James Raney
Evant
Summary
Dedicated and accomplished professional with a solid foundation in environmental research and education, developed through hands-on experience at Tarleton State University and Timberlake Biological Research Center. Specialized in field research and team-based projects, contributing significantly to innovative research outcomes and dynamic educational programs. Adept at problem-solving and delivering creative scientific presentations, with a strong track record of successful collaboration, delivering high-quality educational content and fostering student engagement through interactive teaching methods. Utilizes effective communication skills and critical thinking to create stimulating learning environment. Track record of leveraging academic expertise to mentor and guide students to academic success.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Professor
Tarleton State University
08.2025 - Current
- Taught Intro to Environmental Science and Sustainability courses, providing instruction to up to 60 undergraduate students.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
Field Work
Tarleton State University
05.2024 - Current
- As part of COSM Summer Research Award completed a vertical electrical sounding of the shoal at Timberlake Biological Research Station.
- Incorporated this data into ArcGIS and presented to provide proof of concept.
- Aided in the collection of water samples from the Colorado River from Timberlake Biological Research Station to Matagorda Bay.
- Worked with other researchers to interpret data and create presentation of findings.
Volunteer
Timberlake Biological Research Center
10.2023 - Current
- Ran the water microbiology lab for 6th grade field trip.
- Taught principals of flight for bats and birds for 3rd grade field trip.
- Ran a flower dissection lab for 5th grade field trip.
- Aided Mills County Soil and Water Conservation District in presenting soil science to 6th grade field trip.
- Presented moles and electricity at Goldthwaite HS.
Presentations
Tarleton State University
01.2022 - Current
- Apr 21, 2022: Earth Day Poster Presentation, presented a theory for using genetic testing to determine olfactory acuteness of scent detector dogs.
- Jan 29-31, 2024 Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) Summit Poster Presentation in South Padre, presented potential future works in the hyporheic zone of the Colorado River at Timberlake Biological Research Station.
- Feb 10, 2024 Graduate Research Workshop, presented theory and methodology behind hyporheic characterization project.
- Apr 20,2024 Earth Day Poster Presentation, Presented updated poster on hyporheic characterization project.
- Oct 13, 2024 Graduate Research Workshop, presented field data on vertical electrical sounding/ magnetotelluric data establishing the depth of the bedrock under the river channel at Timberlake Biological Research Station.
Farrier
Self-employeed
01.2013 - Current
- Developed lasting client relationships through excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Increased client retention with consistent, high-quality workmanship on all farrier tasks.
- Fostered positive working relationships with other equine professionals such as trainers and stable managers.
- Optimized workload management by scheduling appointments efficiently according to geographic location and client availability.
Tutor
Tarleton State University
09.2024 - 08.2025
- Tutored Chemistry I and II, Genetics, and Animal Behavior
- Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
Crew Chief
U.S. Air Force Active Duty
03.2001 - 11.2003
- Maximized aircraft availability by managing scheduled maintenance tasks and prioritizing repairs based on mission requirements.
- Advanced teamwork within the unit by collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams such as avionics technicians, fuels specialists, and logistics personnel.
- Preserved a high standard of workmanship by consistently adhering to technical orders, manuals, checklists, and established procedures.
Education
Master of Science - Biology
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas, TX12-2025
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX08-2012
Skills
- Field work techniques
- Research background
- Environmental assessment
- Microscopy expertise
- Writing scientific papers
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Curriculum creation
- Classroom management
- Interdisciplinary approach
Certification
Basic Wastewater Operator (1468)
United States Water and Wastewater Utility Industry - Federal, State, and Local Control - WWTR
Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand
ESRI MOOC Going Places with Spatial Analysis
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
Tarleton State University
08.2025 - Current
Tutor
Tarleton State University
09.2024 - 08.2025
Field Work
Tarleton State University
05.2024 - Current
Volunteer
Timberlake Biological Research Center
10.2023 - Current
Presentations
Tarleton State University
01.2022 - Current
Farrier
Self-employeed
01.2013 - Current
Crew Chief
U.S. Air Force Active Duty
03.2001 - 11.2003
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Tarleton State University
Master of Science - Biology
Tarleton State University
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Tarleton State University
Personal Information
Title: Biologist/ Environmental Scientist
Certifications
12-2024