Career interests: Endangered species conservation; environmental education
EDUCATION
MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, September 2011
Nicholas School of the Environment
Duke University, Durham, NC
Master’s Project: Guest Experience at the Duke Lemur Center
Concentration: Global Environmental Change
Coursework: Art of Communicating Science – writing methods to effectively communicate science to the general public; Restoration of Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens – developed interpretive signage on local aquifer, freshwater lens and related ecosystem components including migratory birds; Conservation GIS – species range mapping, habitat corridor mapping
BACHELOR OF ARTS, Honors, May 2009
Carson-Newman College, Jefferson City, TN
Major: History. Minor: Spanish. GPA: 3.9 out of 4.0
Senior thesis: History of Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Primate Technician, Duke Lemur Center, Durham, NC
Delivered primary care for some of the Center’s 237 prosimian primates; trained animals using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement techniques. September 2011-present.
Education Team Member and Guide, Duke Lemur Center, Durham, NC
Educated 300+ visitors a month on research and conservation missions of the center and natural history of lemurs through guided tours; collaborated with development office to increase outreach; gained knowledge of conservation initiatives and challenges in Madagascar. October 2009-August 2011.
Education Assistant, New Hope Creek Corridor Advisory Committee, Durham, NC
Coordinated with potential user groups to develop recommendations on education and interpretation for the committee on the proposed Hollow Rock Access Area/Nature Preserve; recommendations included Native American use of the land and history of the local music scene, ways for elementary students to access the park. August 2009-May 2010.
Interpretive ranger, Davy Crockett Birthplace and Rock Island State Parks, Tennessee State Parks, Dept. of Environment and Conservation, Nashville, TN
Designed and implemented weekly interpretive and educational activities throughout the summer on natural and cultural resources to approx. 100 guests per month which included guided hikes on plant and animal identification, forest and watershed health, cave tours on local geology, and local history on mining, hydropower and industry. May-August 2007; 2008; 2009.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Technician Assistant, Duke Lemur Center, Durham, NC
Aided animal care professionals with daily husbandry tasks as a volunteer on a weekly basis. June 2010-May 2011.
Intern Consultant, National Geographic’s Big Cat Initiative, Durham, NC
Mapped human development and agriculture across West Africa using Google Earth to create a map of suitable habitat for lions; gathered information on lion and cheetah population numbers. September 2010-May 2011
Volunteer, Duke Environmental Leadership Outreach, Durham, NC
Aided local schools with special environmentally-themed events that included delivering a presentation on local bats and helping students plant an edible garden. 2009-2010.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Proficient with ArcGIS 9.3 and NVivo Qualitative Analysis software.
Band leader/drummer responsible for coordinating practices, weekly performances and a spring traveling tour.
