EDUCATION
Doctorate of Philosophy, University of Nevada, Reno
Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
Department of Biology
Advisor: Matthew Forister
Degree Expected: August 2019
Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
College of Biological Sciences
Degree Earned: August 2011
EMPLOYMENT
University of Nevada, Reno August 2013 – Present
Graduate Assistant; Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities August 2011 – August 2013
Junior Scientist (Lab Coordinator); Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
STATEMENT OF INTEREST
I am interested in the effects of anthropogenic change at multiple spatial scales on insects, plant-insect interactions and evolutionary processes. Developing community outreach activities and presentations is an important way for me to share scientific information across a wide breadth of people.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Dissertation Research: Honest signal evolution in cabbage white butterflies University of Nevada, Reno (2013 – Present)
1. Land use effect on coloration of Pieris rapaeCompared human-mediated nitrogen input areas (crop, pasture, developed areas) versus “natural” areas (forest, shrub areas) using 500 specimens. Promoted citizen science collections of specimens through the Pieris Project. Measured wing reflectance as a color proxy and quantified land-use proportion using GIS mapping in R program for each collection site.
2. Nitrogen allocation across a nutritional gradient in Pieris rapaeReared caterpillars on varying nitrogen-containing artificial diets. Lysed body parts (head, thorax, abdomen, and wings) for each individual and sent for elemental analyses to determine allocation of nitrogen across different treatments.
3. Reproduction investment correlation to wing coloration in Pieris rapaeCollected male and female individuals from four sites (two agricultural areas, two non-agricultural areas). Dissected and counted spermatophores from females, dissected testes and accessory glands from males. Accessory glands were lysed and Bradford assay was run.
Other Applicable Research:
1. Cabbage white pesticide project; University of Nevada, Reno (2016)Developed this pesticide research project with undergrad Aldrin Santamaria for his senior thesis topic at the University of Nevada, Reno. Examined a number of pesticide application data sets to determine the most abundant pesticide used in agricultural settings around Reno, NV and Davis, CA (where parental individuals were derived from). Designed experiment testing the effect on survival of Pieris rapae caterpillars.
2. Invasion history of Pieris rapae across the world; University of Nevada, Reno (2016)In collaboration with students across the US, promoted a citizen science project to obtain cabbage white specimens from across the world. Raised funds for genotyping through crowd-funding source (Experiment.com). Revised and am co-author on paper currently in review.
3. Western monarch population trends analyses; University of Nevada, Reno (2013-2014)
Compiled a subset of data from a long-term data set to look at western monarch populations using a Bayesian approach for analysis. I am the first author on this paper and am author on a separate paper of a fellow graduate student doing similar analyses. Published in 2016.
4. Nutritional constraints on the evolution of learning; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2011-2013)
Contributed to the data collection, method development, and data analyses for this project, gaining skills including: butterfly husbandry, using imageJ software to measure macroscopic and microscopic photos of morphologic anatomy, field collection of multiple species, fixation and microscopic dissection of brains, genitalia dissections, and performing protein assays. Manuscript is currently in prep.
5. Human effect on behavioral interactions; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2012-2013)
Aided in the method development, data collection, and data analyses of three projects of mate- and prey-choice behavioral assays. Designed how spectrophotometry measurements were performed and analyzed all data. I performed an extensive amount of background literature research and presented my findings at the annual meeting Animal Behavior Society. I will be the lead author on this project with expected publication in 2015 ().
6. Trade-offs in social learning; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2011)
Developed independent research project during my directed research enrollment, including experimental procedure, behavioral assays, data collection, data analyses using JMP software. The project was expanded to another study organism, parasitoid wasps, in which I maintained a lab-reared population.
7. Human effect on mammalogy brain size; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2011)
Assisted lead undergrad researcher navigating through the extensive mammalogy collection at the University of Minnesota. I found designated specimens and recorded information for later analyses.
8. Tallgrass prairie restoration vegetation surveys; United States Fish and Wildlife Service (August 2009)
I worked closely with Pauline Drobney collecting vegetative survey data. We evaluated 14 different transect plots that two other volunteers and I generated using outlined coordinates. Ms. Drobney identified plant species and I used scientific nomenclature to record and organize data.
PUBLICATIONS
Published
Espeset, A.E., Kobiela, M.E., Sikkink, K.L., Pan, T., Roy, C., Snell-Rood, E.C. – 2019 – Anthropogenic increases in nutrients alter sexual selection dynamics: a case study in butterflies. Behavioral Ecology.
Dyer, L.A., Philbin, C.S., Ochsenrider, K.M., Richards, L.A., Massad, T.J., Smilanich, A.M., Forister, M.L., Parchman, T.L., Galland, L.M., Hurtado, P.J., Espeset, A.E., Glassmire, A.E., Harrison, J.G., Mo, C., Pardikes, N.A., Muchoney, N.D., Jahner, J.P., Slinn, H.L., Shelef, O., Dodson, C.D., Kato, M.J., Yamaguchi, L.F., Jeffrey, C.S. – 2018 – Modern Approaches to study plant-insect interactions in chemical ecology. Nature Reviews: Chemistry
Espeset, A.E., Harrison, J., Shapiro, A., Nice, C., Thorne, J., Waetjen, D., Fordyce, J., Forister, M. – 2016 - Understanding a migratory species in a changing world: climatic effects and demographic declines in the western monarch revealed by four decades of intensive monitoring. Oecologia
Swanson, E.M., Espeset, A., Mikati, I., Bolduc, I., Kulhanek, R., White, W.A., Kenzie, S. Snell-Rood, E.C. – 2016 – Nutrition shapes life-history evolution across species. Proc. R Soc Lond B Biol Sci.
Harrison, J.G., Shapiro, A. M., Espeset, A.E., Nice, C.C., Jahner, J.P., Forister, M. L. - 2015 - Species with more volatile population dynamics are differentially impacted by weather. Biol. Lett.
Snell-Rood, E. C., Cothran, R., Espeset, A.E., Jeyasingh, P., Hobbie, S., Morehouse, N. – 2015 – Life history evolution in the anthropocene: effects of increasing nutrients on traits and tradeoffs. Evol. Appl.
Snell-Rood, E.C., Espeset, A., Boser, C., White, W.A., Smykalski, R. – 2014 – Anthropogenic changes in sodium affect neural and muscle development in butterflies. PNAS
In Review
Ryan, S.F., Lonbaert, E., Espeset, A., Vila, R., Talavera, G., Dincã, V., Renshaw, M.A., Eng, M.W., Doellman, M.M., Hornett, E.A., Li, Y., Pfrender, M.E., Shoemaker, D. – 2018 – Global invasion history of the world’s most abundant pest butterfly: a citizen science population genomics study. BioRxiv 506162
In Prep
Snell-Rood, E.C., Swanson, E.M., Espeset, A., Jaumann, S., Phillips, K. 2019, Nutritional constraints on brain evolution across butterflies.
CONTRIBUTED ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Espeset, A., Scholl, C., Stoughton, J., Leger, E., Feldman, C., Guy-Gaytán, C. 2018, Discover Natural History Museum Resources and Engage in Arthropod Activities. NSTA Reno Area Conference, Reno, NV
Scholl, C., Espeset, A., De los Santos, E., Stoughton, J., Leger, E. 2018, Using concepts inspired by natural history museums and collections for interactive science lessons. NSTA Reno Area Conference, Reno, NV
Espeset, A., Forister, M. 2015. Do human-induced land-use changes affect the sexually selected signal within Pieris rapae? Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Espeset, A., Harrison, J.G., Nice, C.C., Shapiro, A.M., Forister, M.L. 2014. The Fate of Western Monarchs. Ecological Society of America 99th Annual Meeting, Sacramento, California
Espeset, A., 3-Minute Thesis Competition. University of Nevada, Reno.
CONTRIBUTED POSTER PRESENTATIONS AT PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS
Modallalkar, N., Espeset, A., Forister, M. 2018, Temperature and Light effect on the sexually selected signal of the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. College of Science Poster Competition, University of Nevada, Reno
Chalyavi, F., Espeset, A., Fetto, N., Forister, M., Tucker, M. 2017, Rainbow of color in butterfly wings: a photophysical investigation. American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C.
Espeset, A., 2015, Land use effect on the sexually selected signal of the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. College of Science Poster Competition, University of Nevada, Reno
Espeset, A., Forister, M. 2015, Land use effect on the sexually selected signal of the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Espeset, A., Forister, M. 2014, The fate of the Western Monarch. College of Science Poster Competition, University of Nevada, Reno
Espeset, A., Snell-Rood, E.C. 2013. Changing Nitrogen Availability Impacts Allocation to Ornamentation and Dynamics of Sexual Selection. Ecological Society of America 98th Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Poster)
Espeset, A., White, W.A., Snell-Rood, E.C. 2012. Does Human Activity Relax Sexual Selection Intensity: Effects of Changing Fertilizer Rates on Butterflies. 49th Annual Meeting of Animal Behavior Society, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Poster)
GRANTS/AWARDS
Outstanding Graduate Student Scholarship (2016-2017); Graduate Student Association, University of Nevada, Reno
Graduate Research Fellowship (2015-2020); National Science Foundation
EECB Summer Fellowship (2015); Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Jerry & Betty Wilson Scholarship (2014-2015); Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Brussard Scholarship (2014-2015); Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
EECB Summer Fellowship (2014); Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Dean’s Graduate Scholar (2013 – 2014); Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Travel Award, NSF (2012), Behavioral Plasticity Conservation Poster Symposium, 49th Annual Meeting of Animal Behavior Society
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Museum of Natural History (2015 – Present) – Informal education using hands-on activities with K-12 students; collaborated with the Education Department at UNR to create NGSS-aligned activities
Biology 300 (August 2014 – May 2015) – Principles of Genetics; Independently lead two discussion sections and conducted review sessions for 50+ students
Biology 192 (January 2014 – May 2014) – Principles of Biological Investigation; Independently teach two lab sections with given material guidelines.
Biology 190 (August 2013 – December 2013) – Introduction to Organismal Biology
MENTORING – UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
UNR Undergraduates:
Nouri Modallalker
Alejandro Rodriguez
Caitlyn McHugh
Chasey Danser
Kianna Pattengale
Lydia Navarrete-Galvan
Katy Breeding
Alexis Moreno-Montes
Sophie Selbe
Katrina Marks
Shane Jacob
Ellen Wilson
Aldrin Santamaria
U of M, TC Undergraduates:
Naomi Wick
Ihab Mikati
Colton Roy
Nate Fremling
Rob Kulhanek
Isaac Bolduck
Chris Boser
Jeff Rock
Klara Noble
PUBLIC SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Outreach team member. University of Nevada Museum of Natural History. March 2014 – Present.
Citizen science team member: Pieris Project. June 2014 – Present.
Northern Nevada Big Brothers Big Sisters Science Day Organizer (March 2016)
(Volunteered for event in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Entomological Society of America Volunteer – Nov. 2015
Annals of the Entomological Society of America Journal Reviewer (2015)
Journal of Insect Physiology Journal Reviewer (2015)
Start-up team member and exhibit design. University of Nevada Museum of Natural History. November 2013 – March 2014.
Interactive activities and displays on butterfly learning, host-finding behavior, and anatomy. Minnesota State Fair. August 2012.
Demonstration table on butterfly nutrition. Adventures in Animal Behavior, New Mexico Museum of Natural History. June 2012
Laboratory tours to St. Paul Public School students on sensory ecology of butterflies, University of Minnesota, May 2012
GRADUATE COMMITTEES/UNIVERSITY SERVICE
EECB Admissions Committee (2018 – 2019)
EECB Student President (2017 – 2018)
GSA Council Member (Biology Department; 2016 – 2018)
GSA Judicial Committee (2017 – 2018)
GSA Service Committee (2016 – 2017)
JCSU Advisory Board Committee (GSA Committee) (2015 – 2017)
GSA Senior Advisor Search Committee (December 2015 – February 2016)
EECB New Student Orientation Committee (2014 – 2017)
EECB Colloquium Logistics Committee (2014 – 2016)
EECB Outreach Coordinator (2014 – 2016)
RELATED VOLUNTEER WORK
Nevada Bugs and Butterflies; Reno, NV
Huffaker Science Fair Judge; Reno, NV
Bird Banding with Graduate Student; St. Paul, MN
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota; Roseville, MN
Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Center; Lesmurdie, Western Australia
Darling Range Wildlife Rehabilitation Center; Martin, Western Australia
Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference; Minneapolis, MN
Living Green Expo; St. Paul, MN
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Graduate Courses: Ecological Immunology, Nutritional Ecology, Principles of Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, STEM Education K-12, Research Design, Evolution Independent Study, Statistics; Molecular Ecology; Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Colloquium
Undergraduate Biology Courses: Foundations of Biology I & II (with labs); Biochemistry; Genetics; Sex, Evolution, and Behavior; Plant Function (with lab); Intro Animal Behavior; Cell Biology; Intro Chemistry (with lab); Chemical Principles I & II (with labs), Physics for Biology and Pre-Med I & II (with labs); Organic Chemistry I & II (with lab); General Zoology (with lab); Natural Resource Consumption and Sustainability; Cell Biology; Directed Research; Graduate Research Fellowship Proposal Writing Seminar
Doctorate of Philosophy, University of Nevada, Reno
Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
Department of Biology
Advisor: Matthew Forister
Degree Expected: August 2019
Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
College of Biological Sciences
Degree Earned: August 2011
EMPLOYMENT
University of Nevada, Reno August 2013 – Present
Graduate Assistant; Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities August 2011 – August 2013
Junior Scientist (Lab Coordinator); Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
STATEMENT OF INTEREST
I am interested in the effects of anthropogenic change at multiple spatial scales on insects, plant-insect interactions and evolutionary processes. Developing community outreach activities and presentations is an important way for me to share scientific information across a wide breadth of people.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Dissertation Research: Honest signal evolution in cabbage white butterflies University of Nevada, Reno (2013 – Present)
1. Land use effect on coloration of Pieris rapaeCompared human-mediated nitrogen input areas (crop, pasture, developed areas) versus “natural” areas (forest, shrub areas) using 500 specimens. Promoted citizen science collections of specimens through the Pieris Project. Measured wing reflectance as a color proxy and quantified land-use proportion using GIS mapping in R program for each collection site.
2. Nitrogen allocation across a nutritional gradient in Pieris rapaeReared caterpillars on varying nitrogen-containing artificial diets. Lysed body parts (head, thorax, abdomen, and wings) for each individual and sent for elemental analyses to determine allocation of nitrogen across different treatments.
3. Reproduction investment correlation to wing coloration in Pieris rapaeCollected male and female individuals from four sites (two agricultural areas, two non-agricultural areas). Dissected and counted spermatophores from females, dissected testes and accessory glands from males. Accessory glands were lysed and Bradford assay was run.
Other Applicable Research:
1. Cabbage white pesticide project; University of Nevada, Reno (2016)Developed this pesticide research project with undergrad Aldrin Santamaria for his senior thesis topic at the University of Nevada, Reno. Examined a number of pesticide application data sets to determine the most abundant pesticide used in agricultural settings around Reno, NV and Davis, CA (where parental individuals were derived from). Designed experiment testing the effect on survival of Pieris rapae caterpillars.
2. Invasion history of Pieris rapae across the world; University of Nevada, Reno (2016)In collaboration with students across the US, promoted a citizen science project to obtain cabbage white specimens from across the world. Raised funds for genotyping through crowd-funding source (Experiment.com). Revised and am co-author on paper currently in review.
3. Western monarch population trends analyses; University of Nevada, Reno (2013-2014)
Compiled a subset of data from a long-term data set to look at western monarch populations using a Bayesian approach for analysis. I am the first author on this paper and am author on a separate paper of a fellow graduate student doing similar analyses. Published in 2016.
4. Nutritional constraints on the evolution of learning; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2011-2013)
Contributed to the data collection, method development, and data analyses for this project, gaining skills including: butterfly husbandry, using imageJ software to measure macroscopic and microscopic photos of morphologic anatomy, field collection of multiple species, fixation and microscopic dissection of brains, genitalia dissections, and performing protein assays. Manuscript is currently in prep.
5. Human effect on behavioral interactions; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2012-2013)
Aided in the method development, data collection, and data analyses of three projects of mate- and prey-choice behavioral assays. Designed how spectrophotometry measurements were performed and analyzed all data. I performed an extensive amount of background literature research and presented my findings at the annual meeting Animal Behavior Society. I will be the lead author on this project with expected publication in 2015 ().
6. Trade-offs in social learning; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2011)
Developed independent research project during my directed research enrollment, including experimental procedure, behavioral assays, data collection, data analyses using JMP software. The project was expanded to another study organism, parasitoid wasps, in which I maintained a lab-reared population.
7. Human effect on mammalogy brain size; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2011)
Assisted lead undergrad researcher navigating through the extensive mammalogy collection at the University of Minnesota. I found designated specimens and recorded information for later analyses.
8. Tallgrass prairie restoration vegetation surveys; United States Fish and Wildlife Service (August 2009)
I worked closely with Pauline Drobney collecting vegetative survey data. We evaluated 14 different transect plots that two other volunteers and I generated using outlined coordinates. Ms. Drobney identified plant species and I used scientific nomenclature to record and organize data.
PUBLICATIONS
Published
Espeset, A.E., Kobiela, M.E., Sikkink, K.L., Pan, T., Roy, C., Snell-Rood, E.C. – 2019 – Anthropogenic increases in nutrients alter sexual selection dynamics: a case study in butterflies. Behavioral Ecology.
Dyer, L.A., Philbin, C.S., Ochsenrider, K.M., Richards, L.A., Massad, T.J., Smilanich, A.M., Forister, M.L., Parchman, T.L., Galland, L.M., Hurtado, P.J., Espeset, A.E., Glassmire, A.E., Harrison, J.G., Mo, C., Pardikes, N.A., Muchoney, N.D., Jahner, J.P., Slinn, H.L., Shelef, O., Dodson, C.D., Kato, M.J., Yamaguchi, L.F., Jeffrey, C.S. – 2018 – Modern Approaches to study plant-insect interactions in chemical ecology. Nature Reviews: Chemistry
Espeset, A.E., Harrison, J., Shapiro, A., Nice, C., Thorne, J., Waetjen, D., Fordyce, J., Forister, M. – 2016 - Understanding a migratory species in a changing world: climatic effects and demographic declines in the western monarch revealed by four decades of intensive monitoring. Oecologia
Swanson, E.M., Espeset, A., Mikati, I., Bolduc, I., Kulhanek, R., White, W.A., Kenzie, S. Snell-Rood, E.C. – 2016 – Nutrition shapes life-history evolution across species. Proc. R Soc Lond B Biol Sci.
Harrison, J.G., Shapiro, A. M., Espeset, A.E., Nice, C.C., Jahner, J.P., Forister, M. L. - 2015 - Species with more volatile population dynamics are differentially impacted by weather. Biol. Lett.
Snell-Rood, E. C., Cothran, R., Espeset, A.E., Jeyasingh, P., Hobbie, S., Morehouse, N. – 2015 – Life history evolution in the anthropocene: effects of increasing nutrients on traits and tradeoffs. Evol. Appl.
Snell-Rood, E.C., Espeset, A., Boser, C., White, W.A., Smykalski, R. – 2014 – Anthropogenic changes in sodium affect neural and muscle development in butterflies. PNAS
In Review
Ryan, S.F., Lonbaert, E., Espeset, A., Vila, R., Talavera, G., Dincã, V., Renshaw, M.A., Eng, M.W., Doellman, M.M., Hornett, E.A., Li, Y., Pfrender, M.E., Shoemaker, D. – 2018 – Global invasion history of the world’s most abundant pest butterfly: a citizen science population genomics study. BioRxiv 506162
In Prep
Snell-Rood, E.C., Swanson, E.M., Espeset, A., Jaumann, S., Phillips, K. 2019, Nutritional constraints on brain evolution across butterflies.
CONTRIBUTED ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Espeset, A., Scholl, C., Stoughton, J., Leger, E., Feldman, C., Guy-Gaytán, C. 2018, Discover Natural History Museum Resources and Engage in Arthropod Activities. NSTA Reno Area Conference, Reno, NV
Scholl, C., Espeset, A., De los Santos, E., Stoughton, J., Leger, E. 2018, Using concepts inspired by natural history museums and collections for interactive science lessons. NSTA Reno Area Conference, Reno, NV
Espeset, A., Forister, M. 2015. Do human-induced land-use changes affect the sexually selected signal within Pieris rapae? Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Espeset, A., Harrison, J.G., Nice, C.C., Shapiro, A.M., Forister, M.L. 2014. The Fate of Western Monarchs. Ecological Society of America 99th Annual Meeting, Sacramento, California
Espeset, A., 3-Minute Thesis Competition. University of Nevada, Reno.
CONTRIBUTED POSTER PRESENTATIONS AT PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS
Modallalkar, N., Espeset, A., Forister, M. 2018, Temperature and Light effect on the sexually selected signal of the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. College of Science Poster Competition, University of Nevada, Reno
Chalyavi, F., Espeset, A., Fetto, N., Forister, M., Tucker, M. 2017, Rainbow of color in butterfly wings: a photophysical investigation. American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C.
Espeset, A., 2015, Land use effect on the sexually selected signal of the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. College of Science Poster Competition, University of Nevada, Reno
Espeset, A., Forister, M. 2015, Land use effect on the sexually selected signal of the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Espeset, A., Forister, M. 2014, The fate of the Western Monarch. College of Science Poster Competition, University of Nevada, Reno
Espeset, A., Snell-Rood, E.C. 2013. Changing Nitrogen Availability Impacts Allocation to Ornamentation and Dynamics of Sexual Selection. Ecological Society of America 98th Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Poster)
Espeset, A., White, W.A., Snell-Rood, E.C. 2012. Does Human Activity Relax Sexual Selection Intensity: Effects of Changing Fertilizer Rates on Butterflies. 49th Annual Meeting of Animal Behavior Society, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Poster)
GRANTS/AWARDS
Outstanding Graduate Student Scholarship (2016-2017); Graduate Student Association, University of Nevada, Reno
Graduate Research Fellowship (2015-2020); National Science Foundation
EECB Summer Fellowship (2015); Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Jerry & Betty Wilson Scholarship (2014-2015); Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Brussard Scholarship (2014-2015); Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
EECB Summer Fellowship (2014); Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Dean’s Graduate Scholar (2013 – 2014); Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Travel Award, NSF (2012), Behavioral Plasticity Conservation Poster Symposium, 49th Annual Meeting of Animal Behavior Society
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Museum of Natural History (2015 – Present) – Informal education using hands-on activities with K-12 students; collaborated with the Education Department at UNR to create NGSS-aligned activities
Biology 300 (August 2014 – May 2015) – Principles of Genetics; Independently lead two discussion sections and conducted review sessions for 50+ students
Biology 192 (January 2014 – May 2014) – Principles of Biological Investigation; Independently teach two lab sections with given material guidelines.
Biology 190 (August 2013 – December 2013) – Introduction to Organismal Biology
MENTORING – UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
UNR Undergraduates:
Nouri Modallalker
Alejandro Rodriguez
Caitlyn McHugh
Chasey Danser
Kianna Pattengale
Lydia Navarrete-Galvan
Katy Breeding
Alexis Moreno-Montes
Sophie Selbe
Katrina Marks
Shane Jacob
Ellen Wilson
Aldrin Santamaria
U of M, TC Undergraduates:
Naomi Wick
Ihab Mikati
Colton Roy
Nate Fremling
Rob Kulhanek
Isaac Bolduck
Chris Boser
Jeff Rock
Klara Noble
PUBLIC SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Outreach team member. University of Nevada Museum of Natural History. March 2014 – Present.
Citizen science team member: Pieris Project. June 2014 – Present.
Northern Nevada Big Brothers Big Sisters Science Day Organizer (March 2016)
(Volunteered for event in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Entomological Society of America Volunteer – Nov. 2015
Annals of the Entomological Society of America Journal Reviewer (2015)
Journal of Insect Physiology Journal Reviewer (2015)
Start-up team member and exhibit design. University of Nevada Museum of Natural History. November 2013 – March 2014.
Interactive activities and displays on butterfly learning, host-finding behavior, and anatomy. Minnesota State Fair. August 2012.
Demonstration table on butterfly nutrition. Adventures in Animal Behavior, New Mexico Museum of Natural History. June 2012
Laboratory tours to St. Paul Public School students on sensory ecology of butterflies, University of Minnesota, May 2012
GRADUATE COMMITTEES/UNIVERSITY SERVICE
EECB Admissions Committee (2018 – 2019)
EECB Student President (2017 – 2018)
GSA Council Member (Biology Department; 2016 – 2018)
GSA Judicial Committee (2017 – 2018)
GSA Service Committee (2016 – 2017)
JCSU Advisory Board Committee (GSA Committee) (2015 – 2017)
GSA Senior Advisor Search Committee (December 2015 – February 2016)
EECB New Student Orientation Committee (2014 – 2017)
EECB Colloquium Logistics Committee (2014 – 2016)
EECB Outreach Coordinator (2014 – 2016)
RELATED VOLUNTEER WORK
Nevada Bugs and Butterflies; Reno, NV
Huffaker Science Fair Judge; Reno, NV
Bird Banding with Graduate Student; St. Paul, MN
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota; Roseville, MN
Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Center; Lesmurdie, Western Australia
Darling Range Wildlife Rehabilitation Center; Martin, Western Australia
Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference; Minneapolis, MN
Living Green Expo; St. Paul, MN
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Graduate Courses: Ecological Immunology, Nutritional Ecology, Principles of Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, STEM Education K-12, Research Design, Evolution Independent Study, Statistics; Molecular Ecology; Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Colloquium
Undergraduate Biology Courses: Foundations of Biology I & II (with labs); Biochemistry; Genetics; Sex, Evolution, and Behavior; Plant Function (with lab); Intro Animal Behavior; Cell Biology; Intro Chemistry (with lab); Chemical Principles I & II (with labs), Physics for Biology and Pre-Med I & II (with labs); Organic Chemistry I & II (with lab); General Zoology (with lab); Natural Resource Consumption and Sustainability; Cell Biology; Directed Research; Graduate Research Fellowship Proposal Writing Seminar