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Students
Christa Zacharias
MS student
Conservation Biology
Personal Background
Going to Costa Rica last year cemented in my love for the tropics. Lush wildlife and plant populations, rich cultures, and the dynamic problems tropical areas face draw me to them. Traveling around the world has opened my eyes and given me a deeper understanding of human nature that I find invaluable. For my thesis work, I am interested in the effects of deforestation and fragmentation on endangered primate species in Africa. My ultimate desire is to cooperate with members of the community and establish dynamic and effective practices and policies that will protect, conserve and restore endangered species populations and habitats while maintaining the integrity of the peoples.
Research Experience:
Plant Systematics laboratory at San Diego State University
January 2004—September 2004, Elucidating phylogenetic relationships in a small group of flowering plants of the family Calyptridium via morphological study
Department of Ecology at San Diego State University
September 2003—December 2003, Cooperating with Master’s and Ph.D. students on small mammal trapping and handling, field palm-pilot data collection and collection of terrestrial arthropod pit-fall traps
U.S. Geological Survey
January 2003—May 2003, Terrestrial arthropod identification using dichotomous keys, pinning species of the family Formicidae, invasive terrapin trapping, and field collection of Orthoptera species
Professional Experience:
Laboratory Technician III, Computer Sciences Corporation
March 2003—August 2005, Work was undertaken as a civilian contractor at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (S.P.A.W.A.R.), which serves as the U.S. Navy’s research and development support center. I provided technical and analytical support for the marine environmental sciences division
Tutor, Cuyamaca Community College
January 2002—March 2003, Tutored individuals at the Math, Engineering and Science Achievement (M.E.S.A.) center at Cuyamaca Community College
Graphic Designer, Trademark Graphics
August 1998—March 2003, Design business cards, brochures, and advertisements for an array of industries
Pre-Press, The Daily Californian
June 1996—August 1998, Using Adobe Photoshop to enhance, format and prepare images for publication
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer, Project Wildlife
February 1998—2003
Rehabilitation of local orphaned and injured wildlife at facility. Responsibilities included:
- Assisting in medical procedures
- Feeding, handling, and cleaning fragile and dangerous wildlife
- Administering medication
- Transport and field rescue
Avian species were cared for in the facility while mammal, marsupial and avian species were cared for in-residence.
June 2004—August 2005
- Rehabilitating injured and orphaned Corvid species at residence.
- Assisting fellow team member in residence with cleaning, medical care and transport of crows and ravens.
Volunteer, Greyhound Pets of America
May 2000-November 2000
Provided foster care at local shelter for ex-racing greyhounds
Education and Certificates
Associates degree in Biological Sciences
Cuyamaca Community College
September 1996 - June 2002
GPA 3.31
Baccalaureate degree in Biology
San Diego State University
January 2002—May 2004
Graduated with distinction in biology (major GPA exceeded 3.50)
Dean’s List - spring 2004
Overall GPA 3.44
Major GPA 3.58
Wildlife Rehabilitation
with emphasis on rescue, restraint, handling and transport, February 1998
Environmental Awareness and Hazardous Materials/Hazardous Waste Training
July 2004
Refresher Training
April 2005
Traveling Experience
Western Europe, 1998
Countries visited: Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria.
Northern Arizona, 2003
I spent several days hiking and camping in Flagstaff and explored Red Rock State park in Sedona.
Costa Rica, 2004
I traveled approximately three weeks alone throughout the country learning about the culture and exploring the diverse flora and fauna.
Northwestern Oregon and Oregon Coast, 2005
I visited Portland, Astoria, and Seaside.
Baja California, Mexico, 2005
I took several camping trips to Salsipuedas, and traveled through Rosarito and Ensenada to experience the hiking, culture, food and panoramic ocean views.
Personal Background
I enjoy hiking and jogging and take pleasure in camping, traveling, reading and Middle Eastern styles of dancing. I have a family background in aviation and would like to obtain a private pilots license in the next few years.
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