Orange, California, United States
• Maintained detailed records of sample processing, ensuring traceability and reproducibility, while optimizing DNA extraction protocols to address challenges posed by different sediment types. • Conducted field research across Southern California to assess water quality levels for State counties, performing eDNA extractions, and statistical analyses to evaluate environmental DNA longevity in marine and anoxic environments. • Analyzed microbial data to develop research insights, facilitating multidisciplinary discussions between scientists and policymakers across California. • Orchestrated a regional analysis to verify consistency in water quality results from laboratories across Southern California, ensuring accurate molecular composition assessments
• Responsible for scheduling and managing biosonar research sessions, deploying the hydrophone system, analyzing computer-collected data, and troubleshooting technological issues. • Assist animal trainers in performing husbandry and research behaviors and shifting dolphins to appropriate locations for scheduled research sessions. • Assist principal investigators by updating and maintaining computer-collected data and backing up data to an external hard drive.
• Responsible for scheduling and managing technological enrichment sessions with both sea lions and dolphins, deploying the technological enrichment system, conducting behavioral ethograms, organizing computer-collected data, and conducting inter-observer tests with fellow interns. • Manage technological enrichment sessions for sea lions and dolphins by providing reinforcement and occasional behavioral modification using positive reinforcement techniques. • Assist Sound and Health researchers by updating and maintaining Welfare Acoustic Monitoring System data, trace focal dolphin whistles, and completing a project relating to dolphin acoustics and anthropogenic noise.
• Analyzed protocols using the program iStar, organized and sent meeting materials to all committee members and alternates, conducted bimonthly meetings, and managed post meeting material. • Prepared notices to the principal investigators prior to protocol expiration and summarized reports to inform supervisor of upcoming expired protocol. • Informed husbandry staff of upcoming expired protocols for the transfer of housed animals to a holding protocol.