Work Experience

Spotted Turtle Technician

The Orianne Society, Lumber City, GA                                                                                   March 2024- Present

  • Conducted visual and trapping surveys for spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) 

  • Collected morphometric and genetic data samples from spotted turtles

  • Worked cooperatively with stakeholders to complete research on private and federal lands

  • Followed standardized techniques for surveying for gopher tortoises and collecting population data

  • Conducted general herpetofauna inventories in various habitat types

Biologist                                                                                                                    March 2023 – November 2023

Herpetological Associates, Inc., Wyomissing, PA

  • Conducted inspections of work site for compliance with resource agency permits

  • Prepared detailed daily field monitoring reports to document observations and findings

  • Reported potential permit violations and initiated work stoppages when necessary to maintain regulatory compliance

  • Worked cooperatively with environmental inspector to report any violations pertaining to environmental compliance

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Consultation Services Inc., Wind Gap, PA                                              January 2023-March 2023

  • Conducted wetland delineations and phase 1 bog turtle surveys, adhering to established protocols and regulatory guidelines

  • Demonstrated proficiency in identifying land resources conducive to bog turtle inhabitation

  • Utilized GPS and GIS software to map land resources for reporting to federal and state agencies

  • Gained extensive identification skills for wetland flora and fauna to enhance ecological assessment capabilities

 

Biological Field Technician                                                                                        May 2022 - November 2022

United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Buzzards Bay, MA   

  • Conducted experimental design and data collection for spotted lanternflies

  • Experience identifying native and invasive flora and fauna

  • Proficient in conducting sterile insect volatile extractions in the field, including precise and accurate measurements of controlled substances

  • Worked cooperatively with supervisor to complete multiple studies at once and prioritize high urgency tasks

                       

Biologist Assistant                                                                                                        May 2021 - September 2021

Biology Department, East Stroudsburg University

  • Conducted standardized surveys to assess the population and habitat of timber rattlesnakes

  • Demonstrated proficiency in venomous snake handling techniques, prioritizing safety protocols and animal welfare

  • Collected morphometric data from timber rattlesnakes and maintained detailed field notes during surveys

  • Utilized radiotelemetry techniques to track the movements and behaviors of timber rattlesnakes

  • Acquired experience in the subcutaneous insertion of pit-tags on snakes

 

Graduate Assistant                                                                                                           August 2021 – May 2022

Biology Department, East Stroudsburg University               

  • Applied fixation techniques to preserve herpetological specimens, ensuring long-term viability for research and educational purposes

  • Managed and organized the herpetology museum, optimizing accessibility for academic and research purposes

  • Preparation of undergraduate biology laboratory experiments

  • Instructed a section of the undergraduate herpetology lab class and assisted during educational field trips

 

Veterinary technician                                                                                                   January 2016- August 2019

Aardvark Animal Hospital, Downingtown, PA

  • Practiced excellent animal husbandry skills for diverse classes of animals

  • Assisted veterinarians in surgery monitoring vitals and administering medications

  • Proficient in drawing blood from various animals, following established protocols

  • Demonstrated proficiency in proper animal restraint and handling protocols, ensuring the safety and comfort of patients

  • Provided veterinary scribe support, maintaining comprehensive patient records

  • Filled prescriptions with accuracy and attention to detail

 

Fishing Instructor

Creative Events, Downingtown, PA                                                                                    June 2015- August 2017

  • Lead groups of 15-30 children, ages 6-12, instructing them how to properly use fishing equipment, emphasizing safety and education

  • Provided regular lessons and activities aimed at engaging children in environmental stewardship

Education

Master of Science Degree in Biology                                                                                             December 2022

East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA  

  • Master’s thesis: “Variability of the Eastern Hognose Snake in Northeastern Pennsylvania”

           

Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Minor in German                                                                                                              December 2019

Temple University, Honors College, Philadelphia, PA

School for Field Studies                                                                                                                       August 2019

Tropical Rainforest Ecology curriculum

Publications

  • Greenwood, A. K. (2022). Variability of the Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) in Northeastern Pennsylvania. (Master’s thesis, East Stroudsburg University)

  • Greenwood, A. K. (2022). Heterodon platirhinos (Eastern Hog-nosed Snake) Reproduction and Nesting Habitat Use. Herpetological Review 53(4).

Research Experience

LaDuke Lab- Herpetology lab                                                                               January 2021- December 2022

East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA

  • Utilized dichotomous keys to discern the defining characteristics of herpetological specimens

  • Collaborated with fellow lab members to contribute to completion of various research projects

Hsieh Lab- Comparative Biomechanics Lab,                                                             April 2018- March 2020

Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

  • Processed and analyzed high-speed footage of tarantula locomotion to gain a deeper understanding of their gait patterns

  • Conducted experiments on intrusion patterns of a linear accelerator on various slopes of granular media, providing insights into the physics of locomotion in diverse terrains  

  • Regularly presented research findings at lab group meetings

  • Successfully provided proper husbandry for several species of South American tarantulas and numerous squamates endemic to the southwestern United States

 

iEcoLab- Integrative Ecology Lab,                                                                                March 2018- April 2018

Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

  • Compiled and organized data sets to further understanding of the spread of the Spotted lanternfly, an invasive species in the United States

  • Contributed to the advancement of ecological knowledge regarding invasive species dynamics

Volunteer Experience

Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey                                                                      March 2021- present

Monroe County Coordinator

  • Conduct community outreach efforts to promote participation in the survey and to educate the public about amphibians and reptiles

  • Collect data on reptile and amphibian populations to contribute to statewide research efforts

  • Actively review incoming data to ensure accuracy

Mid-Atlantic Center for Herpetology and Conservation                                                                      June 2022

Oley, PA

  • Participated in surveys for the federally protected bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii)

  • Learned techniques for biometric data collection of turtles as well as mark-recapture shell-marking techniques

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge                                                                           April 2021 - April 2022

New Vernon, NJ

  • Participated in surveys for the state protected wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)

  • Followed standard procedures for GPS data collection

  • Learned techniques for biometric data collection of turtles as well as mark-recapture shell-marking techniques

Lancaster Veterinary Associates                                                                           December 2019- January 2020

Lancaster, PA

Veterinary Assistant

  • Supported a large animal veterinarian during farm visits, gaining hands-on experience in veterinary procedures

  • Performed pregnancy checks on dairy cows and gained familiarity with medications commonly used for dairy cow management  

  • Performed restraint techniques on various animals to ensure safe and effective veterinary procedures

  • Assisted the veterinarian in several successful surgeries   

Skills and Experience

Communication

  • Fluent in spoken and written use of the English language

  • Proficiency in spoken and written use of the German language

  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate scientific information to diverse audiences

  • Skilled in working collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve project objectives

Field skills

  • Strong auditory and visual identification skills for reptiles, amphibians and birds of the northeastern United States

  • Experience conducting point count surveys for birds of the northeastern united states

  • Proficiency in identifying insects to order and family levels

  • Venomous snake handling experience

  • Experience conducting standardized surveying protocols for reptiles and amphibians

  • Radiotelemetry tracking experience

  • Skilled in husbandry and proper handling techniques for various classes of animals

  • Fixation techniques for herpetofauna and mammalian specimens for educational and research purposes

  • Proficient at identifying vegetation, soil and hydrology characteristics conducive to bog turtle inhabitation

  • Experienced in applying the methodologies outlined in the United States Army Corp of Engineers Wetland Delineation manual to delineate wetlands effectively

 

Research

  • Extensive experience conducting literature reviews for various topics

  • Strong background in data collection and statistical analysis  

  • Ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively

 

Computer Systems

  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

  • Data management and statistical analyses skills using R program language

  • Experience in collecting GPS points and using QGIS to map land resources