Centers for Disease Control and Prevention                                                                                 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases                                                                                               Bacterial Diseases Branch, Tick-Borne Diseases Activity                                                                 3156 Rampart Road Fort Collins, CO 80521                   https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/index.html                                                                                   Biologist, Employed 06/27/2004-03/22/2013
 Hours per Week: 40                                                                                                                        Research focused on the biology and ecology of tick vectors of Lyme disease, determining the  ecological risk of Lyme disease transmission in regions of the United States, and  evaluated novel and currently available insecticides, acaricides, synthetic and "all-natural" repellents against ticks, fleas and mosquitoes to increase public awareness of effective and safe products for consumer use in efforts to reduce human risk of disease transmission. Continued research included Lyme disease prevention, tick control strategies, and surveillance and control of Lyme disease (BSL 2) using standard techniques for sampling rodent and ectoparasite populations, maintaining vector colonies and analyzing pathogens in vectors. Studied the transmission efficiency of Francisella tularensis (BSL 3) by the adult American dog tick Dermacentor variabilis. Evaluated the life cycle and laboratory rearing conditions of infected and uninfected ticks to optimize tick colony maintenance. Investigated alternative methods (artificial membrane methodologies) to using live animals for tick feedings. Feedings were conducted with spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi and related Borrelia spp) infected ticks and infection rates were assessed in ticks and animals (rabbits and mice) by culture, dark-field microscopy and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).  Performed maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment. Maintained reference collection of field collected ticks. Instructed scientists, CDC and visiting researchers, in tick identification, tick colony rearing and maintenance, experimental tick feedings and general laboratory methods and procedures. Research included assay development and field (New Jersey field sites) and laboratory evaluation of plant essential oils and their constituents, and developing formulations for use as acaricides, insecticides and repellents against various arthropod species as novel preventive strategies of vector-borne diseases which resulted in a US patent. Collaboration in basic investigative research within the Bacterial Branch included Borrelia transmission to hosts via tick by genetic mutation, plague (Yersenia pestis), tularemia (Francisella tularensis), and relapsing fever (Borrelia hermsii) outbreak responses, ecological field investigations involving a large array of mammalian species, environmental assessments and laboratory vector-host studies. Technical laboratory methods and techniques were recorded using high content imaging and confocal feedback microscopy. Pertinent information obtained through field and laboratory research was analyzed, interpreted and prepared for submission for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentation of data at formal meetings. Assigned as a MACCS Program Operator, GSA SmartPay Visa Cardholder and Purchaser (2006-2013) ordering equipment, services and laboratory supplies for my activity.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases                  Bacterial Zoonoses Branch, Lyme Disease Vector Section                                                               3156 Rampart Road Fort Collins, CO 80521                                                                                  Regular Fellow, Employed 02/11/2002-06/26/2004                                                                        Hours per Week: 40                                                                                                                           General laboratory and field research regarding the biology and ecology of tick vectors of Lyme disease was the same as above. Additional research included field and laboratory development and evaluation of novel host-targeted control methods of tick vectors for the prevention and control of Lyme disease in a residential community of southeastern Connecticut. Field research determined the efficacy of a rodent-targeted acaricide (fipronil) in bait boxes to control immature Ixodes scapularis ticks on white-footed mice, the impact of topical acaricides on the transmission cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi, and the ability to reduce the ecological risk of Lyme disease for residents of treated properties.  Bait box designs were evaluated to determine the most efficient acaricide delivery method. Laboratory research was conducted towards the effectiveness of natural forest products as biocides and repellents against Lyme disease vector ticks as well as disease vectoring mosquitoes and fleas. Both bottle bioassay and animal models were used to evaluate efficacy. Routine trapping of Neotoma mexicana was conducted to examine ecological aspects affecting the development of the nidiculous tick, Ixodes spinipalpis, a competent vector of Borrelia. Collaboration in basic research within the current Section included the comparison of differing tick and rodent Borrelia bissettii isolates and their dissemination into specific host-target organs; collection of tick saliva for analysis of anti-tick vaccine development; and capillary feeding of ticks in attempt to silence genes that signal disease transmission.  Lead a serosurvey team in response to West Nile virus human cases in Louisiana (2002) involving a large array of mammalian and avian species. Pertinent information obtained through field and laboratory research was analyzed, interpreted and prepared for submission for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentation of data at formal meetings.        

Prairie Wildlife Research P.O. Box 308                                                                                                        Wellington, CO 80549                                                                                        https://prairiewildlife.org/                                                                                                            Volunteer Research Associate, Volunteered 2011-03/2013                                                           Hours per Week: 20; Seasonal, varied by project needs                                                      Collaborate on Black-footed Ferret Tick Project in South Dakota. Trap black-footed ferrets, anesthetize, tag, take biological measurements and assessments, collect blood, administer plague vaccine and antibiotics, collect ticks for identification and diagnostic screenings for plague and tularemia and release ferrets for later recapture to monitor development.

Genesis Laboratories, Inc.                                                                                                                        P.O. Box 1195                                                                                                                                Wellington, CO 80549                                                                                         https://www.genesislabs.com/                                                                                                        Contract Researcher, Employed 01/17/2004-12/5/2004                                                                 Hours per Week:  2-8                                                                                                                          Responsibilities included weekend maintenance of laboratory equipment and animal care. Observed and recorded data for ongoing experiments according to Standard Operating Procedures, SOP. Performed technical biological and biochemical tests requiring precise and accurate measurements. Conducted rodenticide toxicity tests using Warfarin bait, evaluated ivermectin bait used to control Lyme disease ticks and imidicloprid bait used to control plague vectoring fleas, and evaluated an avian viral vaccine under Good Laboratory Practices, GLP.

Rocky Mountain National Park                                                                                                              1000 US Hwy 36                                                                                                                                     Estes Park, CO 80517                                                           https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/nature/rocky-mountain-butterfly-project.htm                  Volunteer Research Associate, Volunteered 05/2002-09/2003                                                   Hours per Week: 10-20, Seasonal, varied by project needs                                                     Obtained research permit and surveyed transects weekly (from May-September) for the Rocky Mountain National Park Butterfly Project, a biodiversity study providing baseline data on butterfly population fluctuations and vegetation of selected transects (1996-2004) to show long-term trends in relative abundance and community associations and to monitor ecological change in the Park's environment. Established a new transect (Chasm Lake Trail) using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Elevation was 3,534-3,553 meters (11,662-11,725 feet). Land form was steep rocky hillside into wet alpine meadow - route proceeded across a steep, rocky, southeast facing hillside of Pentaphylloides floribunda, with krumholtz of Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, Pinus flexilis then through boulder slides into an alpine carex meadow. Major butterfly species were Parnassius smintheus, Colias meadii, Plebejus glandon, Plebejus shasta, Speyeria mormonia, Boloria characlea, Chlosyne whitneyi, Euphydryas chalcedona and Vanessa cardui. Surveyed Flattop mountain transect. Elevation was 3,653-3,704 meters (12,055-12,223 feet). Land form was alpine tundra - route proceeded along top edge of the north slope of a rocky glacial basin at the edge of occasional fellfields and an east-facing slope of alpine tundra with a turf of Kobresia myosuroides. Major butterfly species were Pontia protodice, Pontia occidentalis, Colias eurytheme, Colias meadii, Plebejus shasta, Chlosyne whitneyi, Euphydryas chalcedona, Vanessa cardui, Speyeria mormonia, Erebia magdalena and Oeneis melissa. Results were analyzed, interpreted, and summarized in a final report.

Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services                                                        Mosquito Control Division                                                                                                                     3330 Old Spanish Trail, Building C                                                                                               Houston, TX 77021                                                            https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Services-Programs/All-Services/Mosquito-Control-Services                                                                                                                                                      Test and Evaluation Supervisor, Employed 11/2001-01/2002                                                         Hours per Week:  40                                                                                                                Responsibilities included supervision and training of a Test and Evaluation technician and a University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, technician in field mosquito collection, mosquito identification, and mosquito rearing. Responsible for rearing mosquito colonies for
future insecticide resistance studies by bottle bioassay. Collaborated with university level laboratories on mosquito control and arboviral related research including transmission studies of Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) and West Nile virus (WNV). Projects evaluated current chemical control application in rural areas by observing pre/post treatment landing rates, mosquito collection; evaluated catnip as an adult mosquito repellant; attempted to develop new strategies to control SLE and WNV vectors in a local arboretum; attempted to detect SLE in over wintering mosquito populations in Harris county. Composed research proposal, created database in Access for data entry, completed project reports, and the section annual report.                                                               

Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services                                                         Mosquito Control Division                                                                                                                      3330 Old Spanish Trail, Building C                                                                                                        Houston, TX 77021                                                                                                                       Laboratory Specialist, Employed 08/2001-11/2001                                                                          Hours per Week: 40                                                                                                                 Responsibilities and laboratory skills included field surveillance of Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) by surveying sites, collecting mosquitoes using CDC light traps and gravid cups, and collecting birds using mist nets from various field habitats. Identified daily mosquito surveillance specimens and prepared them for virology testing by homogenizing mosquito pools. Performed enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) tests for SLE antigen capture assays, observed viral isolation in cell culture, plaque assays in tissue culture, and viral inoculation of suckling mice. Added to current reference collection of pinned local adult mosquito species. Prepared weekly reports and summaries of surveillance data.

Texas A&M University, Department of Entomology                                                                         Minnie Bell Heep Center, Suite 412, 370 Olsen Blvd.                                                                  College Station, TX 77843                                                                          https://entomology.tamu.edu/                                                                                                        Graduate Research Assistant, Employed 06/1999-08/2001                                                           Hours per Week: 40                                                                                                                     Laboratory and field research was targeted to control rodent flea populations of wild rock squirrels in Bernalillo County, Albuquerque, NM, using an insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen, in bait form. Research involved trapping and maintaining wild rock squirrels, creating and administering a pyriproxyfen bait, collecting, identifying, and rearing fleas.  Established, maintained, and acted as CEO for USDA, APHIS, animal care research facility and IACUC committee.  Composed scientific reports including a Masters degree thesis. Reared flea colonies for flea control research and submitted slide mounted flea voucher specimens to the Insect Collection at Texas A&M University.

Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District                                                                   P.O. Box 30                                                                                                                                        Baytown, TX 77522                                                                                                  https://www.gccisd.net/                                                                                                                Substitute Teacher, Employed 02/1999-05/1999                                                                             Hours per Week: 40                                                                                                                            Taught levels pre-k through high school emphasizing biological sciences and language arts.

Texas A&M University, Department of Entomology                                                                        Minnie Bell Heep Center, Suite 412, 370 Olsen Blvd.
College Station, TX 77843                                                                                                                Undergraduate Research Assistant, Employed 10/1996-12/1998                                                  Hours per Week: 10-20                                                                                                         Responsibilities included flea identification, rearing flea colonies, flea histology, and how to perform toxicity tests utilizing a bioassay technique and an "artificial dog" to conduct flea control research. Composed research proposal and scientific reports. Acquired grant funding from Blue Ridge Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Greensboro, NC). Field and laboratory research focused on the control of rodent flea populations of wild rock squirrels in Bernalillo County, Albuquerque, NM, using an insect growth regulator, lufenuron, in bait form. GPS/GIS experience.

Texas A&M University Health Science Center                                                                            Department of Human Anatomy and Medical Neurobiology, College of Medicine                  College Station, TX 77843                                                   https://medicine.tamhsc.edu/next/index.html                                                                                       Lab / Morgue Assistant, Employed 1995-1996                                                                                      Hours per Week: 10-20                                                                                                                     Assisted Morgue Laboratory Supervisor in the embalming and maintenance of cadavers for medical students' use. Clerical duties in Departmental Office included: answering phones; receiving public inquiries regarding the Willed Body Program; receiving, filing, and maintaining orders, invoices and other records pertaining to morgue and office needs.