Education
North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
Master of Science in Applied Ecology Spring 2018-current
- GPA cumulative- 3.714, 21 credit hours
- Major in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
- Minor in Statistics
Wake Forest University, Schools of Biological Sciences and Anthropological Studies Winston-Salem, NC
Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Major in Anthropology May 2015
- GPA Cumulative 3.353 – Dean’s list (3/8 semesters)
- Lambda Alpha Honor Society
Work Experience
VIP Pet Care Raleigh, NC
Clinic Assistant and Supervisor August 2016-current
- Worked as supervisor which involved interacting with clients, pets, and staff.
- Technical assisting included blood draws, vaccinations, microchipping, and restraining.
Wake Forest Field School Lighthouse Reef, Belize
Marine Ecology Fieldwork March, 2015
- Practiced valuable field techniques such as fish identification and survey, and coral bleaching survey
- Captured and measured specimens of Krytolebias marmoratus for future research
- Eliminated individuals of the invasive species Lionfish to restore the natural food web
- Explored the ecological importance of different environments such as mangroves, coral reefs, and sea grass beds
- Worked on a proposal for the study of biological indicator species and heavy metal pollution in the ocean
Wake Forest Field School Rio Maior, Portugal
Archaeological Fieldwork June – August, 2013
- Practiced valuable excavation techniques, site/profile mapping, regional site prospection, survey orienteering, basic stratigraphy, sedimentology/environmental reconstruction, artifact recording/stabilization, and introductory laboratory analysis
- Discovered artifacts from an early human site
- Carefully uncovered part of a Roman mosaic with chisel work from the site of a Roman Villa
- Gained valuable experience working as a member of a team of both students and local Portuguese
University of St. Thomas Minneapolis, MN
Research Assistant Summer 2010
- Collaborated on a project, working in the Microbiology Department under the supervision of Dr. Jayna Ditty.
- Determined that the bacteria putida Fu1 can be used in bioremediation of toxic furan compounds which are carcinogenic agricultural byproducts.
- Succeeded in having my work publicized by the journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology, “Chemotaxis to Furan Compounds by Furan-Degrading Pseudomonas strains”
- Explored various lab techniques as well as professional presentation of the project
Professional Presentations
2019 Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society conference Galveston, TX
Guest Lecturer January 23-27, 2019
- “Understanding Striped Bass Egg Characteristics in North Carolina Coastal Rivers”
Authors: Cara K Kowalchyk, Jesse R Fischer, Benjamin J Reading.
Coastal and Piedmont Strategic Habitat Conservation meeting Manteo, NC
Guest Lecturer October 23, 2018
- “Egg Yolk, Egg Buoyancy, and Striped Bass Recruitment: a Common Link?”
Authors: Cara K Kowalchyk, Jesse R Fischer, Benjamin J Reading.
148th National American Fisheries Society conference Atlantic City, NJ
Poster Presentation August 19-23, 2018
- “Modeling the Effect of Variability in First Feeding Date on Striped Bass Larval Growth Patterns in the Roanoke River”
Authors: Cara K Kowalchyk, Jesse R Fischer, Benjamin J Reading.
Laboratory Skills
Biological
- 2018 field season involved Striped Bass ovarian biopsies and egg quality assessment of size and buoyancy
- Experience with identifying fresh water fish, electrofishing, and aging fish using spines/otoliths under a microscope.
- Field and lab techniques to assess water quality: flow, depth, nutrient concentrations, indicator species, temp, dissolved oxygen
- Coral, marine fish, and aquatic invertebrate identification used in fish survey, coral bleaching survey, Lionfish capture
- Fungal identification and sampling for indicators of air pollution
- Microbiology experience with agarose plug and capillary assays for chemotaxis
- Bacterial identification, Spectrophotometry; PCR; DNA/RNA extraction; Transposon mutagenesis
Statistical
- Proficient with the statistical program R and excel for running tests such as chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA, simple and multiple linear regression, logistic regression, and graphical models.
Anthropological
- Practiced in archaeological survey and sample methods, and am field school certified
- Excavation techniques such as handling mosaics, digging natural and artificial levels, orientating artifacts three dimensional space, using a construction level and datum, using a Munsell soil chart, and dry screening techniques
- Ethnographic research with participant observation
Activities
- Member of Student Fisheries Society subunit at North Carolina State University
- Member of North Carolina chapter of the American Fisheries Society
Awards
- Minneapolis scholar of distinction in science award (2011)
- Stockholm Junior Water Prize state winner (2011)
- United States Army Award (TCRSF)(2011)
- United States Department of Agricultural research award (2011)
Volunteer
- Humane Society, Franklin county Animal shelter: Assisted staff with animal care and organized adoption events
- Rustic Pathways, Fiji: Educated children about recycling. Constructed a home in the village. Volunteered and fundraised at a local soccer tournament
- Rustic Pathways, Peru: Introduced a recycling program to rural villages. Rebuilt a community center for education of adults about health and living
- NCSU Student Fisheries Society: Participated in student led outreach events to educate North Carolina youth about fisheries science. Biannual stream clean up efforts on campus.
Personal Accomplishments
Climbed Mt. Pisco (5750m) as well as intensive backpacking in Peru. Study abroad semester in London Fall 2014.
References available upon request
Art Business: https://kowacadesigns.wordpress.com/