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, FL9th - 10th Grade -
Keith Country Day School
Rockford, ILSkills
- 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