Bridget Gillon
Early Career Researcher
New York,NY
Summary
Early career professional possessing a background in conservation ecology with a particular interest in evaluating the impact of human activity on animal health. BSc from Fordham University in biological sciences with a minor in environmental studies. Demonstrated experience utilizing complex biological concepts and contributing to multi-faceted conservation projects through experience in research labs, veterinary clinics, and non-profits.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterinary Assistant
Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary
11.2025 - 01.2026
- Administered medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed by the shelter veterinarian.
- Operated and oversaw the maintenance of the clinic's IDEXX diagnostic machinery, ensuring equipment remained functional for laboratory testing.
- Collected, tested, and interpreted blood, fecal, and fur samples to quickly diagnose and treat common shelter illnesses.
- Facilitated efficient inventory management through regular stock checks, ordering supplies, and organizing storage areas.
- Maintained consistent and open communication with shelter leadership and affiliated veterinary partners to keep clinic operations running smoothly and maintain quality care.
- Reduced stress for animals undergoing treatment, employing fear-free handling techniques and paying close attention to signals of distress.
- Monitored vital signs and provided nursing care to severely ill patients, including the administration of subcutaneous fluids and oxygen.
Veterinary Assistant
Park Veterinary Hospital
06.2025 - 11.2025
- Assisted senior staff with physical assessments, sample collection/preparation (gram staining, in-house bloodwork, filling out/submitting special orders) and emergency procedures.
- Facilitated patient intake by reviewing medical histories prior to appointment times, communicating any relevant details to veterinarians to ensure well-informed examinations were conducted.
- Served as a primary point of contact for clients by conducting patient histories and providing education to pet owners on basic animal health, nutrition, and care within scope of training.
- Ensured that clients experiencing stress or grief during pet emergencies and end of life care were treated with compassion and kindness.
- Navigated a high-pressure team environment by prioritizing clear, respectful, and timely communication, contributing to efficient workflows and effective collaboration across clinical staff.
- Created prescription labels and filled prescription requests, keeping diligent record of pharmacy inventory.
Research Assistant
Fordham University
07.2023 - 05.2024
- Awarded a competitive undergraduate research grant to design and conduct an independent project characterizing fungal communities in chipmunk (Tamias spp.) fecal samples from the Lake Tahoe Basin using satellite DNA analysis.
- Performed DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequence-based analysis; interpreted results to identify fungal presence and patterns across species.
- Prepped fecal samples for DNA extraction using ZymoBionics Research Fecal/Soil Microbe DNA kits.
- Extracted DNA from prepared fecal and tissue samples collected from chipmunks (Taigas spp.) native to the Lake Tahoe Basin using Qiagen DNA isolation kits.
- Prepped and amplified target DNA regions in both fecal and tissue samples via PCR utilizing a spectrophotometer and gel electrophoresis for confirmatory testing.
- Developed a basic understanding of lab techniques and analytic tools such as library prep, sanger sequencing, QIIME, and protocol for ancient DNA extraction/handling AMNH samples.
- Demonstrated familiarity with software programs commonly used in conservation research, such as geospatial program ArcGIS and sequence editing systems Chromas and Bioedit.
- Attended weekly talks by guest lecturers hosted by Fordham's biology department, applying techniques/suggestions made by seasoned researchers to my own project.
- Conducted thorough preliminary research, drawing upon previous publications and the feedback from colleagues to improve experimental design.
- Demonstrated science communication and grant writing skills, as well as the ability to successfully conduct research within budget constraints.
Animal Husbandry Intern
Wildlife Conservation Society
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Performed routine quality testing within enclosures to ensure safe living conditions using Combiset Aquatests.
- Prepared individualized diets and assisted with the feeding of pinnipeds, African penguins, and sea otters.
- Monitored animals when sick or when quarantined post operation and monitored/recorded behavioral patterns using verbal reports and ethograms.
- Attended routine medical procedures and assisted with regular weight checks.
- Assisted staff with small educational/outreach projects that pertained to the social dynamics of captive animals.
- Contributed to enclosure maintenance to ensure safe and healthy living conditions for the animals housed in the Sea Cliffs section of the Coney Island Aquarium.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Fordham University
Bronx, NY2024
Skills
- Laboratory: PCR, gel electrophoresis, gram staining, microscopy, streak-technique, DNA extraction, Metagenomic DNA isolation, spectrophotometry
- Software: ArcGIS, Bioedit, Chromas, MS Word, Cornerstone, IDEXX, Generative AI programs
- Research: Mixed-methods design, literature review and synthesis, procedural documentation, grant writing, budgeting, project oversight
- Veterinary Medicine : Venipuncture, IH laboratory testing, animal restraint, sample collection, vaccine administration, medical note taking, fluid administration, oxygen administration
- Team Skills: Compassion, collaboration, critical thinking, adaptability, proactive communication, conflict resolution, time management, performance under pressure
- Communication: Strong academic and business writing skills, ability to communicate clearly with clients over the phone and via email, front desk support, scheduling, workplace organization
Posters and Presentations
Bridget Gillon, Katharine Rush, Evon Hekkala. Characterizing Ectomychorrizal Fungi in the Diets of Lake Tahoe Chipmunks. (Poster, Fordham Undergraduate Research Symposium)
Committees and Campus Involvement
- Member of NYC Toastmasters, 2026-present
- Member of Park Veterinary Hospital's Staff Engagement Committee, 2025
- Member of Fordham Student Government Sustainability Committee, 2021-2024
- Member of the Ampersand Creative Writing Magazine, 2021-2024
- Member of Fordham Women in STEM, 2022-2024
Research Projects
- Investigating the Impact of Poaching on Tusk Evolution in Populations of Savannah and Forest Elephants in Central and Southern Africa, Research report, Evolutionary Biology
- Comparing the Behavioral Patterns of wild Snow versus Captive Snow Leopards Housed at the Bronx Zoo, Research project, Animal Behavior
- A Historical Analysis: The Emergence of the Dairy Industry and its Relevance in Today's Market, Research report, Ecology and Economics of Food Systems
Relevant Coursework
- Animal Behavior
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology and Economics of Food Systems
- Environmental Ethics
- Environmental Politics
- Ecology
- Statistics
Timeline
Veterinary Assistant
Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary
11.2025 - 01.2026
Veterinary Assistant
Park Veterinary Hospital
06.2025 - 11.2025
Research Assistant
Fordham University
07.2023 - 05.2024
Animal Husbandry Intern
Wildlife Conservation Society
08.2021 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Fordham University