Environmental scientist

SKILLS

• Experience performing biological surveys and monitoring habitats

• Effective written and oral communication skills

• Ability to multitask in a busy work environment

• Works effectively within a team as well as independently with minimal supervision

• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills

• Proficient with using CNDDB and the Jepson Manual of Higher Plants of California

• Familiar with GIS applications and competent in using handheld GPS equipment

• Ability to read topographic maps and to navigate with a compass and GPS

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, Internet research and Email, and Adobe Indesign

• Fluent in conversational Cantonese

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Systems (Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution)

University of California, San Diego Class of 2007

Tropical Biology and Marine Biology Program; Educations Abroad Program

James Cook University; Townsville, Queensland, Australia (January 2006 to June 2006)

WORK EXPERIENCE

AmeriCorps Resource Intern (March 2009 – July 2009)

US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center – Henderson, NV

• Assisted with plant ecological research in a team of up to 12 people

• Monitored effectiveness of seeding burned desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) Critical Habitat on long-term restoration plots within lands administered by US Bureau of Land Management in southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona

• Measured native and invasive annual plant production and species richness within sampling quadrats; shrub, cacti and grass canopy cover and species composition using line-intercept; and perennial plant densities within belt transects

• Conducted standardized field surveys to validate habitat suitability models for 7 rare desert plant species in the proposed Gold Butte National Conservation Area in southern Nevada

• Identified up to 40 native and invasive Mojave Desert annual and perennial plant species using taxonomic keys and collected voucher specimens for herbarium

• Worked 50+ hrs/wk at remote field sites under extreme desert temperatures and primitive camping conditions

• Entered field data into Excel workbooks

• Maintained field notebook to document and archive field activities

Wildlife Habitat Monitoring Intern (June 2008 – September 2008)

US Fish and Wildlife Service; Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge – Cheney, WA

• Conducted tree mortality surveys of Ponderosa Pine forests and recorded the plant species found in the understory

• Performed GIS-based invasive plant species surveys within the refuge

• Installed and measured prescribed fire monitoring plots

• Monitored the productivity and survivorship of songbirds by capturing and banding individuals

• Constructed traps to capture juvenile mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) for banding and blood sampling

• Monitored the productivity of Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) nest boxes

• Aided in the national survey of frog abnormalities on wildlife refuges

• Recorded the water levels of ponds and lakes

Biology Intern (June 2007 – October 2007)

Dudek and Associates – Encinitas, CA

• Researched scientific articles, used CNDDB and the Jepson Manual to write descriptions of plant communities for impact reports

• Calculated impact figures for the rare plants surveyed on project sites

• Reviewed scientific reports and articles and entered appropriate information into word databases

• Entered data into Access and Excel databases; created Excel workbooks

• Performed clerical work

Lab Assistant (September 2006 – June 2007)

Scripps Institute of Oceanography – La Jolla, CA

• Maintained and organized marine specimens in the Benthic Invertebrate Collection

• Organized literature and scholarly articles using an Endnote database

• Dissected and extracted marine specimens for DNA analysis

• Performed DNA extraction amplification and sequencing

Marine Science Intern/Volunteer Instructor (October 2006 – April 2007)

Aquatic Adventures – San Diego, CA

• Lectured geology, marine science, and environmental topics to middle school students 2 days a week

• Assisted lead instructor during classroom lectures and activities/projects

• Prepared educational materials and equipment for in-class and outdoor activities

• Administered exams and student evaluations

Veterinary Assistant (Summer 2004 and 2005)

Alhambra Veterinary Hospital – Alhambra, CA

• Assisted doctors during patient examinations

• Prepared and administered vaccines and other medications to animals

• Cleaned and sanitized exam rooms and equipment

• Performed blood, urine, and fecal tests

• Communicated with pet owners, sometimes in Cantonese

Publications Editor (September 2004 – June 2007)

The Tramp Quarterly Newsletter, Muir Environmental Corps – UCSD

• Brainstormed and selected environmental topics to be featured in newsletter

• Proofread articles and designed page layouts using Adobe Indesign

• Coordinated printing and distribution of newsletter throughout college campus

REFERENCES

Lesley DeFalco, PhD; Research Plant Ecologist; ********@****.***, 702-***-****

Kyla Bauer; Biotechnician, ******@****.***, 702-***-****

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