Aly Lynch

Conducted freshwater water-quality monitoring under U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols, measuring turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and nutrients. Performed fish, freshwater mussel, and macroinvertebrate surveys in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). Collected stream samples using multiparameter sondes and grab-sampling methods.

Research Assistant at NC State University (2025-01 – 2026-01)

• Conducted freshwater water-quality monitoring under U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols, measuring turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and nutrients.
• Performed fish, freshwater mussel, and macroinvertebrate surveys in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).
• Collected stream samples using multiparameter sondes and grab-sampling methods.
• Applied QA/QC procedures to long-term monitoring datasets and analyzed environmental data in R and GIS to identify spatial patterns and ecological trends.

Research Assistant at UNC Asheville (2021-05 – 2023-05)

• Conducted U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-funded conservation research on endangered pitcher plants (Sarracenia spp.) in Nantahala National Forest.
• Completed ecological field surveys and identified species and hybrid individuals using diagnostic morphological traits and ecological indicators.
• Collected GPS and environmental data, managed field datasets, and communicated research findings through a thesis defense, conference presentations, and a publication.
• Investigated seed viability and germination rates of two western North Carolina pitcher plants and their hybrids.

Teaching Assistant at NC State University (2023-08 – 2024-05)

• Delivered lectures and facilitated undergraduate laboratory activities in introductory biology, animal phylogeny and diversity, and animal anatomy and physiology.
• Supported course design and assignments while providing feedback on scientific writing and analytical reasoning.

Laboratory Assistant at NC State University (2023-08 – 2023-12)

• Performed microbial culture, streak plating, and aseptic transfers; prepared culture media and reagents under sterile laboratory conditions.
• Conducted yeast growth and metabolism experiments using spectrophotometry and controlled incubation.

Head Crew Leader at Conservation Corps North Carolina (2026-05 – 2026-08)

• Led and supervised a six-member youth conservation crew completing habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and public-land improvement projects in partnership with the City of Raleigh.

Reptile Care Specialist at Morph Menagerie (2023-05 – Present)

• Maintain reptile habitats and monitor animal health, feeding behavior, and environmental conditions.

Wildlife Care Specialist at Appalachian Wildlife Refuge (2023-01 – 2023-08)

• Provided daily care for injured and orphaned native wildlife and monitored health, behavior, and rehabilitation progress.

Reptile Care Specialist at Sundown Reptiles (2019-01 – 2023-05)

• Maintain reptile habitats and monitor animal health, feeding behavior, and environmental conditions.

Master's in Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies – North Carolina State University (2025-12)

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – University of North Carolina at Asheville (2023-05)

Marine Biology – Southeast Coast, US (2023-05)