EMILY KUZMICK
Sandusky,OH
Summary
Combining place-based advocacy, science, and communication to address present and future environmental issues within the Great Lakes region.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Coastal Training Program Coordinator
ODNR Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve
Huron, USA
11.2015 - Current
- Working at the state (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) and federal (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) levels to communicate science to coastal decision makers and environmental professionals based upon National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) management priorities.
- Providing training and technical assistance covering ecological and anthropogenic solutions relevant to the Great Lakes region: facilitating workshops for diverse audiences; collaborating with researchers to integrate scientific findings into offerings; working closely with subject matter experts to develop relevant program design, content, and delivery for various courses; collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure that trainings were successful; and evaluating participant feedback to improve program effectiveness and relevance.
- Development of educational materials for needs-based outreach initiatives.
- Coordination of multiple initiatives within the Training Program such as the Ohio Nature-Based Shoreline Training Program and the Reserve's Phenological Species Monitoring Program, including management and supervision of associated interns and volunteers.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
Bay Village, Ohio
06.2015 - 12.2019
- Worked with rehabilitation team to triage intakes based upon severity of injuries and team capacity.
- Identified wildlife healthcare needs, including diet, treatment, and physical therapy.
- Assisted with clinical documentation to monitor management of health data and care plans.
- Educated communities and individuals about orphaned, injured, and abandoned wildlife.
- Attended conferences related to wildlife rehabilitation topics and practices.
Graduate Research Assistant
Konneker Research Laboratory, Environmental Studies Program, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, Ohio University
Athens, USA
05.2013 - 05.2015
- Examined novel, native species in the Sonoran Desert region (Agave spp.) as bioenergy feedstocks.
- Conducted field and laboratory research on federal lands at the USDA Arid Lands Agricultural Research Center in collaboration with the University of Arizona (Maricopa, AZ).
- Pursued additional bioenergy studies in a temperate environment at The Ridges Land Lab at Ohio University, assisting with on-campus research projects.
- Collaborated with faculty on grant proposals and project planning.
- Managed laboratory equipment and maintained compliance with safety protocols.
- Conducted literature reviews and synthesized research findings in preparation for data analysis.
- Contributed to peer-reviewed scientific research for publication.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University
Athens, USA
08.2013 - 12.2013
- Assisted with and taught undergraduate labs in Introductory Biology (course BIOS 1705).
- Assisted in delivering lectures and facilitating discussions in biological sciences courses.
- Prepared laboratory materials, student quizzes, and evaluated lab reports.
- Graded assignments and provided constructive feedback to students on coursework.
- Helped convey biological concepts in hands-on, creative ways.
- Collaborated with faculty to improve course content and teaching strategies.
Environmental Education Intern
Ohio University Research Gardens
Athens, USA
09.2013 - 10.2013
- Led West Elementary School students in interactive, educational activities.
- Assisted in broadening student understanding of the food web and biodiversity.
- Led exercises that emphasized teamwork and communication building.
Undergraduate Researcher
Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University
Athens, USA
03.2012 - 05.2013
- Examined natural selection in the Banded damselfly driven by predation intensity via geometric morphometrics.
- Analyzed data using statistical software to identify trends and patterns.
- Assisted in content compilation for peer-reviewed science.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss project progress and share insights.
- Worked closely with faculty advisors throughout the entire duration of a project cycle to ensure successful completion within established timelines.
Collaborative Researcher
The Science Exchange
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
06.2012 - 02.2013
- Promoted best-fit conservation practices by analyzing the effect of marine debris on nesting sea turtles via NOAA protocols and research methods.
- Performed site triangulations and shoreline surveys along the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, contributing to international research efforts.
- Managed project timelines and ensured adherence to research protocols.
- Assisted in training new researchers on best practices and methodologies.
Sea Turtle Conservation Intern
Osa Conservation
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
06.2012 - 08.2012
- Collected field data and health assessments on green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea).
- Conducted wildlife monitoring and data collection for research purposes.
- Collaborated with team members to develop conservation strategies and initiatives.
- Participated in educational outreach programs to raise environmental awareness.
- Supported fieldwork logistics, including equipment maintenance and route organization.
- Engaged with community stakeholders to promote conservation efforts and partnerships.
- Documented field observations and contributed to environmental reports and presentations.
- Facilitated volunteer efforts to enhance community involvement in conservation efforts.
Education Volunteer
Crown Point Ecology Center
Bath, USA
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Promoted understanding of the natural environment to students ages 6 – 10.
- Assisted with field trips to promote experiential learning in natural habitats and ecosystems.
- Participated in events that fostered collaboration between local schools and community organizations.
- Conducted outreach activities to raise awareness about sustainability and conservation practices.
- Assisted with scientific and environmental education activities with the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Studies
Ohio University, Voinovich School of Leadership And Public Affairs
Athens, OH08.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Biology
Ohio University, Department of Biological Sciences
Athens, OH05.2013
Skills
- Adult learning theory
- Budget management
- Collaborative research
- Curriculum and lesson plan development
- Data entry and analysis (Microsoft Excel, R Studio)
- Digital and film photography
- Environmental compliance
- Event planning
- Field-based research and education
- Focus group management
- Grant writing and review
- International travel
- Marketing strategies and software (Constant Contact, Wix web builder)
- Materials development (Adobe Suite, Canva, Microsoft Office Suite)
- Needs assessment
- Presentation development and delivery
- Program evaluation
- Stakeholder convening
- Strategic planning
- Species identification
- Wildlife rehabilitation and animal care
- Workshop facilitation
- Virtual outreach
- Volunteer recruitment and retention
Advisory and Partnership Affiliations
- Clean Water Contractor Program – Program Coordinator
- Coastal Management Assistance Grants – Grant Review Committee
- Evaluating Stormwater Solutions: NERRS Science Collaborative – Training Liaison
- Lake Erie Commission: Lake Erie Community Grants – Grant Review Committee
- NOAA/Trust for Public Land Climate-Smart Cities Initiative – Advisory Team
- Northeast Ohio Land-Based Marine Debris Reduction Plan – Planning Committee
- NOAA Great Lakes Marine Debris Action Plan – Planning Committee/Action Strategy Lead
- ODNR Coastal Modification Implications for Fish Communities – Collaboration Lead/Training Liaison
- Ohio Lake Erie Commission Environmental Justice Grants – Grant Review Committee
- Ohio Stormwater Association – OH Stormwater Conference Planning Committee
- Phenological Species Monitoring Program – Program Coordinator
- Plastic-Free Cleveland – Focus Group Lead
- Quantifying Nutrient Retention by Coastal Wetlands Science Collaborative Project – Collaborative Lead
- Resilience Dialogues: Strategies for Conflict Management in Collaborative Science – Transfer Grant Partner
- Sandusky Bay Restoration Initiative Workgroup – Stakeholder Committee
- Targeted Riparian Forest Adaptation to Protect Coldwater Streams – Project Team
- Upcycled Runway: A Clean Water Cause – Planning Committee
Publications
- Kenneth Raposa, Kimberly Cressman, Danika vanProosdij, et al. The secret life of tidal marshes and mangroves: camera trapping as a window into wildlife using North American coastal wetlands. Authorea. August 19, 2025.
- Kuzmick, McCleary & Latteman. Phenological Species Monitoring. ODNR Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve: Technical Bulletin Series. February 2018.
- Davis, S. C. et al. Productivity and water use efficiency of Agave americana in the first field trial as bioenergy feedstock on arid lands. GCB Bioenergy. 2016.
- Kuzmick, E. Investigating the Viability of Agave americana as a Potential Bioenergy Feedstock and its Relative Impact on Surrounding Wildlife. OhioLINK. 2015.
- Garcia, T.M., Heyduk, K., Kuzmick, E. and Mayer, J.A. Crassulacean acid metabolism biology. New Phytol. 2014. 204: 738-740. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13127
Certification
BLS, CPR & AED (American Heart Association)
Timeline
Coastal Training Program Coordinator
ODNR Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve
11.2015 - Current
Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
06.2015 - 12.2019
Environmental Education Intern
Ohio University Research Gardens
09.2013 - 10.2013
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University
08.2013 - 12.2013
Graduate Research Assistant
Konneker Research Laboratory, Environmental Studies Program, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, Ohio University
05.2013 - 05.2015
Collaborative Researcher
The Science Exchange
06.2012 - 02.2013
Sea Turtle Conservation Intern
Osa Conservation
06.2012 - 08.2012
Undergraduate Researcher
Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University
03.2012 - 05.2013
Education Volunteer
Crown Point Ecology Center
01.2006 - 01.2007
Master of Science - Environmental Studies
Ohio University, Voinovich School of Leadership And Public Affairs
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Biology
Ohio University, Department of Biological Sciences