Graduate Research Assistant at Clemson University (2024-01 – Present)
Supervisors: Erin Buchholtz, Ph.D. and Susan Loeb, Ph.D.
- Designed and led a project with NPS staff at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area evaluating grassland habitat quality following prescribed burning and mechanical mastication - producing recommendations for future management across 29 sites in TN and KY.
- Conducted field data collection including acoustic monitoring equipment deployment, nocturnal insect sampling, and vegetation/habitat surveys.
- Processed and identified over 80,000 bat calls through manual identification, identification software (Kaleidoscope Pro), and acoustic analysis packages in R (buzzfindr).
- Quantified landscape composition and configuration using GIS and landscape metrics to relate habitat structure to wildlife activity across multiple spatial scales.
- Built and managed ArcGIS Online content for field data collection, including hosted feature layers, Survey123 forms, and an interactive web map tracking equipment and survey locations across field sites.
- Prepared annual progress reports for US Forest Service and a final report for the National Park Service under a federally funded research grant.
- Taught an undergraduate Creative Inquiry course for three semesters, mentoring 14 students in insect identification, data management, and science communication/presentation skills.
Teaching Assistant, GIS for Natural Resources at Clemson University (2026-01 – 2026-05)
Spring 2026
- Delivered lab instruction in ArcGIS Pro for an undergraduate/graduate natural resources course, guiding 22 students through land cover change detection, habitat suitability analysis, viewshed analysis, GPS data processing, zonal statistics, and satellite image classification.
- Supported student proficiency in spatial data acquisition, management, and visualization for natural resource management applications.
Shorebird Technician at Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (2023-03 – 2024-10)
Supervisors: Emily Casper, M.S. and Todd Pover, M.S.
- Performed avian point-count and vegetation surveys for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as pre-restoration monitoring ahead of a saltmarsh restoration project.
- Monitored breeding American Oystercatcher pairs through nest location, regular nest/brood checks, and banding/re-sighting efforts.
- Managed nest predation risk using trail cameras and installation of symbolic fencing; conducted public outreach on shorebird conservation.
- Communicated conservation topics to public audiences through social media and blog content.
Field Technician, Illinois Bat Conservation Program at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2022-05 – 2022-09)
Supervisors: Mark Davis, Ph.D., Tara Hohoff, Ph.D., and Brittany Rogness, M.S.
- Deployed over 100 acoustic detectors, conducted emergence count surveys, and assisted with mist-netting across 12+ field sites.
- Handled multiple bat species and collected biological samples (wing biopsies, oral swabs, guano), recording weight, sex, reproductive status, and morphometric data for 25+ captured individuals.
- Led outreach presentations for educational groups and the general public.
Research Assistant at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2021-12 – 2022-05)
Supervisor: Keith Sockman, Ph.D.
- Analyzed over 700 bioacoustic recordings to investigate vocal trait trade-offs in passerine species.
Intern at Joshua Tree National Park (2021-05 – 2021-08)
- Studied climate trends and visitor-use patterns to inform heat-safety messaging and mitigate visitor-use impacts.
- Assisted in long-term monitoring of 40+ plots of Joshua trees and Grusonia cacti.
Writing Consultant at James Madison University Writing Center (2019-08 – 2021-08)
- Gave constructive feedback on structure, clarity, and audience, strengthening skills in editing and adapting writing for different readers.
