Lee Hecker's CV as of October 18, 2015

Objective

I am searching for a career opportunity in the field of wildlife biology that will allow me to continue conducting research.

Education

Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
Expected Graduation December 2015, Masters of Science

  • Department of Biology
    • GPA: 3.96/4.00
  • Relevant Courses:
    • Geospatial Modeling
    • Multivariate Statistics
    • Intro - Advanced GIS

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Graduated May 2013, Bachelor of Science

  • Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Minor: Anthropology
    • GPA: 3.12/4.00, Major GPA: 3.31/4.00
  • Relevant Courses:
    • African Field Ecology
    • Biology of Vertebrates
    • Vertebrate Social Behavior (Graduate Level)
    • Conservation Biology
    • Physiological Ecology of Animals
    • Herpetology
    • Systematic Botany
    • Biological Collections Research Assistant (5semesters)

Current Research

Humboldt State University, Department of Biology, Arcata, CA
Master’s Candidate: August 2013 – Present

  • Thesis project: Modeling habitat suitability of northern Pacific rattlesnakes in northern California at multiple spatial scales
  • Modeled habitat suitability for northern Pacific rattlesnakes in northern California and Oregon using MaxEnt and then ArcGIS to create prediction maps
  • Created a model using a paired resource selection function to compare microhabitat features of rocky-outcrops used as hibernaculum by local rattlesnakes to unoccupied, nearby rocky-outcrops
  • Managed a modest budget created from three separate grants
  • Conducted extensive field research locating and gathering microhabitat data on hibernacula
  • Communicated with local landowners and timber companies to gain access to field sites
  • Recruited, interviewed, and hired four undergraduate students as field technicians
  • Educated HSU students, local Boy Scouts, and other interested individuals about rattlesnake ecology, behavior, and hibernacula at field sites
  • Assisted in rattlesnake handling demonstrations given by Dr. Diller and Dr. Marks

Experience

Humboldt State University, Department of Biology, Arcata, CA
Teaching Associate: August 2013 – Present

  • Taught up to three lab sections a semester for introduction to biology for non-biology majors
  • Lectured on basic biology concepts and lead lab activities
  • Wrote and graded quizzes and assignments
  • Supervisor: Leslie VanderMolen

Humboldt State University, Department of Biology, Arcata, CA
Research Assistant: May 2014 – Present

  • Designed a survey for professional wildlife biologists to determine which spatial techniques are most useful for students to learn
  • Explored online job-boards for required spatial techniques in wildlife biologists listings
  • Wrote a paper with colleagues that has been submitted to the Journal of Wildlife Management
  • Supervisor: Dr. Tim Bean

O’Brien Biological Consultants, Eureka, CA
Field Technician: May 2015 – August 2015

  • Completed California state certified marbled murrelet survey training and certification course
  • Conducted marbled murrelet surveys using standardized protocol for 2015 season
  • Surveyed for northern spotted owls using audio methods and baiting techniques
  • Supervisor: Brit O’Brien

Humboldt State University, Department of Environmental Science and Management, Arcata, CA
Instructional Student Assistant: June 2014 – August 2014

  • Assisted in designing a new GIS curriculum for Humboldt State University’s Geospatial majors
  • Tested and fixed lab activities for the Introduction to GIS course
  • Supervisor: Dr. Jim Graham

Humboldt State University, Department of Biology, Arcata, CA
Assistant Animal Caretaker: May 2014 – August 2014

  • Maintained enclosed environments for various herptofauna
  • Observed individuals for signs of illness by documenting changes in the animal’s appearance and behavior
  • Supervisor: Dr. Sharyn Marks

Humboldt State University, Department of Biology, Arcata, CA
Biological Collections Research Assistant: August 2013 – May 2013

  • Identified herpetological specimens to species level
  • Updated existing database with current taxonomy
  • Organized herpetological specimens in physical collections
  • Supervisor: Dr. Sharyn Marks

University of Maine, Department of Wildlife Ecology, Orono, ME
Field Supervisor: May-August 2012 & 2013, Field Technician: May-August 2011 & 2010

  • Field Supervisor- Managed two field technicians and handled all logistics of weekly surveying procedures (i.e., site locations, access routes)
  • Gained experience using numerous techniques to conduct amphibian surveys (e.g., visual encounter, dip net, minnow trap, audio identification and recording)
  • Used radio telemetry to study wood frog summer habitat preference and movements
  • Performed habitat evaluations using GPS, SPOT units, spherical densiometers, clinometers, compasses, soil moisture meters, and Kestrel meters
  • Decontaminated field gear between sites using proper techniques (i.e., Quat-128)
  • Entered copious amounts of data using basic statistics in some cases
  • Conducted research in rural areas of montane Maine including extensive backpacking and backcountry camping in tents, changing sites regularly
  • Researched and camped through extreme conditions (e.g., mosquitoes, cold, rain, etc.)
  • Worked on a USGS funded project, passing a myriad of safety courses annually to do so
  • Supervisors: Stan Hutchens (2010), Luke Groff (2011-2012), Dr. Cynthia Loftin (2010-2012)

University of Connecticut, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Storrs, CT
Independent Study: Biological Collections
Biological Collections Research Assistant: August 2012 - May 2013 (Academic year only)

  • Used digital calipers to make standard measurements on mammalian skulls
  • Created Excel spreadsheets for data from cranial measurements
  • Communicated and organized with international colleagues
  • Museum Specimen Preparation: January 2011- May 2013 (Academic year only)
  • Prepared avian specimens for collection research purposes
  • Curated prepared museum specimens including processing specimens, properly displaying specimens, and quality analysis of specimens
  • Taught avian specimen preparation techniques for collections research purposes
  • Used database to properly store specimens in collections facility
  • Supervisors: Dr. Margaret Rubega and Susan Hochgraf

University of Connecticut, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Storrs, CT
Field Course: Entabeni Reservation, Limpopo Province, South Africa: August 2012

  • Identified species across a wide range of taxa (e.g. grasses, shrubs, mammals, birds, insects)
  • Conducted necropsy on mammalian specimens
  • Experienced living in the field in an international setting for a prolonged period of time (three weeks) and studied in many different environments (e.g. lower bushveld, mountains, caves, etc.)
  • Practiced firearm safety, maintenance, and use
  • Used mist nets to capture and study bats
  • Handled Puff Adders, King Cobras, Mole Snakes, and Rock Pythons under supervision of experts
  • Supervisor: Dr. Isaac Ortega

Grants/Awards/Accomplishments

  • 2015 - Published photographs: CalHerps. Crotalus oreganus oreganus
  • 2015 - Awarded $450 from Humboldt State University’s Master’s Student Grant Committee
  • March 2015: Gave presentation on local herptofauna at the Eel River Recovery Project’s Earth, Water, and Fire Day
  • 2014 - Recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Grant in the amount of $1652.
  • 2014 – Awarded $400 from Humboldt State University’s Master’s Student Grant Committee
  • 2012 - Published photograph: UConn Today. Hands-On UConn Course Takes Students on African Journey
  • 2007 - Eagle Scout

Additional Skills

  • Experienced using programs: Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, Rstudio, MaxEnt, Minitab, and BlueSpray
  • Computer Languages: R, HTML, and Python (minimal)
  • Extensive backpacking and camping experience
  • Operated government vehicles both standard, manual, and all-terrain vehicles (e.g., ATV)
  • Track and sign certification level II