Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Programs and Academic Enrichment
Timeline
Intern

Deborah Christie

Caledonia,IL

Summary

Hi, my name is Deborah Christie, and I am an Aquatic Science student with a pre-veterinary focus who is passionate about animal care, conservation, and hands-on learning. I have experience working with animals and in educational environments, including assisting with reptile care, supporting habitat maintenance and exhibit preparation, and helping lead educational tours for visitors. I am eager to continue expanding my knowledge of animal health, behavior, and conservation while contributing to environments that prioritize animal welfare, research, and public education.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Intern

Summerfield Zoo
Summerfield, IL
06.2025 - 08.2025
  • Assisted with daily care of multiple animal species including feeding preparation, habitat cleaning, and monitoring animal health and behavior.
  • Performed routine habitat inspections and maintained food preparation areas to ensure safe and sanitary conditions for animals.
  • Maintained cleanliness and safety of animal habitats, contributing to a hygienic environment for both animals and guests.
  • Educated visitors and school groups about animals, conservation, and wildlife biology.
  • Assisted with daily zoo operations including working in the petting zoo, admission areas, and educational stations.
  • Maintained strict safety procedures while working around animals and interacting with guests.

Volunteer

Burpee Museum Of Natural History
Rockford, IL
06.2024 - 07.2024
  • Assisted with the care and maintenance of reptile enclosures, including cleaning habitats and monitoring animal health and well-being.
  • Led educational tours and engaged visitors by explaining reptile biology, behavior, and conservation. Supported exhibit setup and maintenance to ensure safe, organized, and informative displays.
  • Volunteered in the museum’s summer camp program, supervising children and supporting daily educational activities.
  • Assisted counselors with organizing lessons, animal demonstrations, and hands-on learning experiences for campers.

Intern/Student Shadow

Animal Clinic of Poplar Grove
Poplar Grove, IL
10.2022 - 02.2023
  • Observed veterinary examinations and treatments.
  • Helped maintain a clean and organized clinic environment.
  • Interacted with pet owners and supported a positive client experience.

Intern (High School Program)

Burpee Museum Of Natural History
Rockford, IL
03.2020 - 03.2020
  • Assisted with the care and maintenance of live reptile exhibits, including habitat setup and basic animal care tasks.
  • Helped construct and maintain animal enclosures and exhibit displays for museum collections.
  • Led educational tours for visitors and school groups, explaining museum exhibits, fossils, and reptiles.
  • Assisted museum staff with fossil preparation, including cleaning, stabilization, and laboratory prep work.
  • Participated in fossil casting and mold-making processes used for research and educational displays.
  • Supported exhibit installation and setup for new museum displays and educational programming.
  • Collaborated with museum staff on general collection care and behind-the-scenes museum operations.

Education

High School Diploma -

Abeka Academy
Pensacola, FL

9th - 10th Grade -

Keith Country Day School
Rockford, IL

Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Fast learner
  • Problem-solving
  • Flexible schedule
  • Project planning
  • Goal-oriented mindset
  • Creative and resourceful

Programs and Academic Enrichment

2018

  • Discoveries Program — Office of Precollegiate Programs for Talented and Gifted (OPPTAG), Iowa State University, Ames, IA
  • Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Program — Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
  • Center for Talent Development Program — Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

2019

  • Explorations Program — Office of Precollegiate Programs for Talented and Gifted (OPPTAG), Iowa State University, Ames, IA
  • Docent Volunteer — Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, IL (2019–2022)

2020

  • Pre-College Veterinary Camp — Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH
  • High School Pharmacy Camp — University of Illinois Chicago, Rockford, IL

2021

  • Advanced Veterinary Camp — Iowa State Fair Agricultural Education Program, Des Moines, IA

2022

  • Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program — Girls Who Code
  • 4-H Veterinary Medicine Career Exploration Program — Cornell University Cooperative Extension
  • VetCAMP — Veterinary Medicine Career Exploration — North Carolina State University

2023

  • Fran Cuie Memorial Scholarship – Outstanding All Around Participation — Iowa Ivy Foundation & Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
  • Honor Society Member

Timeline

Intern

Summerfield Zoo
06.2025 - 08.2025

Volunteer

Burpee Museum Of Natural History
06.2024 - 07.2024

Intern/Student Shadow

Animal Clinic of Poplar Grove
10.2022 - 02.2023

Intern (High School Program)

Burpee Museum Of Natural History
03.2020 - 03.2020

High School Diploma -

Abeka Academy

9th - 10th Grade -

Keith Country Day School
Deborah Christie