Curriculum Vitae
Professional Profile
Over the past fifteen years, I have been building a career communicating about natural sciences. Initially I focused on ecological research and field studies but in recent years I have been drawn towards the realm of public education. I found I was more interested in sharing information about the amazing everyday events and living things in the natural world around us.
Although I have an academic background in biology I have also been able to gain first-hand ecological knowledge and develop my research skills to extend to other subject areas such as geography, history and literature. It is the medium of learning that I have been fortunate to be immersed in and to share, through media, with a larger audience.
Work Experience
Educational Consultant 2005-current
With a focus on science and nature as well as an ability to provide research and age-appropriate content in other areas of the early learning curriculum, I have consulted for several television productions for preschool and school age children through Decode Entertainment. Recent shows include Poppetstown for TVO in Canada and Disney Channel internationally, Franny’s Feet for Family Channel and PBS Kids, Dirtgirlworld for ABC for kids in Australia, CBC Kids in Canada and CBeebies in the U.K..
Brain Power Studio, Educational Division 2009-current
I am currently heading the Educational Division for Brain Power Studio. Designed to create and provide media content for young children and families, Brain Power Studio is a new, dynamic media company inspired by the belief in transformation through education.
Public Library Children’s Programming 2001-current
At Rideau Lakes Public Library, I am responsible for carrying out preschool and school aged children’s programming to promote early literacy and use of the library. I have successfully applied for grants to boost our early reader collection. I am also involved in delivering outreach reading programs to local daycare and public schools.
Administrative Curator 1999-2001
I took on the challenging task of organizing and caring for the newly acquired natural history collection of the Eastern Ontario Biodiversity Museum in Kemptville, Ontario. In addition to this, I researched and produced museum displays, organized tours of the collections, corresponded with researchers and arranged for loans of specimens. I was involved in several outreach programs for children including “Museum in a suitcase”, “Bugwatch” and “Nature Day Camp”. I also collaborated on the EOBM’s quarterly newsletter.
Fisheries Biologist 1996 -1998
As an independent contractor, I completed an innovative study to track the movements of largemouth bass. This study helped to resolve conservation issues surrounding catch-and-release of bass at tournaments. I was involved in all stages of the project from research, planning, fieldwork, staff supervision and organizing volunteers. I achieved a high profile for the study with publicity and successfully attracted funding for the project.
Professional, Administrative and Educational Knowledge
Ecological Research "Field Research"Sonic and radio telemetry
Curation of natural history collection
Academic library research
Assessing wildlife populations
Wetland evaluation
Water testing
Computer and database skills
Internet search engines
Online library catalogue search
Database for natural history records
Office programs including
Word and Excel Graphic design
Geographic Information System
Educational expertise
Consult on children’s television programs
Design and run children’s early literacy & nature programs
Research and create age appropriate museum displays
Brochure and newsletter production
Co-ordinate and promote BioBlitz
Administration
Organizing a scientific study
Record keeping and budgeting
Hiring, training and supervision of staff
Preparation of fundraising proposals
Liaison with environmental organizations
Education Profile
PRIVATE HONOURS THESIS
Influence of Juvenile Sunfish Density and Interspecific Competition Between Sunfishes on Life History Characteristics of the Pumpkinseed, Lepomis Gibbosus
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Bachelor of Science Honours
Biology and Environmental Sciences
Trent University
Peterborough, Ontario
1992 - 1996
While attending Trent I consistently achieved outstanding grades and appeared on the Dean’s Honours List. Support from two successive and highly competitive undergraduate research grants, enabled me to carry out two seasons of fieldwork for my honours thesis at Trent University
Related Experience
Read to Every Child Book Selection Committee 2009-current
This project is designed to encourage families and caregivers of children age zero to six to engage in reading stories together and enhance pre-reading skills. As part of the committee representing public libraries, schools and community groups I have been involved in selecting the ten picture books to be voted on each year.
Bio-Blitz Assistant Co-ordinator 2000-2001
Developed by the Canadian Biodiversity Institute (CBI), the “Great Canadian Bio-Blitz” is a 24-hour species list generated by volunteer scientists as well as the general public to provide a snapshot on biodiversity across the country. As assistant co-ordinator, I helped to promote the event, contact community groups and compile results for both the CBI database and website. I also attended several Bio-blitzes held by local schools to help with species identification.
Over the past fifteen years, I have been building a career communicating about natural sciences. Initially I focused on ecological research and field studies but in recent years I have been drawn towards the realm of public education. I found I was more interested in sharing information about the amazing everyday events and living things in the natural world around us.
Although I have an academic background in biology I have also been able to gain first-hand ecological knowledge and develop my research skills to extend to other subject areas such as geography, history and literature. It is the medium of learning that I have been fortunate to be immersed in and to share, through media, with a larger audience.
Work Experience
Educational Consultant 2005-current
With a focus on science and nature as well as an ability to provide research and age-appropriate content in other areas of the early learning curriculum, I have consulted for several television productions for preschool and school age children through Decode Entertainment. Recent shows include Poppetstown for TVO in Canada and Disney Channel internationally, Franny’s Feet for Family Channel and PBS Kids, Dirtgirlworld for ABC for kids in Australia, CBC Kids in Canada and CBeebies in the U.K..
Brain Power Studio, Educational Division 2009-current
I am currently heading the Educational Division for Brain Power Studio. Designed to create and provide media content for young children and families, Brain Power Studio is a new, dynamic media company inspired by the belief in transformation through education.
Public Library Children’s Programming 2001-current
At Rideau Lakes Public Library, I am responsible for carrying out preschool and school aged children’s programming to promote early literacy and use of the library. I have successfully applied for grants to boost our early reader collection. I am also involved in delivering outreach reading programs to local daycare and public schools.
Administrative Curator 1999-2001
I took on the challenging task of organizing and caring for the newly acquired natural history collection of the Eastern Ontario Biodiversity Museum in Kemptville, Ontario. In addition to this, I researched and produced museum displays, organized tours of the collections, corresponded with researchers and arranged for loans of specimens. I was involved in several outreach programs for children including “Museum in a suitcase”, “Bugwatch” and “Nature Day Camp”. I also collaborated on the EOBM’s quarterly newsletter.
Fisheries Biologist 1996 -1998
As an independent contractor, I completed an innovative study to track the movements of largemouth bass. This study helped to resolve conservation issues surrounding catch-and-release of bass at tournaments. I was involved in all stages of the project from research, planning, fieldwork, staff supervision and organizing volunteers. I achieved a high profile for the study with publicity and successfully attracted funding for the project.
Professional, Administrative and Educational Knowledge
Ecological Research "Field Research"Sonic and radio telemetry
Computer and database skills
Internet search engines
Educational expertise
Consult on children’s television programs
Administration
Organizing a scientific study
PRIVATE HONOURS THESIS
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Bachelor of Science Honours
Biology and Environmental Sciences
Trent University
Peterborough, Ontario
1992 - 1996
While attending Trent I consistently achieved outstanding grades and appeared on the Dean’s Honours List. Support from two successive and highly competitive undergraduate research grants, enabled me to carry out two seasons of fieldwork for my honours thesis at Trent University
Related Experience
Read to Every Child Book Selection Committee 2009-current
Bio-Blitz Assistant Co-ordinator 2000-2001