKILLS
Skillful with MS Office
Knowledge of Proc Genmod SAS version 9.3 and Ordinal Quasi- Symmetry the Logit Model
Strong team player
Strong written and verbal communication skills
First Aid and CPR Certified
Knowledge of Programming Languages
Mechanical equipment
LEADERSHIPEXPERIENCE
Society of American Foresters
Department of Soil and Crop Sciences Society, Southern A&M University
Student Member
Black Graduate Student Association, Southern University A&M College
Student Member
Served as Parliamentarian
Boys and Girls Club of America, Baton Rouge, La.
Volunteer Head Coach of Jr. NBA Hawks (8-9 yr. old co-ed league)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Southern University A&M College
Member
Responsible for Annual Chapter Certification
Served as On-Campus Advisor for Undergraduate Members
Served on board for Membership Intake Orientation Process
HONORS AND AWARDS
HBGI Scholarship, Southern University A&M College January
2009-May 12, 2017
Honors College, Southern University A&M College
August1997 December 2001