Erica Kuehl
Hawthorn Woods,IL
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented undergrad student researcher with a strong background in ecology, field work, and laboratory techniques at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Kent Lab, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
05.2025 - Current
- Conduct field and laboratory work supporting soil microbiology and microbial ecology research.
- Perform soil sampling, nitrification assays, sample processing, and data collection.
- Execute DNA lysis and extraction for microbial analysis.
- Assist in lab and greenhouse operations, including inventory, sterilization, and soil preparation.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sacks Lab, CABBI
Champaign, IL
11.2024 - 05.2025
- Assisted in Miscanthus genetics and genomics research, contributing to bio energy projects under the Department of Energy’s CABBI initiative.
- Measured and recorded data on 500+ Miscanthus stems, documenting biomass and traits for genetic analysis.
- Propagated Miscanthus stems and rhizomes used for genetic mapping and climate resilience studies.
- Harvested Miscanthus stems from multiple field experiments, assisting in sample processing for further study.
- Assisted with greenhouse maintenance, including plant organization, pruning, and relocation.
Lifeguard
Foglia YMCA
Lake Zurich, IL
09.2021 - 12.2024
- Maintained safety in and around the pool by scanning, identifying potential hazards, and responding to emergencies.
- Collaborated and effectively communicated with staff to maintain a safe environment.
- Conducted pool chemical testing and routine safety checks.
Volunteer
Lake County Forest Preserve
Lake County, IL
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Maintained local ecosystems by removing invasive species and promoting native plant growth
Native Plant Care Academic Intern
University of Illinois
Champaign, IL
03.2024 - 05.2024
- Identified native Illinois prairie plant species and weeds to support conservation efforts.
- Cared for native plant gardens, including weeding, mulching, propagation, and planting.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology concentration
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
05.2027
Skills
- Data collection
- Conducting assays
- Fieldwork experience
- Laboratory techniques
- Plant identification
- Invasive species removal
- Lab work
- Detail oriented
- Strong background in ecology, fish, and wildlife
Certification
CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, 07/31/24
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Kent Lab, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
05.2025 - Current
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sacks Lab, CABBI
11.2024 - 05.2025
Volunteer
Lake County Forest Preserve
06.2024 - 08.2024
Native Plant Care Academic Intern
University of Illinois
03.2024 - 05.2024
Lifeguard
Foglia YMCA
09.2021 - 12.2024
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology concentration
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign